Curious to hear what everyone thinks of E60 power steering? Too overpowered for a BMW? Compared to a new E90 it is night and day.

 

I had an E90 325 as a loaner and I prefer E60's. E90 is a too heavy for me. E60 is supposed to be a luxury sedan and using E90's steering would be out of character.

Yet E60's steering is not as light as American cars or Toyota cars. I like it.

 

I don't know about the US but here in Europe there is a "standard" power steering, and there is something they call "servotronic" - at least in the german speaking countries. It basically varies the power based on speed - but it's not quite Active Steering (where also the ratio varies). It just helps e.g. when parking or navigating in slow traffic.
Unfortunately mine has the basic steering and I actually hate it. It's waaaay too hard, my arms hurt when e.g. going through parking garages and such. Last time I had a loaner 545 with the aforementioned "servotronic" (still don't know whether it's standard or optional in other countries and what it's called), and when I got inside it I went "wow! this is easy to turn! I want it!" - and ran back to ask the technician why&how. (It cannot be retrofitted.)

I previously had an E46 with equally hard steering. This is the only element in BMW's which I hate. In my opinion it has nothing to do with sportiness. (quite the opposite, actually: it just "numbs" the steering)

If you are unsure what yours is the test is easy: while the car is not moving, try to steer with one finger. If it's difficult or hurts then you have the very basic power steering. If it's effortless you have some advanced steering system.

Sporty or not...... I use the car for everything, i.e. 80% commuting and I want to drive relaxed!

Greg

 

Appreciate the insight Greg. I belive all E60, here is U.S., come equipped standard with Servotronic.
So what you are describing, if I understand correctly, E60 , minus Servotronic would drive/feel the same as E90?
As far as the steering effort, it's a very subjective matter of preference, nothing more.

 

Correct.


It does not have a "luxury sedan" feel at all.

 

Maybe someone out there will know the answer:
is it somehow possible to increase the pressure in the power steering so it becomes a bit lighter/softer? I need just a tad more.

Greg