Active Steering and Dynamic Drive - 535/550
06-26-2007, 09:15 AM
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A question for owners:
The auto magazines don't seem to like Active Steering, but I haven't found any reviews on Dynamic Drive. Has anyone purchased/leased their 535/550 with both of these options? I'm stuck between a 535 and 550. The 535 xi seems a bit more nimble, but I don't like the ride (too harsh), so I tried a 550. I like the car, but I'm wondering if Dynamic Drive will make it handle a bit better. The 550's ride is perfect for me (with M Sport package), so I'd hate to ruin it with Dynamic Drive (if it doesn't provide equal ride quality with improved handling). I'm also looking for feed back on the Active Steering option. Is the "on center" feel as good as with the standard steering? Is there anything you don't like about it?
Thank you for your replies,
grover
The auto magazines don't seem to like Active Steering, but I haven't found any reviews on Dynamic Drive. Has anyone purchased/leased their 535/550 with both of these options? I'm stuck between a 535 and 550. The 535 xi seems a bit more nimble, but I don't like the ride (too harsh), so I tried a 550. I like the car, but I'm wondering if Dynamic Drive will make it handle a bit better. The 550's ride is perfect for me (with M Sport package), so I'd hate to ruin it with Dynamic Drive (if it doesn't provide equal ride quality with improved handling). I'm also looking for feed back on the Active Steering option. Is the "on center" feel as good as with the standard steering? Is there anything you don't like about it?
Thank you for your replies,
grover
06-26-2007, 09:25 AM
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My Ride: 535d M-Sport, Carbon Black, Almost all options
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Originally Posted by grover432' post='439988' date='Jun 26 2007, 07:15 PM
A question for owners:
The auto magazines don't seem to like Active Steering, but I haven't found any reviews on Dynamic Drive. Has anyone purchased/leased their 535/550 with both of these options? I'm stuck between a 535 and 550. The 535 xi seems a bit more nimble, but I don't like the ride (too harsh), so I tried a 550. I like the car, but I'm wondering if Dynamic Drive will make it handle a bit better. The 550's ride is perfect for me (with M Sport package), so I'd hate to ruin it with Dynamic Drive (if it doesn't provide equal ride quality with improved handling). I'm also looking for feed back on the Active Steering option. Is the "on center" feel as good as with the standard steering? Is there anything you don't like about it?
Thank you for your replies,
grover
The auto magazines don't seem to like Active Steering, but I haven't found any reviews on Dynamic Drive. Has anyone purchased/leased their 535/550 with both of these options? I'm stuck between a 535 and 550. The 535 xi seems a bit more nimble, but I don't like the ride (too harsh), so I tried a 550. I like the car, but I'm wondering if Dynamic Drive will make it handle a bit better. The 550's ride is perfect for me (with M Sport package), so I'd hate to ruin it with Dynamic Drive (if it doesn't provide equal ride quality with improved handling). I'm also looking for feed back on the Active Steering option. Is the "on center" feel as good as with the standard steering? Is there anything you don't like about it?
Thank you for your replies,
grover
Dynamic Drive is not an option on a car with M sport package because these cars are already lowered with slightly stiffer suspension so it is not needed. Good luck with your choice. I assume the 535d is not available in your country yet? Otherwise that should be in your list of choices.
06-26-2007, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by ronald_adi' post='439992' date='Jun 26 2007, 06:25 PM
Hi. I would think a lot of those auto magazines write reviews without even driving the car! The active steering is one of the best options u can take! It allows you to drive fast and accurate in town without crossing over your hands when turning. The on centre feel is accurate. Problem now is i couldnt enjoy another car without it!
Dynamic Drive is not an option on a car with M sport package because these cars are already lowered with slightly stiffer suspension so it is not needed. Good luck with your choice. I assume the 535d is not available in your country yet? Otherwise that should be in your list of choices.
Dynamic Drive is not an option on a car with M sport package because these cars are already lowered with slightly stiffer suspension so it is not needed. Good luck with your choice. I assume the 535d is not available in your country yet? Otherwise that should be in your list of choices.
As far AS is concerned, it's more than just "not having to turn the steering wheel as much":
* AFS actually changes the steering ratio (the number of turns of the steering wheel required to turn the road wheels from lock to lock) while you drive.
* AFS can intervene in an instant to provide a correction if the rear end starts to break away.
* AFS is different than variable assist power steering, which only varies the amount of effort, not the actual steering ratio.
* AFS works with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to prevent a skid. When the yaw sensors detect an oversteer situation (the back end beginning to step out), it clicks in a few degrees of opposite lock.
* AFS can intervene in an instant to provide a correction if the rear end starts to break away.
* AFS is different than variable assist power steering, which only varies the amount of effort, not the actual steering ratio.
* AFS works with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to prevent a skid. When the yaw sensors detect an oversteer situation (the back end beginning to step out), it clicks in a few degrees of opposite lock.
ABC
06-26-2007, 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='440023' date='Jun 26 2007, 01:36 PM
DD is now available with MSport.
As far AS is concerned, it's more than just "not having to turn the steering wheel as much":
http://www.bmwworld.com/technology/afs.htm
ABC
As far AS is concerned, it's more than just "not having to turn the steering wheel as much":
http://www.bmwworld.com/technology/afs.htm
ABC
Thanks ABC. Do you have these options on your E60?
06-26-2007, 12:23 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I have had both for 3+ years and they are both on my most recent order. They are what makes a BMW a BMW. No kidding.
06-26-2007, 09:43 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Both Dynamic Drive and Active Steering are good. Those magazine reviewers do not have enough time behind the wheel of the car thats all.
06-27-2007, 05:25 AM
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Originally Posted by EBMCS03' post='440252' date='Jun 27 2007, 12:43 AM
Both Dynamic Drive and Active Steering are good. Those magazine reviewers do not have enough time behind the wheel of the car thats all.
06-28-2007, 07:17 PM
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My Ride: Arrived on 12/31/09 2009 Black Sapphire Metallic 535i with Steptronic, Auburn interior, Sport and Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium, PDC, Nav, Comfort Access. Additions include Valentine 1 Hardwire and Dinan Stage II! Graduating from a 2006 - 530i
Active steering makes the car handle like a smaller car. It increases the car's responsiveness to turn in and in a month feels very natural. Enjoy
06-28-2007, 07:20 PM
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
Active steering is here to stay.
06-28-2007, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by CajunE60' post='441172' date='Jun 29 2007, 04:17 AM
Active steering makes the car handle like a smaller car. It increases the car's responsiveness to turn in and in a month feels very natural. Enjoy
Unless grover432 really pushes the limits during his 7 Series test drive, he won't get the "less understood" benefits.
ABC