Getting ready to pull the trigger on a new 550 sport and looking to opinions on whether to select active steering as an option. I have briefly driven both, with and without, at different times and did feel slightly more feedback on the Non-Active Steering car. However, the Active steering car did seem easier to drive, especially around town at the expense of feedback of how much adhesion I had left in the tires.

Looking for opinions on why or why not you selected this option, thanks for your feedback.

Jim

 

I think you'll find most love the AS option. I will simply offer my view as the minority dissenting opinion. I first drove the AS back in the very early E60s, when I was ordering my 545 in Dec 2003. I definitely didn't care for the artificial feel at the time. Plus being the first year of the new model, I figured this was an option that could be trouble as they worked out the bugs. It did in fact have some issues, the vast majority of which have been worked out. Subsequent software updates have also greatly improve the feel as well. In test driving the 535 and 550 for my new car, I again drove cars with and without AS. I still really didn't care for the feel, particularly at low speeds. But that is just my personal opinion as I almost never drive in tight parking lot situations.

Back in 2003, the AS was part of the Sports Package but now it is a separate option. Cost is an issue as well. A nicely equipped 550 with sports package is now upwards of $70,000 in the US, before taxes. While some think "what's another $1,400" at this point, I simply didn't feel the benefits justified the cost. Ultimately I am still a cheapskate at heart and passed on my new 550 as well...

As I noted at the outset, I will very much be in the minority based on responses to previous posts asking the same question. Ultimately you need to do some extensive test drives with both and decide what you like. Try a variety of fast and slow driving conditions, including parking situations.

 

Not worth it for the driving experience. Sure it may be handy for lazy people when trying to parallel park or something, but it's not worth it. I had it on my E90 325i and I thought I couldn't live without it. I didn't get it on my E92 335ci hesitant that I'd miss it. The truth, I'm glad I didn't get it. The response is that more tactile and smooth without AS. I won't be getting it on my 550i. Save the money or treat yourself to something.

 

I have AS and it is a pain in the ASS. I presume that if you are getting the sport pack that you like driving the car. If so, then avoid the current version of AS. I do like the lazy low speed lock to lock but the way it comes in and out while driving thru tight corners leaves a lot to be desired.

 

I guess I could care less about parking (could use more exercise anyway), but wasn't quite sure on the other benefits, like the tie in with ASC/ATC. Overall I like to know where my wheels are and was never quite sure on my 545, although my wife loved it. Other opinions, especially on the post LCI cars?

 

I testdrove with and without AS (and posted the same question here as yours by the way) and ultimately decided against AS.

Several reasons:

1.) I found the "light" steering at slower speeds to feel somewhat artificial
2.) I found the non-AS car to provide somewhat more road feel
3.) Right about the time I was thinking about this, several people posted problems cropping up with AS failures of one sort or another

The result: I love how the 550i mit Sportpaket handles without the AS.

I guess in a way I equate it to having a standard transmission (which I also specified on the car). There are some things where one does not need THAT much assistance and that is in shifting and steering.

 

I had AS on my 2004 car and I have it on my 2008 car. They've clearly improved it over the years -- it's much less noticeable now. In my opinion, for "normal" driving (including spirited driving but not on a race track) I think AS is great and I don't notice it unless it's not there. In other words, I love it and don't feel as if I'm missing anything when I drive my car.

Right now, I'm driving a 335Xi loaner (fun!) and I'm constantly wishing it had AS during slow speed parking and/or maneuvering. Facts are facts -- I have to do some slow speed driving, parking, etc. pretty much every day...

As kscarrol said, it seems as if the people that have AS love it and the people that don't have AS are happy too. I know that doesn't help you much with your decision -- sorry! If it were me, I'd get it again. I don't find the trade off that big of a deal since the car drives extremely well at any speed on any road. I imagine part of that is just getting used to whatever you have...

Good luck with your decision!

 

AS is on my 550. my only comparisson is with the Mrs. 06 E90.

I would not be without it!

 

I have AS on my 05 530 M Sport, in OZ it was included when adding the M sport pacakge. Recently i have had two seperate problems with it, first they had to replace the control unit as it was faulty (had the ca for a week) and just a couple of week ago they replaced the motor on the rack that varies the sterring speed (had the car or anoter week), the part itself was AUD 3800.00 however it is still under warranty thankfully.
With all that said i actually love the AS and when i drive my wifes car or any other car without it i really notice it, i do some spirited driving through the hills and find the steering at speed to be amazing with incredible feel and feedback, better than any other car i have owned (this is my first BMW so that may be the reason).
Despite the probles i would definately order it again.

 

I did not get active steering. Or active suspension.

My reason is that I plan to keep my car at least 10 years, and these new technologies haven't proven their reliability yet.

If you like AS and don't plan to own your car out of warranty, go for it! I think most people don't like AS because it decreases road feel. Then again, if you really want road feel, buy a go-kart!