Stiff Steering at low speeds

[x_in_mo]

Greetings!

My one month old 2010 X5d has been amazing in most respects save a few little nags. The biggest is the stiff steering at low speeds. When I say stiff, I mean it sounds like a John Deere and steers like a John Deere. I just got back from a trip driving a rental car and really noticed it the first time I fired up the X5. The Nissan I drove was one finger easy to steer.

Normal? Can this be adjusted somehow? Something not working properly? Or do I just need to get back to the gym.

Thanks!..... Tom

[II Kings 9:20]

Sadly this is the norm, my 02 and 04 X5 have this not so nice trait- the upside is wifeys shoulders and upper arms are cut tight now. This is "tight European steering" which is great on the freeway but nonsense in the parking lot-has BMW not heard of "speed sensitive" steering.

[rh71]

make sure your tires are not low on air first of all... otherwise, yes it is generally heavier than other vehicles.

[Penguin]

I guess being someone who can still remember driving cars without any power steering, I haven't noticed any issues steering at low speeds.

[ICX5]

This vehicle is equipped with engine speed sensitive power steering. Firmer at speed and more boost when slower. I haven't noticed a problem in my 2009 35d. I previously drove a MB E350 and had a malfunction with the speed sensitive steering (dead battery, then jumped to start). Steering a low speed was like steering an older vehicle without power steering, really like driving a truck. Once battery charged and cycled ignition, problem was gone.

If you have an issue with this system, you could end up with a high steering effort condition in a parking lot. Perhaps you could stop by a dealer and drive one of their vehicles around the lot for comparison. If you have a problem, it should be obvious. Let us know how it goes.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by ICX5

This vehicle is equipped with engine speed sensitive power steering.

I thought that was an option, and also was not available on the US 35D.

[Update... never mind, I just checked the specs and it says it is a standard feature]

[ICX5]

Originally Posted by Penguin

I thought that was an option, and also was not available on the US 35D.

I wasn't sure either Penguin, so I went to the BMW web page and looked at the specs for the 2010 35d. It shows up in the list of standard features. I'm assuming its not in error.

I do see that "active steering" is a separate option on the 4.8 (not available on 35d), but up above in the standard section is the "speed sensitive steering" as well. Looks like a little research needed to differentiate the difference between these two items.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by ICX5

Looks like a little research needed to differentiate the difference between these two items.

I believe "Active Steering" is a variable steering ratio, which changes based on vehicle speed.

[x_in_mo]

Here's what BMW has to say about Active Steering:

"Active Steering
When BMW first introduced Active Steering to the market in 2003, our drivers weren't the only ones who were impressed. It received the Innovation Award of German Industry, too. The technology allows for a variable steering ratio based on your speed. At low speeds, steering is nimble (10:1) for easy navigation in tight spaces. At high speeds, greater movement of the steering wheel is required to turn the front wheels the same amount (18:1), for increased stability. Most car companies split the difference with a constant 14:1 ratio, but we're not ones to compromise - even with our steering ratio."


I have the plain jane "engine speed sensitive power steering." I'm going to drop by the dealer and drive another new X5 to see what the steering is like. If it is just as stiff, then I'll just hit the gym. I'm also going to check tire pressures just to be sure.

Thanks for the thoughts.....

[ICX5]

Agreed. I was reading about the active steering feature on the website.

I didn't see "engine speed sensitive steering" explained on the website, but I'm thinking this is an electronic monitoring of engine speed translated to power steering boost pressure. A malfunction here may have the OP experiencing "at speed" steering all the time.