Is active steering really worth that much money?

fernande-bmw · 10-02-2009, 06:59 PM

The option costs $1,365-1,550.

Does it really improve the driving experience? I always thought it would take the pleasure out of driving as it takes control over the steering ratio.

Any opinions?

xquizit · 10-02-2009, 07:01 PM

I love active steering, but it depends what you want to do with your car.

I wonder if it came with my sports package on my 06 e90, because I know I had it on my car.

07E92TT · 10-02-2009, 07:03 PM

I wonder the same thing, I was thinking about getting it next time around

Zirenz2006 · 10-02-2009, 07:06 PM

AS seems to be a well debated option. Some people see no value in it or think it takes away from the 'connected' feeling. Personally, I think that's a bunch of horse shit. I love it. This is my third car with it and I would always get it if it was offered. JMHO

jopa489 · 10-02-2009, 07:16 PM

I love it on the 750i. Maybe it feels a little unnatural at first, but you quickly get used to it. Having the steering nice and light in parking lots and really buckled down at speed transforms the car. It's pretty neat. Price is a little high for it on the 3er though.

xquizit · 10-02-2009, 07:23 PM

Someone, please confirm if the active steering comes with the sports package. Off-topic some-what, my bad.

fdsasdasdf · 10-02-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xquizit

Someone, please confirm if the active steering comes with the sports package. Off-topic some-what, my bad.

Active steering is a completely separate option from all other options. It must be selected specifically.

It's a nifty little feature and is quite clever in its operation. The one thing that really impressed me was how it works hand-in-hand with DSC. In the event of slippage or loss of traction, it will modify the steering ratio so that when you instantaneously react and have the tendency to over-steer in the other direction it will help prevent you from doing such that. If that does not work, brakes and engine cutting in and out will come on.

I have heard that it does take a little bit of getting used to, though. It is noticeably different driving a car without active steering than with since it's so much easier to turn in the parking lot than at high speeds.

jopa489 · 10-02-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zell

Active steering is a completely separate option from all other options. It must be selected specifically.

Yep. Additionally, it's no longer available at all on the 328. Just an a la carte option on the 335.

NiVeDh · 10-02-2009, 07:56 PM

Even though the steering is not as stiff as non-AS equipped 335s, I love it. It makes city driving a breeze. I wouldn't order another car without it.

fernande-bmw · 10-02-2009, 08:26 PM

Hmm, and here I thought it was a gimmick. Damn, I may have to put some $$$ down and give it a try in my next car.

Mumble, mumble. . .

piezo · 10-02-2009, 08:52 PM

Given the price, I would try to find a dealer who has two otherwise similar models and schedule back-to-back test drives. And if you do, please post your findings.

I don't have it, and to me it feels like the car is just starting to "come into its element" above 80 mph, yet I have no complaints while parking either.

BK · 10-02-2009, 08:57 PM

^^ Definitely try this, but be aware it feels a little weird driving them back to back!

If you're used to a normal steering E9x, you'll get in an active steering car and just about turn it into a curb in the parking lot. At least, if you're me. I was like holy crap, what the... oh yeah, active steering.

I think active steering probably takes some time to get used to. It felt a little weird to me, but I can see getting used to it.

Viper3812 · 10-02-2009, 09:53 PM

Be aware on how expensive it will be to fix if something goes wrong with it out of warranty. It's cool, but I don't think it is worth the cost if something goes wrong.

Kroy · 10-02-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xquizit

I love active steering, but it depends what you want to do with your car.

I wonder if it came with my sports package on my 06 e90, because I know I had it on my car.

I wonder the same about my 04 325i. It was loaded, but not sure if it came with active steering...

xquizit · 10-02-2009, 10:25 PM

Ok, now, I'm tripping out. I wonder if my 330i (lease is gone) actually had this option.

I know I can search, but while I'm here...can someone please explain what active steering is.

My conception: When driving in low speeds the wheel is loose, and when at high speeds it's more difficult to turn the wheel. (If I'm wrong, please tell me what I'm thinking of.. I'm stuck, haha)

blue2fire · 10-02-2009, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xquizit

My conception: When driving in low speeds the wheel is loose, and when at high speeds it's more difficult to turn the wheel. (If I'm wrong, please tell me what I'm thinking of.. I'm stuck, haha)

Right.

IMO, there is absolutely no point in buying a BMW with this Active Steering. It dilutes the most noteworthy (and probably only) good attribute of their product, the handling.

xquizit · 10-02-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Right.

IMO, there is absolutely no point in buying a BMW with this Active Steering. It dilutes the most noteworthy (and probably only) attribute of their product, the handling.

Then I can confirm that my 330i did have the option.

I remember how I fell in love with BMWs... (here comes the lil' bubbles that lead up to the cloud)
Ahh, I was driving my uncles X5 (sittin' on dubs). The wheel was so hard to turn, even when going like 20mph. I wonder if his SUV had this option, because I was fascinated on how the steering wheel felt when driving.

I wonder how I will adjust if my next BMW does NOT have active steering...

VTECaddict · 10-02-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xquizit

My conception: When driving in low speeds the wheel is loose, and when at high speeds it's more difficult to turn the wheel. (If I'm wrong, please tell me what I'm thinking of.. I'm stuck, haha)

You're thinking of Servotronic steering. Active steering actually changes the steering ratios depending on speed. If you can go lock to lock in less than 2 full turns of the steering wheel when not moving, you have active steering.

[u2b]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gVzV0YXO4j4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gVzV0YXO4j4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/u2b]

blue2fire · 10-02-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xquizit

Then I can confirm that my 330i did have the option.

I remember how I fell in love with BMWs... (here comes the lil' bubbles that lead up to the cloud)
Ahh, I was driving my uncles X5 (sittin' on dubs). The wheel was so hard to turn, even when going like 20mph. I wonder if his SUV had this option, because I was fascinated on how the steering wheel felt when driving.

I wonder how I will adjust if my next BMW does NOT have active steering...

Actually, i must also add that it reduces the steering angle required to take a turn at slow speeds.

VTEC seems to have posted a nice video showing this (and reminding me).

xquizit · 10-02-2009, 10:49 PM

I'm glad my car had active steering, but I wonder what the die hard car tracking enthusiast say about this.

Viper3812 · 10-02-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kroy

I wonder the same about my 04 325i. It was loaded, but not sure if it came with active steering...

e46's don't have Active steering as an option.

elektra_e90 · 10-02-2009, 10:52 PM

it is worth it! i compared with and without active steering, and it is night and day.

10-02-2009, 06:59 PM	#1
fernande-bmw First Lieutenant 47 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2010 335i E90 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	Is active steering really worth that much money? The option costs $1,365-1,550. Does it really improve the driving experience? I always thought it would take the pleasure out of driving as it takes control over the steering ratio. Any opinions?
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10-02-2009, 07:01 PM	#2
xquizit 818 21 Rep 609 Posts Drives: his parents crazy Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I love active steering, but it depends what you want to do with your car. I wonder if it came with my sports package on my 06 e90, because I know I had it on my car. __________________ I miss my e90 330i
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10-02-2009, 07:03 PM	#3
07E92TT Major 57 Rep 1,336 Posts Drives: 08 C63 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Orlando,FL iTrader: (1)	I wonder the same thing, I was thinking about getting it next time around __________________ Car: 2008 E90 SG/Black/Dark Burl (sold) 2008 MB C63 P.Silver/Black
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10-02-2009, 07:06 PM	#4
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1578 Rep 4,581 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	AS seems to be a well debated option. Some people see no value in it or think it takes away from the 'connected' feeling. Personally, I think that's a bunch of horse shit. I love it. This is my third car with it and I would always get it if it was offered. JMHO __________________ Current: 2021 ///M3 Competition Isle of Man Green Ordered: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue Past: 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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10-02-2009, 07:16 PM	#5
jopa489 Major General 122 Rep 6,594 Posts Drives: Anything with Wheels Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	I love it on the 750i. Maybe it feels a little unnatural at first, but you quickly get used to it. Having the steering nice and light in parking lots and really buckled down at speed transforms the car. It's pretty neat. Price is a little high for it on the 3er though. __________________ X7 LCI // Incoming C7 ZR1 ZTK // Sebring + TRX // Hydro + Raptor Gen1 Roush // Tuxedo
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10-02-2009, 07:23 PM	#6
xquizit 818 21 Rep 609 Posts Drives: his parents crazy Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Someone, please confirm if the active steering comes with the sports package. Off-topic some-what, my bad. __________________ I miss my e90 330i
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10-02-2009, 07:56 PM	#9
NiVeDh Major General 422 Rep 8,003 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i, '99 E36 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston, TX & Atlanta, GA iTrader: (132) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Sedan [8.66]	Even though the steering is not as stiff as non-AS equipped 335s, I love it. It makes city driving a breeze. I wouldn't order another car without it.
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10-02-2009, 08:26 PM	#10
fernande-bmw First Lieutenant 47 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2010 335i E90 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	Hmm, and here I thought it was a gimmick. Damn, I may have to put some $$$ down and give it a try in my next car. Mumble, mumble. . .
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10-02-2009, 08:52 PM	#11
piezo unstratified 1 Rep 162 Posts Drives: '07 335i Coupe Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Given the price, I would try to find a dealer who has two otherwise similar models and schedule back-to-back test drives. And if you do, please post your findings. I don't have it, and to me it feels like the car is just starting to "come into its element" above 80 mph, yet I have no complaints while parking either.
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10-02-2009, 08:57 PM	#12
BK Smiling politely 167 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	^^ Definitely try this, but be aware it feels a little weird driving them back to back! If you're used to a normal steering E9x, you'll get in an active steering car and just about turn it into a curb in the parking lot. At least, if you're me. I was like holy crap, what the... oh yeah, active steering. I think active steering probably takes some time to get used to. It felt a little weird to me, but I can see getting used to it. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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10-02-2009, 09:53 PM	#13
Viper3812 Banned 20 Rep 483 Posts Drives: M Coupe Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fl. iTrader: (0)	Be aware on how expensive it will be to fix if something goes wrong with it out of warranty. It's cool, but I don't think it is worth the cost if something goes wrong.
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10-02-2009, 10:25 PM	#15
xquizit 818 21 Rep 609 Posts Drives: his parents crazy Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Ok, now, I'm tripping out. I wonder if my 330i (lease is gone) actually had this option. I know I can search, but while I'm here...can someone please explain what active steering is. My conception: When driving in low speeds the wheel is loose, and when at high speeds it's more difficult to turn the wheel. (If I'm wrong, please tell me what I'm thinking of.. I'm stuck, haha) __________________ I miss my e90 330i
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10-02-2009, 10:49 PM	#20
xquizit 818 21 Rep 609 Posts Drives: his parents crazy Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I'm glad my car had active steering, but I wonder what the die hard car tracking enthusiast say about this. __________________ I miss my e90 330i
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10-02-2009, 10:52 PM	#22
elektra_e90 Private First Class 8 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 06 330i electric red Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: sf bay area, ca iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 330i [0.00]	it is worth it! i compared with and without active steering, and it is night and day.
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