heavy / hard steering.. what gives?
 

I got a 3.0i + sports loaner today and compared to my 4.8i, the steering wheel is so much lighter. The main differences between mine and the loaner are that i have 20" wheels and the loaner has active steering. But even then, my X5's steering seems really unusually heavy.. 'cause the wheels be the difference? Does active steering make steering lighter?

Yes, and yes - at slow speeds...

I think the AS on the X5 is too light. That's based on the 3 X5s I drove at the Ultimate Driving Experience, all 4.8i sport models.

I have a 4.8i without Active Steering and I do find the steering too heavy at times.

I will definitely opt for the AS option for the next one. there is another related thread on the topic so you should search for it.

even with the 18" (i have the 20" but right now its winter here so i have the winter tires package on) doesn't really make a difference. Its heavy no matter size wheels.