Active Steering or no Active steering

Ewrek · 04-10-2005, 11:45 PM

Hi all...I was wonder whether or not to get active steering.....from what I know...it assist you in turns and chages turning rate at different speeds to have better control.....is it a good option and is it worth it???

jpv-USC · 04-10-2005, 11:53 PM

From what I've read around the forums, I think most people will say no. I think it's a good technology and it comes down to whether the driver is willing to re-learn how to steer a little bit. I just recently read a review of active steering on the new 5 series (E60), here's what the review from automobile mag had to say:

"Active Steering is perhaps the most significant new technical achievement. This system, part of the optional Sport package, electromechanically adds a positive or negative steering angle to the setting chosen by the driver, via a planetary gearset integrated into the steering column. This reduces steering motion at low speeds (say, while parking) and when negotiating tight turns on curvy roads, requiring only two turns lock-to-lock rather than three. It also makes the steering much more direct at high speeds. Driving two 5-series-one equipped with Active Steering and one without-back-to-back on an autocross course, we found the car equipped with Active Steering allowed us to hustle through much more quickly and with far less understeer than the car with BMW's conventional, but still excellent, rack-and-pinion setup. (The 540i's recirculating-ball steering is history.) On twisty seaside roads, it takes a little getting used to, because you're expecting to have to cross your arms a lot more than is actually necessary, but the results are noteworthy. Philip Köhn, Active Steering project manager, maintains that the system "is such a huge leap in technology, it's comparable to the introduction of ABS."

What does everyone else think? Has anyone actually driven a car with this technology (i.e. E60)?

Ewrek · 04-10-2005, 11:59 PM

Thanks jpv-USC, I appreciate the review, but I am afraid of driving on a windy road with active stearing, for fear of not knowing the new steering and overturing....what is your personal opinion??

doggydogg · 04-11-2005, 12:52 AM

IMHO, you won't miss a lot if you're not taking it... I would even say that you'll be less isolated from the road as you'll be able to feel it much more with a 'conventional' system... that is one of the best.
The way I understand it is the following one, conventional system means that the car reaction is easily predictable, active steering means you have to adapt yourself to the car settings permanently which could be felt as disturbing...
So no active steering for me!

Ewrek · 04-11-2005, 02:29 AM

Good...I didn't order it in my car, I didn't want to be so used to my car that I can't drive other cars the same way. Thanks for your opinions fellas...I really appreciate it.

Daveop · 04-11-2005, 09:04 AM

I think it's one of those things where if you don't have it you won't even miss it because steering will be just like any other car. Of course if you have it for a while and get used to it then you may miss it when driving another car. I say don't get it at all and avoid all this hassle

SCA · 04-11-2005, 10:01 AM

I've driven an E60 545 with and without Active Steering. I disliked it quite a bit. It is certainly an option box I would not check.

Trex · 04-11-2005, 01:21 PM

The latest Roundel reports that the newest version of Active Steering - found on the E90 - is an improvement over the older systems that started on the new 5 Series cars. I would pass on the option.

ARGE90 · 04-15-2005, 01:48 AM

I have a 2003 Z4 3.0 in argentina with active steering , an i love it, i the best for drifting and fast driving.an i have a 330i SPO Manual transmittion without active steering , and is more easy to drive. i woud recomend active steering for advanced drivers or people who drive the car real fast and without traccion control.

tim916 · 04-15-2005, 11:02 AM

All I need to know about Active vs. Non-Active steering is that BMW has chosen NOT to offer Active steering on the new M5.

Mark · 04-15-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trigun

There are some things that technology just shouldn't touch, and steering is one of them. The car manufacturers are starting to get a little too techno-happy.

I think active steering is one of the best new ideas out for cars in a long time. in my mind its really a big leap forward and cant wait to try a car with it!! this is not a case of techno happy, this is putting modern technology into the driveline, this is as big a move forward as the Z link rear suspension was.

IoT · 04-16-2005, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark@vfive

I think active steering is one of the best new ideas out for cars in a long time. in my mind its really a big leap forward and cant wait to try a car with it!! this is not a case of techno happy, this is putting modern technology into the driveline, this is as big a move forward as the Z link rear suspension was.

Eh, I dunno... I'm not too keen on the idea of having to change my driving style whenever I get into my E90 and when I drive another car. But I'm not speaking from experience so maybe it's not that big of a difference. I guess a test drive will be the judge of that

BMWAustin · 04-16-2005, 02:29 PM

When ABS came out drivers has the same concern, over a period of time AS will be and should be std.

Jason · 04-20-2005, 06:12 AM

For those not yet familiar with Active Steering technology, here's an overview from BMW.

Active Steering
Active Steering gives drivers more precise handling and tracking: this ensures that their automobiles are more mobile and agile even on twisting roads. A planetary gear is integrated with the steering column; depending on the situation, the feature varies the angle of steering determined by the user at the wheel (superimposed steering).
It increases the steering angle at lower and mid-range speeds; by contrast, at higher speeds (e.g. on motorways), the steering angle is reduced. When parking, the active steering feature makes it easier to manoeuvre by amplifying the movements of the steering wheel.

kchika · 04-21-2005, 05:01 AM

No AS for me.

a3ndy · 04-21-2005, 05:45 AM

Nor me. i think it's just a fancy, expensive, unecessary option.

A61 · 04-21-2005, 06:03 AM

Nein!

pharding · 04-21-2005, 06:35 AM

I have Active Steering on my 545 with sport package. It works as stated by BMW. It is a luxury feature. In my opinion it has no business on a 3 series or any car driven by a hardcore enthusiast. It is expensive and unnecessary. On the other hand it is not as bad as some claim. It is quite subjective and best offered as a stand alone option.

bimmerphreak · 04-21-2005, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pharding

I have Active Steering on my 545 with sport package. It works as stated by BMW. It is a luxury feature. In my opinion it has no business on a 3 series or any car driven by a hardcore enthusiast. It is expensive and unnecessary. On the other hand it is not as bad as some claim. It is quite subjective and best offered as a stand alone option.

I think alot of ppl don't like the idea of active steering because it seems like you might have to adjust your steering/driving style when you drive your bimmer and then another car. Like you might have a problem adjusting properly or have to learn another way to drive. Have you experienced this? Thanks.

pharding · 04-22-2005, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerphreak

I think alot of ppl don't like the idea of active steering because it seems like you might have to adjust your steering/driving style when you drive your bimmer and then another car. Like you might have a problem adjusting properly or have to learn another way to drive. Have you experienced this? Thanks.

Active Steering is imperceptible at speeds more than 15 mph. Version 13.2 of the car's software, issued last November or December firmed up the steering substantially by lowering the firm threshold. Most magazine reviews preceded that change. For me when I rent cars or drive my wife's Passat I only notice the difference when maneuvering to park the car properly in a stall. It is a luxury, however. My son is ordering a 330 with the sport package and limited options. It will not have AS for budgetary reasons.

lumberman · 04-22-2005, 09:49 AM

I've driven a 530 with active steering, it feels wired at low speed, but maybe it is something that you have to spend a bit more time to appreciate

Intuition · 04-22-2005, 04:29 PM

No for me.

Active steering is contrary to what I like about BMWs.

I wouldn't even consider the e90 if I couln't get it without it.

Glad BMW made it an option. Many people will probaby never know the difference anyways. Only those who truly understand cars, like enthusiasts, will appreciate not having active steering.

Active steering and DSC are nice features but even the latest SLK got a really bad review on a track due to such numbing features.

If I wanted a car to dampen the road rather then being in touch with it I'd buy a Mercedes. This is not saying that Mercedes is lesser for this.

Mercedes are almost all luxury and BMWs are a balanced between luxury and pure sports cars. The nice thing is that BMW gives options to car nerds like me, no active steering, no SMG, and then luxury options for those who like it.

04-10-2005, 11:45 PM	#1
Ewrek Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA. iTrader: (0)	Active Steering or no Active steering Hi all...I was wonder whether or not to get active steering.....from what I know...it assist you in turns and chages turning rate at different speeds to have better control.....is it a good option and is it worth it???
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04-10-2005, 11:53 PM	#2
jpv-USC New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2003 325Cic, red/b Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Calli iTrader: (0)	From what I've read around the forums, I think most people will say no. I think it's a good technology and it comes down to whether the driver is willing to re-learn how to steer a little bit. I just recently read a review of active steering on the new 5 series (E60), here's what the review from automobile mag had to say: "Active Steering is perhaps the most significant new technical achievement. This system, part of the optional Sport package, electromechanically adds a positive or negative steering angle to the setting chosen by the driver, via a planetary gearset integrated into the steering column. This reduces steering motion at low speeds (say, while parking) and when negotiating tight turns on curvy roads, requiring only two turns lock-to-lock rather than three. It also makes the steering much more direct at high speeds. Driving two 5-series-one equipped with Active Steering and one without-back-to-back on an autocross course, we found the car equipped with Active Steering allowed us to hustle through much more quickly and with far less understeer than the car with BMW's conventional, but still excellent, rack-and-pinion setup. (The 540i's recirculating-ball steering is history.) On twisty seaside roads, it takes a little getting used to, because you're expecting to have to cross your arms a lot more than is actually necessary, but the results are noteworthy. Philip Köhn, Active Steering project manager, maintains that the system "is such a huge leap in technology, it's comparable to the introduction of ABS." What does everyone else think? Has anyone actually driven a car with this technology (i.e. E60)? __________________ !!!! BMW 330Cic 2008 edition !!!!
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04-10-2005, 11:59 PM	#3
Ewrek Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA. iTrader: (0)	Thanks jpv-USC, I appreciate the review, but I am afraid of driving on a windy road with active stearing, for fear of not knowing the new steering and overturing....what is your personal opinion??
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04-11-2005, 12:52 AM	#4
doggydogg Enlisted Member 16 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 320d E90 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	IMHO, you won't miss a lot if you're not taking it... I would even say that you'll be less isolated from the road as you'll be able to feel it much more with a 'conventional' system... that is one of the best. The way I understand it is the following one, conventional system means that the car reaction is easily predictable, active steering means you have to adapt yourself to the car settings permanently which could be felt as disturbing... So no active steering for me!
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04-11-2005, 02:29 AM	#5
Ewrek Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA. iTrader: (0)	Good...I didn't order it in my car, I didn't want to be so used to my car that I can't drive other cars the same way. Thanks for your opinions fellas...I really appreciate it.
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04-11-2005, 09:04 AM	#6
Daveop Second Lieutenant 95 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 3 BMWs Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	I think it's one of those things where if you don't have it you won't even miss it because steering will be just like any other car. Of course if you have it for a while and get used to it then you may miss it when driving another car. I say don't get it at all and avoid all this hassle
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04-11-2005, 10:01 AM	#7
SCA Brigadier General 736 Rep 3,844 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	I've driven an E60 545 with and without Active Steering. I disliked it quite a bit. It is certainly an option box I would not check.
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04-11-2005, 01:21 PM	#8
Trex Sport Geezer 38 Rep 128 Posts Drives: X1, F10, G80 (6 MT) Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bryn Mawr, PA iTrader: (0)	The latest Roundel reports that the newest version of Active Steering - found on the E90 - is an improvement over the older systems that started on the new 5 Series cars. I would pass on the option.
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04-15-2005, 01:48 AM	#9
ARGE90 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2005 iTrader: (0)	I have a 2003 Z4 3.0 in argentina with active steering , an i love it, i the best for drifting and fast driving.an i have a 330i SPO Manual transmittion without active steering , and is more easy to drive. i woud recomend active steering for advanced drivers or people who drive the car real fast and without traccion control.
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04-15-2005, 11:02 AM	#10
tim916 Private First Class 10 Rep 114 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: RI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	All I need to know about Active vs. Non-Active steering is that BMW has chosen NOT to offer Active steering on the new M5.
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04-16-2005, 02:29 PM	#13
BMWAustin Private First Class 5 Rep 135 Posts Drives: e90 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	When ABS came out drivers has the same concern, over a period of time AS will be and should be std.
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04-20-2005, 06:12 AM	#14
Jason Administrator 46026 Rep 21,371 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	For those not yet familiar with Active Steering technology, here's an overview from BMW. Active Steering Active Steering gives drivers more precise handling and tracking: this ensures that their automobiles are more mobile and agile even on twisting roads. A planetary gear is integrated with the steering column; depending on the situation, the feature varies the angle of steering determined by the user at the wheel (superimposed steering). It increases the steering angle at lower and mid-range speeds; by contrast, at higher speeds (e.g. on motorways), the steering angle is reduced. When parking, the active steering feature makes it easier to manoeuvre by amplifying the movements of the steering wheel. Attached Images
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04-21-2005, 05:01 AM	#15
kchika Lieutenant 55 Rep 532 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Evo, E46 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	No AS for me.
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04-21-2005, 05:45 AM	#16
a3ndy Banned 259 Rep 260 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i SE [5.00]	Nor me. i think it's just a fancy, expensive, unecessary option.
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04-21-2005, 06:03 AM	#17
A61 Private 13 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Nein!
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04-21-2005, 06:35 AM	#18
pharding Major 319 Rep 1,133 Posts Drives: 23 Audi Q4 e-tron + 14 X3 28i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I have Active Steering on my 545 with sport package. It works as stated by BMW. It is a luxury feature. In my opinion it has no business on a 3 series or any car driven by a hardcore enthusiast. It is expensive and unnecessary. On the other hand it is not as bad as some claim. It is quite subjective and best offered as a stand alone option.
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04-22-2005, 09:49 AM	#21
lumberman Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: BMW F10 M5 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Macau iTrader: (0)	I've driven a 530 with active steering, it feels wired at low speed, but maybe it is something that you have to spend a bit more time to appreciate
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04-22-2005, 04:29 PM	#22
Intuition Private First Class 11 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2012 128i AW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Marina Del Rey iTrader: (0)	No for me. Active steering is contrary to what I like about BMWs. I wouldn't even consider the e90 if I couln't get it without it. Glad BMW made it an option. Many people will probaby never know the difference anyways. Only those who truly understand cars, like enthusiasts, will appreciate not having active steering. Active steering and DSC are nice features but even the latest SLK got a really bad review on a track due to such numbing features. If I wanted a car to dampen the road rather then being in touch with it I'd buy a Mercedes. This is not saying that Mercedes is lesser for this. Mercedes are almost all luxury and BMWs are a balanced between luxury and pure sports cars. The nice thing is that BMW gives options to car nerds like me, no active steering, no SMG, and then luxury options for those who like it.
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