I'm have preordered a 2007 550i with active steering but am not sure yet whether I really want this option. Anyone who has lived with it for a few weeks or months please give some feedback as it is difficult to really know the system in a short test drive.
Spitze1
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| Reply » Active Steering - Yes or No? Ready to order |
I liked it just fine but I must admit that I probably wouldn't pony up the extra dollars now that it is available as a stand alone option.
You're right, however...no 15 minute test drive will be enough to really determine if you'll like it or not.
I think it works best in slow driving situations like driving around a parking garage or parallel parking on the street. It was quite nice and useful in Europe's tight parking garages but on the open road, I'm not sure it is really all that noticeable.
Some of the track purists complain about it as they feel it takes away some of the true road feel. I don't track my cars so no biggie to me.
BTW, welcome to the 'Fest!
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| Reply » Active Steering - Yes or No? Ready to order |
I love it. It makes the car feel very nimble on a windy road.
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| Reply » Active Steering - Yes or No? Ready to order |
Even though we can try, it's tough to help you decide, just like the 15 minute test drive couldn't help you. It's a very personal decision. I don't think you'll be dissapointed either way, and either way you'll still spend a few days getting used to the car even if you're coming from a previous generation 5'er like I did. Having said all that, I like AS well enough but as Agent 99 stated, probably wouldn't pay extra for it.
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| Reply » Active Steering - Yes or No? Ready to order |
it does not work with the x-drive (awd) on my 05 530 xi wagon. i wasnt going to get it anyway--even if i could have. some have raved about it on these threads...the car magazines generally speaking say to avoid it. i have a friend who did ED at the same time i did and he has it and says he likes it a lot. the latest versions of it (software) are supposedly much improved over the early versions. knowledgeable dealers i have spoken with are mixed about it as well. i find it interesting that enthusiasts such as agent99 say they are not overwhelmed by it...i dont know if this helps..i can tell you this: the standard steering on my wagon is great. lots of road feel and very responsive...i would bag it but then again i am not a bigtime sport driver...my two cents.
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| Reply » Active Steering - Yes or No? Ready to order |
I've had my 545i for a bit over a year now. It has the sport package, which used to include AS. I like AS a lot. For maneuvering at slow speeds, it's terrific, and I don't find any downsides. When I have a loaner without AS while my car is being services, I definitely feel the difference and miss the AS--the analogy would be driving a car without power steering after owning one with it. As somebody else mentioned, the current version is apparently much improved vs. the original version (there's been at least 1 hardware change, and numerous software updates). I also don't track my car, so can't comment on the issues some have raised in that environment.
There's also the safety factor to think about. AS is connected to DSC, so in a severe oversteer situation, for example, the car will use selective braking, plus actually correct the steering via AS. Although I don't track my car, I have been known to enjoy a spirited drive in the twisties, and an additional safety net isn't a bad thing to have.
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Active Steering - Yes or No? Ready to order