what cars compare to steering feel of BMW?

veejayy · 06-25-2010, 09:39 AM

Totally new to the scene. As I mentioned in another post I rented a 328 stripper from ZipCar for a day and was blown away by the steering feel (or should I say feedback). I am not just talking about turn in but the total feel from start to finish while your hands are on the wheel.

What other cars approximate it? (not looking for the super expensive exotics but for cars under $100K).

I would assume Porsche (I owned Cayman and felt the steering in the Bimmer was close enough to it although the apples and oranges cliche applies here).

Any other cars out there that you have owned come close?

Thanks!

carve · 06-25-2010, 09:46 AM

Honda S2000 is better. I heard the Miata is good, but haven't tried it myself. If you want something 3-series like, you might try the G37, or maybe 370Z.

From what I hear, BMW is tops for an "practical" drivers car, and the best (under 100k) driver's cars, practicality be damned, are the Elise, Caymen, Boxter, 911, S2000 and Miata.

DenverJayhawk · 06-25-2010, 09:50 AM

lots of cars under $100k have better steering feedback. Porsche and Lotus come to mind first. Honda S2000 for under $30k is easily superior in both steering and transmission.

Wires · 06-25-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverJayhawk

lots of cars under $100k have better steering feedback. Porsche and Lotus come to mind first. Honda S2000 for under $30k is easily superior in both steering and transmission.

+1 on the Honda.

Honda has really did it's homework on their gearboxes. Never had a gear box that shifted so effortlessly and smooth....

JackSpadesSI · 06-25-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carve

If you want something 3-series like, you might try the G37...

I have to disagree. I was actually considering a G37 Sport 6MT over a 335i at first, but one of the things that swayed me to the BMW was the steering. The Infiniti was better than your average sedan, but it wasn't even in the same league as the Bimmer IMHO.

The J-Man · 06-25-2010, 12:15 PM

Too bad the S2000 is gone with no replacement in sight. The Japanese cars just don't seem to car about performance anymore with the exception of Infiniti.

aitsu · 06-25-2010, 12:23 PM

My RX-8 has better steering too, very similar to the S2000.
Too bad the RX-8's transmission is horrid....

The HACK · 06-25-2010, 12:26 PM

G35/7 and 350Z/370Z steering feel is terrible.

The AMG line of Mercedes in their smaller cars (C55, CLK55...etc) actually feel better.

Surprisingly, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe was comparable in steering feel. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X GSR I drove also had tremendous steering response and feel, better than the E92 M3 I drove on the same day.

Again, surprisingly...Honda FIT. Superb steering feel for a FWD econobox. A little on the "light" and boosted side but you feel just about everything you're doing through the steering.

stickypaws · 06-25-2010, 12:29 PM

BMW doesn't hold any exclusive rights to a precise steering feel. There's a lot to choose from out there.

Majikthese42 · 06-25-2010, 12:32 PM

I've had several 328i stripper service loaners WO the sport package and the steering feels more like a Honda Accord's than a 328i ZSP.

To be fair, I can't say I've ever been able to drive an S2000 since my Size 13s won't work with the pedals.

I thought there were no more new Honda S2000s.

GaryS · 06-25-2010, 12:40 PM

IMHO Cayman S and RX-8 have better steering feel than my 135i, even with M3 front parts, PS2's and upgraded shocks and springs. OTOH I don't think 370Z, G37 or Corvette (I've only tried the base model) are as good.

carve · 06-25-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wires

+1 on the Honda.

Honda has really did it's homework on their gearboxes. Never had a gear box that shifted so effortlessly and smooth....

It shifts nice, but it's about the most underbuilt manual gearbox on the market. They don't last long.

rothwem · 06-25-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

Again, surprisingly...Honda FIT. Superb steering feel for a FWD econobox. A little on the "light" and boosted side but you feel just about everything you're doing through the steering.

I feel the opposite about the FIT's steering, I've never been so dissapointed in a car after all of the good writups I read.

As for cars I DO like, there's the Mini, but thats a BMW anyways. I also thought that the mazda 3 was pretty decent, especially for the price.

dcat151 · 06-25-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wires

+1 on the Honda.

Honda has really did it's homework on their gearboxes. Never had a gear box that shifted so effortlessly and smooth....

I'll make it +2 on the S2000. Mine had great steering feel and the best gearbox I've ever used.

granadablanca · 06-25-2010, 01:51 PM

yet another vote for s2000. my AP1 feels incredible, communicates amazingly well.

my old miata also felt great, as did the rx8. as opposed to most japanese companies right now, mazda still knows how to make a car with good steering feel. they're often overlooked, but their entire lineup drives great (for what each model is, of course).

mike-y · 06-25-2010, 01:54 PM

heh, my 20+ year old honda has better steering feel/feedback than my BMW.. but that is one of the reasons I bought a bmw, because of the feel. though it still feels "insulated" in comparison to a true manual rack. The Mazda 3 I rented last year in hawaii seemed have pretty good feel also. Mazdas just seem to feel pretty good overall (at least the miata and the 3). The Ford Taurus, not so much heh. Most of the hondas/acuras I've had were pretty good, though I can't speak for the newest models. The EVO 9 and EVO X also felt really really good to me as well.

Verbiage · 06-25-2010, 07:40 PM

Steering feel is subjective.

Kolyan2k · 06-25-2010, 08:01 PM

G37 is no good. Cayman is much better then 335i. Also heard good things about S2k and Miata.

I liked steering in my A4 after I disconnected Servotronic fuse. (Power steering ON, Servotronic OFF)

fdsasdasdf · 06-25-2010, 08:13 PM

Porsche is very very close, but it could be more weighted. It was one of the first things I noticed when I drove one; however, BMW has an extremely unique steering feel. It's really nice.

G37 isn't anywhere near it. It's quite precise, but it is overboosted.

I've heard that the S2000 has incredible steering feel, but I've never driven one. Our old '02 Civic had pretty good steering feel (for a Civic, at least). Decent weight. I'd imagine that the S2000 is like that but 30000x better.

One of the things I noticed on the 2008 Impreza is the feedback. I can really feel the road well and it gives some excellent feedback. But, it could be heavier.

Alexander · 06-25-2010, 08:32 PM

RX-8 has the easiest and most forgiving handling/ steering. As stated the engine blows and the transmission is hahahahaha.

S2000 is a damn damn good automobile. I've driven several and they are dreamy. I almost purchased one in 2005 but demand was insane and I couldn't fine one for a decent price.

Porsche's are... wow. Sex.

My brother tracks a '10 Miata and it is a very very impressive car, he DD's an M5 but prefers the Miata anyday over the M5.

Infinity is a stupid company imo.

The 370z is fairly good, but it is too Japanese, they have too light of steering vs. German cars.

My dad's 750iL V12 M-Sport is the greatest car ever made, that thing is a luxury yacht. It's steering is ridiculously heavy, sharp, and smooth. I love it!

aitsu · 06-25-2010, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aonarch

RX-8 has the easiest and most forgiving handling/ steering. As stated the engine blows and the transmission is hahahahaha.

S2000 is a damn damn good automobile. I've driven several and they are dreamy. I almost purchased one in 2005 but demand was insane and I couldn't fine one for a decent price.

I don't know about the engine sucking.. i love my rotary.
The transmission is made by Aisin and it's literally the same tranny in the S2k.

December 1997– AZ6 — 6-speed
* Honda S2000, Mazda Miata/MX-5/Roadster, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Altezza/Lexus IS200

I think it might be the shitty stock clutch that mazda includes with their tranny, or the not so recently discovered clutch pedal bracket flexing/cracking/breaking that causes excessive wear..

Alexander · 06-25-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aitsu

I don't know about the engine sucking.. i love my rotary.
The transmission is made by Aisin and it's literally the same tranny in the S2k.

December 1997– AZ6 — 6-speed
* Honda S2000, Mazda Miata/MX-5/Roadster, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Altezza/Lexus IS200

I think it might be the shitty stock clutch that mazda includes with their tranny, or the not so recently discovered clutch pedal bracket flexing/cracking/breaking that causes excessive wear..

Ahh that's probably it then.

Problem with rotary is that you can't squeeze power out of them. Engine swap is the cure.

06-25-2010, 09:39 AM	#1
veejayy Enlisted Member 26 Rep 42 Posts Drives: Honda s2000 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa iTrader: (0)	what cars compare to steering feel of BMW? Totally new to the scene. As I mentioned in another post I rented a 328 stripper from ZipCar for a day and was blown away by the steering feel (or should I say feedback). I am not just talking about turn in but the total feel from start to finish while your hands are on the wheel. What other cars approximate it? (not looking for the super expensive exotics but for cars under $100K). I would assume Porsche (I owned Cayman and felt the steering in the Bimmer was close enough to it although the apples and oranges cliche applies here). Any other cars out there that you have owned come close? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-25-2010, 09:46 AM	#2
carve Major 177 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	Honda S2000 is better. I heard the Miata is good, but haven't tried it myself. If you want something 3-series like, you might try the G37, or maybe 370Z. From what I hear, BMW is tops for an "practical" drivers car, and the best (under 100k) driver's cars, practicality be damned, are the Elise, Caymen, Boxter, 911, S2000 and Miata.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 09:50 AM	#3
DenverJayhawk Major 72 Rep 1,217 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	lots of cars under $100k have better steering feedback. Porsche and Lotus come to mind first. Honda S2000 for under $30k is easily superior in both steering and transmission. __________________ 330i, Black Sapphire, 6MT, Sport, Active Steering, Flux Capacitor
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 12:15 PM	#6
The J-Man Captain 626 Rep 950 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	Too bad the S2000 is gone with no replacement in sight. The Japanese cars just don't seem to car about performance anymore with the exception of Infiniti.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 12:23 PM	#7
aitsu Mmmmm.. torque.... 45 Rep 367 Posts Drives: Imola Red F80 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas Area, TX iTrader: (0)	My RX-8 has better steering too, very similar to the S2000. Too bad the RX-8's transmission is horrid.... __________________ 2018 Imola Red F80 M3 ZCP 2016 Yas Marina Blue F82 M4 ZCP 2011 Le Mans Blue E92 M3 2010 Le Mans Blue E92 335i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 12:26 PM	#8
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1821 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	G35/7 and 350Z/370Z steering feel is terrible. The AMG line of Mercedes in their smaller cars (C55, CLK55...etc) actually feel better. Surprisingly, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe was comparable in steering feel. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X GSR I drove also had tremendous steering response and feel, better than the E92 M3 I drove on the same day. Again, surprisingly...Honda FIT. Superb steering feel for a FWD econobox. A little on the "light" and boosted side but you feel just about everything you're doing through the steering.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 12:29 PM	#9
stickypaws Dictator 55 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: people crazy Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: where you want to be iTrader: (0)	BMW doesn't hold any exclusive rights to a precise steering feel. There's a lot to choose from out there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 12:32 PM	#10
Majikthese42 Philosopher-king 20 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: 2008 E91 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: People's Republic of New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I've had several 328i stripper service loaners WO the sport package and the steering feels more like a Honda Accord's than a 328i ZSP. To be fair, I can't say I've ever been able to drive an S2000 since my Size 13s won't work with the pedals. I thought there were no more new Honda S2000s. __________________ E91 6MT Alpine, Terra, Xenons, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, PDC, CA, alarm, M shifter and M brake handle, Euro rear fog light switch, Euro aspheric mirrors, rear power outlets, Garmin nüvi custom cupholder mount, Lidatek, V-1 built-in remote display, tire pump, jack, floor mats.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 12:40 PM	#11
GaryS Colonel 37 Rep 2,084 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [6.50]	IMHO Cayman S and RX-8 have better steering feel than my 135i, even with M3 front parts, PS2's and upgraded shocks and springs. OTOH I don't think 370Z, G37 or Corvette (I've only tried the base model) are as good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 01:51 PM	#15
granadablanca Private First Class 19 Rep 178 Posts Drives: E90 330i, AP1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	yet another vote for s2000. my AP1 feels incredible, communicates amazingly well. my old miata also felt great, as did the rx8. as opposed to most japanese companies right now, mazda still knows how to make a car with good steering feel. they're often overlooked, but their entire lineup drives great (for what each model is, of course).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 01:54 PM	#16
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	heh, my 20+ year old honda has better steering feel/feedback than my BMW.. but that is one of the reasons I bought a bmw, because of the feel. though it still feels "insulated" in comparison to a true manual rack. The Mazda 3 I rented last year in hawaii seemed have pretty good feel also. Mazdas just seem to feel pretty good overall (at least the miata and the 3). The Ford Taurus, not so much heh. Most of the hondas/acuras I've had were pretty good, though I can't speak for the newest models. The EVO 9 and EVO X also felt really really good to me as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 07:40 PM	#17
Verbiage Dismembered Member 3583 Rep 9,213 Posts Drives: F80 ZCP 6MT, R55 Clubman S 6MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: DMV iTrader: (6)	Steering feel is subjective. __________________ My delivery experience and beach photoshoot here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 08:01 PM	#18
Kolyan2k Major General 928 Rep 5,538 Posts Drives: 2006 S2000 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (1)	G37 is no good. Cayman is much better then 335i. Also heard good things about S2k and Miata. I liked steering in my A4 after I disconnected Servotronic fuse. (Power steering ON, Servotronic OFF) Last edited by Kolyan2k; 06-25-2010 at 08:30 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 08:13 PM	#19
fdsasdasdf Captain 125 Rep 778 Posts Drives: 330Ci ZHP 6sp Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Porsche is very very close, but it could be more weighted. It was one of the first things I noticed when I drove one; however, BMW has an extremely unique steering feel. It's really nice. G37 isn't anywhere near it. It's quite precise, but it is overboosted. I've heard that the S2000 has incredible steering feel, but I've never driven one. Our old '02 Civic had pretty good steering feel (for a Civic, at least). Decent weight. I'd imagine that the S2000 is like that but 30000x better. One of the things I noticed on the 2008 Impreza is the feedback. I can really feel the road well and it gives some excellent feedback. But, it could be heavier.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2010, 08:32 PM	#20
Alexander Mad tyte EuR0 style boooi <--- Joke 212 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: E30, E85, MKVI Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Deal's Gap iTrader: (0)	RX-8 has the easiest and most forgiving handling/ steering. As stated the engine blows and the transmission is hahahahaha. S2000 is a damn damn good automobile. I've driven several and they are dreamy. I almost purchased one in 2005 but demand was insane and I couldn't fine one for a decent price. Porsche's are... wow. Sex. My brother tracks a '10 Miata and it is a very very impressive car, he DD's an M5 but prefers the Miata anyday over the M5. Infinity is a stupid company imo. The 370z is fairly good, but it is too Japanese, they have too light of steering vs. German cars. My dad's 750iL V12 M-Sport is the greatest car ever made, that thing is a luxury yacht. It's steering is ridiculously heavy, sharp, and smooth. I love it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote