Active Steering Concerns

[mahoneyl]

Hello All, I am a new forum member and a U.S. military officer stationed in Europe. The wife and I are in the process of purchasing a 2005 530i (probably w/o the Sports Package...). This will be the 4th BMW we have owned over the past 18-yrs. For 2005 models, the active steering is offered as a separate $1250 option. I have test driven the 5 w/ and w/o active steering and I understand it's technical features. I enjoyed the ease of it, but also felt somewhat disconnected from the road (i.e., loose feel). I understand that I will probably get used to it after time (i.e., based on reading other owners comments). However, with that said, my biggest concern are the limited critical reviews I have read regarding problems with it at high speeds, in cross-winds, and on unfinished highway roads (+ bridge joints, etc.). The bottom line is that for all the convenience and ease in the world, the last thing I want to give up is driving pleasure + safety (i.e., the feel of being connected with the road and/or experiencing cognitive dissonance at 90 mph while crossing an old bridge in December with winds gusting over 15-20mph). I need honest and unbiased feedback from owners with no axe to grind or ego to stroke. Thanks.

"Serving Proudly".

 

[Bryan330i]

Hello

I don’t know that much about the BMW option you are talking about from a technical perspective. This aside I would tend to favor the car without the option. I say this because I think BMW’s handle extremely well and are very easy to drive without such an option. I would also be concerned about the potential for future problems with this feature because, in my opinion, it’s being worked into a car where it is not needed.

I am very open to a lot of cars and options but this sounds like one option I would leave at the dealership.

 

[andreyiv]

Hi, and welcome. I never tryed the feature but from what I heard, including what you just said, it feels like you are disconected from the road, I don't know about you but that is something I would not want to give up, thats what I like about my car, but thats just me. Also, I never got the answer to this question because I never asked but from my understanding it seems as if the steering wheel is not connected to the wheels physically and if it is the case, just think what would happen if the system failed? But then again, I don't think many companies would take away the actual physical connection because then it becomes a death trap waiting to happen. Anyhow, look at the pros and cons of the whole thing and then decide if you like the idea or not, don't listen to us only, you will be driving the car, you know. Anything you buy, enjoy it.

 

[andreyiv]

Sorry about that, it looks like when it fails you do have a backup, so its one thing less to worry about.

 

[mahoneyl]

Thanks. Pretty sound advise.

 

[codex57]

Another thing to consider is that it's pretty new technology. The Germans haven't exactly been the model of reliability lately. You have to wonder how many problems it'll give you down the road. If you trade it in w/in 4 years, no worries. If you plan on keeping it for a while, well, BMWs are known for their electrical problems. Active Steering sounds like a potential problem spot.

 

[mahoneyl]

Also, good advice. However, is there anyone out there who has owned the E60 for at leat 6-months or so and can give me their honest impression / critique. Same goes for Sport package. I am probably going to order the 2005 530i w/in the next week or so. Appreciate any additional option comments as well. Thx. [bmwdance]

 

[andreyiv]

I remember another thread where somebody was talking about this and one of the member forum said that he/she did get active steering and is very happy with it now, said that you get used to the light feel and the idea of not twisting your arms is very apeeling.