Active Steering Questions

[Richard in NC]

I am looking at the 2011 X5, Specifically a 5.0i with Sport Activity.
I have not been able to drive one with Active Steering. Does it really make a difference? I noticed steering was very firm without it at low speeds. What about road feel at speed? What about twisty roads taken at speed?

Also I'm considering Adaptive Drive. I drove an M Sport with it and liked the ride/handling balance but can't say I remember much difference in Sport mode. Should there be?

[soldmystang]

they have changed the packages so much since i bought my 2008 4.8, but i would suggest getting whatever the new sport suspension package is called. it diminishes body roll. as for the steering, i don't have the active steering and don't believe i am missing out on anything.

i have 52K on the odometer and most of that has been somewhere north of posted speeds.

[ard]

Make sure you understand the packages and what they contain.

The "Sport Activity Package" is now just cosmetic stuff. NO change in suspension.

You can ADD "adaptive drive" which is electronically controlled suspension.
You can also add 'adaptive steering' on the 50i....

Both of the above are added cost options. Wholesale pricing lists and order guides are posted over on bimerfest.

Just ordered new 2011 X5 5.0i, have a question about the XAV package. - bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Pricing sheets for 2011 X-5 - bimmerfest - BMW Forums

GL

A

[Richard in NC]

Originally Posted by ard

Both of the above are added cost options.

Yes, and they are rather pricey. I just wonder if they are really worth it.
I do like the adjustable suspension in my '09 Z4. I have never had Active Steering.

[ard]

There is a good thread here on Adaptive Drive. I just love it, but I'm very spoiled. It is my wifes car, I hardly ever drive it but she raves about it.

Steering? Cant help with that...

A

[Richard in NC]

Any more comments on Active Steering or Adaptive Drive?
I test drove a 2011 X5 M Sport the other day back to back with the 2011 550i. The X5 seemed more firm than I recall the first test drive. The Adaptive Drive did make a difference but not a significant one ride-quality wise. But then it could be that they really softened the 2011 550i. Its "comfort" mode had a float to it like a Lexus.

I'd definitely go for Active Steering if it makes parking lots easier. The M Sport with 20's seemed quite heavy and slow steering to get out of the parking lot but on the road it felt good.

[soldmystang]

20's are for the recreational driver. 19's better fit the lifestyle of a daily driver. i have no issues parking etc., etc.


the suspension settings have nothing to do with ride quality. this is a common misconception. body roll.

think switchbacks not rough roads.

remember this is a 5K lb vehicle here. what other SUVs have you owned?

i have owned Tahoes, Suburbans, 1/2 ton pick-ups, 3/4 ton pick-ups and the X5 is worlds above any of them.

i had a Z06 and quite honestly the driving experience of my 4.8 X is superior to the Corvette. power is linear and it hustles very well for a high profile heavy vehicle. ditch the runflats and you have a fine everyday truck. mine stays in sport mode.

it ain't a Lexus. if that is your level of comparison you will be sadly disappointed in the BMW.

[Richard in NC]

Originally Posted by soldmystang

20's are for the recreational driver. 19's better fit the lifestyle of a daily driver. i have no issues parking etc., etc.


the suspension settings have nothing to do with ride quality. this is a common misconception. body roll.

think switchbacks not rough roads.

remember this is a 5K lb vehicle here. what other SUVs have you owned?

i have owned Tahoes, Suburbans, 1/2 ton pick-ups, 3/4 ton pick-ups and the X5 is worlds above any of them.

i had a Z06 and quite honestly the driving experience of my 4.8 X is superior to the Corvette. power is linear and it hustles very well for a high profile heavy vehicle. ditch the runflats and you have a fine everyday truck. mine stays in sport mode.

it ain't a Lexus. if that is your level of comparison you will be sadly disappointed in the BMW.

Gee. If I wanted a Lexus, I'd be on their boards.....

I have bought 6 BMWs including an X3. My current ones are an '08 550i and an '09 Z4 35i. I guess I should do a signature. I am not looking for a cushy ride but a daily driver that I can take to the mountains and twisty roads and not be disappointed. The Z4 has Active suspension and goes from a "firm" Normal to a harsh "Sport +". I was hoping the X5 Adaptive suspension would be as adjustable. It was by no means harsh (and has more give than the Z4 on 19's), but I just felt a lot more of the bumps in the X5 after having driven the 550i (even in its Sport mode).

My one surprise of the X5 was the firmness and slowness of steering in the parking lot. Although I obviously realize that a 5000 lb SUV on 20s could be that way as compared to a 4000 lb 550i or the X3 I had. Active Steering "could" be a cool but pricey fix for that. But the last AS car I've driven was a 2004 645Ci.

BTW, I'd get the X3 again but I want the room and features and V8 of the X5 and don't want to wait just to see what the refreshed X3 will have.

PS: I just got a lot of seat time in the BMW Performance Center X5 35d's. I was impressed with their ride/handling balance but only got to sample them on a short drive and the off road course.
PPS: My desire for the SAP and 20's is more for the looks of the Style 336 wheels than a need for the low profile.

[Richard in NC]

Signature test....

[soldmystang]

i love the look of the 20s also. but i would still pass.

i have these on my 19s PROXES ST II | Toyo Tires

excellent wet weather tire. i have about 15K on them and i still dig them very much. i know you're not shopping for a Lexus, but it did get you riled didn't it?

here's one of my trophy shots. Hogpen @ VIR.