thoughts on 'active steering'?? is it worth $1250??
 

anyonce experience 'active steering' before? is it worth it?

i though tx5 already had 'speed sensitive' steering... but i guess not?

Dinanm3 got it on the 2006 X5 he just picked up- he loves it. Said it was the best $1250 he ever spent. He'd tell you himself but he's on vacation for a few weeks.

i didn't know active steering was available on the E53? Laura are you talking about servotronic?

I've tried active steering on an E60.... at first it takes some getting used to, but afterwards I think you'll love it ... I did :thumbup:

that's strange, because according to the BMW press release:

"The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in its class to offer Active Steering as an option."

unless it was 'standard' on the 2006... but i didn't tihnk so. anyhow, i also just learned that active steering will actually help with over or understeer situations and turn the wheel accordingly... i didn't realize that... since the dealer just said it was for parking. lol. so, based on that new info... seems like it's worth it.

I think we're getting 2 types of steering confused. Servotronic is available on our current X5s - not sure from what year, but this type of steering adjusts the assist, i.e. tight on the highway but very light in parking lots to help with parking. Assist is different and this type of steering actually adjusts the steering ratio, i.e. turn the wheel a little when you're going slowly and it turns the wheels alot - also helps with parking & U-turns. On the highway, the steering ratio changes such that you need to turn the wheel more to turn the car, but this makes for a more stable feeling on the highway. Active steering is not available in our currect Xs, but I think it will be on the 2007s...

Active steering was never offered on the E53 guys.......

For those who don't know what's so special, AS actually alters the steering ratio based on vehicle speed. For example at parking lot speeds, turning the steering wheel about 90 degrees in each direction you'd be turning full-lock. At high speeds, the same 90 degree turn in the steering wheel translates to very little change in wheel angle. For an SAV, this is something pretty handy IMO. (Don't really need it as much on a E60 or E90).

You might be thinking of Servotronic, which just varies power steering assist based on vehicle speed, and was a $250 option on X3s and I guess later X5s. The standard steering on X3s and E53 X5s was a engine-speed dependent assist, which varies assist based on rpm.

Maybe I misunderstood Tony. He said how much he loved the steering,said it was the best money he spent. Could be it was servotronic :confused: Cut me some slack, remember, I'm just a girl :rofl:

Isn't the E60 M5 has been having some issues with the steering angle sensors? not sure if it is related to the active steering mechanism.

To be honest, I don't see how turning the steering wheel a bit more or a bit less would make driving a totally different experience esp the price is a bit on the high side.

"in its class" is key. Check the video showing comparison of active steering vs. no-active steering.

$tealers talk from their bottom so they got no clue what active steering is. Tell him Xenons lights are for heat massage.:rofl:

Active Steering - This technology varies the steering ratio to optimize driving dynamics for precise control of the vehicle at every speed. At low speeds, the car’s steering is nimble, allowing easy maneuverability for parking and sharp corners. At high speeds, the steering becomes more rigid for increased stability. Active Steering also enhances driver control in less than ideal driving conditions such as roads with patches of ice and snow. Active Steering helps to stabilize the vehicle more quickly and precisely than would a car without the technology. Even small deviations from the desired motion are adjusted to enhance stability. And since Active Steering retains a direct mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steered wheels, the authentic steering feel remains a constant for the driver.

I had the opportunity to drive (hard) a 330i at a launch event BMW held on a race track here in South Florida. Active Steering is AMAZING! Specially when you drive other vehicles, which don't have it, back to back. It really shows the difference. This is definitely an option worth the money. :thumbup: