Rudy

Thanks Paul and everyone else that's posted compliments. I must say I agree with everyone completely!

Today I drove about a hundred miles or so around town just playing and getting familiar with things. I'll try to post some of my findings as soon as possible...

DrLev99

Hey Rudy,

How did the paint job look on the new hood? I assume good or you wouldn't have taken it. Looks great! Maybe we'll have to get together one day so I check it out! Where in the 'Burgh are you anyway? I'm in Robinson.

Dave

grover432

Rudy,

If you don't mind, can you post some comments regarding the feel of the Active Steering? I'm trying to decide this option, but there isn't a car for me to drive at the local dealer. I'm particulary interested in your comments re: steering feel while "on center" - does it provide good feedback? Also is it over boosted or does it feel right? Dd you drive a car without it? How does it compare?

Thanks,

grover

Rudy

Here's what I can say at this point but keep in mind that I plan to do a couple back to back tests between my 2004 AS equipped car and the 2008 AS equipped car before I can say anything more concrete...

When I first got AS back in April 2004, I thought it was amazing, awesome, and fantastic. I had come off of six years driving two different E39 540i six-speeds but I remember reading complaints from people about how it doesn't feel natural (especially on a race track), they were glad that the M5 didn't come with it, and they were glad it was split out from the sport package and made available as an individual option. The big complaint was that people said it didn't have that BMW feel that they were used to. I understood these comments but really didn't subscribe to the fact that it wasn't worth it. I was getting used to it and I thought it was a great feature.

Over the years, with software upgrades on the 2004 car, I think the programming for AS was refined a bit -- it became less noticeable (or I became very used to it) and I remember hearing others claim it was much better than the earlier version so I figured it had to have been improved.

What I'm noticing now, with the 2008 car, is that the steering seems lighter (or assisted more). I haven't done any lock-to-lock turning of the wheel to see if the amount of turns it takes to hit the locks have changed. All I know is that the new car does not have a twitchy, go-cart feel at slower speeds like I remember the other car had. Again, to me, at low speeds, go-cart is not such a bad thing!

I've had E60 loaner cars without AS and all I can say is it felt fine but I missed AS. I think it's really all about whatever you get used to...

Hope that helps!

aybeesea

Rememeber that Active Steering's variable ratio "power assist replacement" is but a part of the Active Steering technology.

Some seem to forget, ignore or simply be not aware of the additional advantages of this system...

...and why it's called ACTIVE steering.

ABC

pennetta

Rudy,

Your car is gorgeous in White. I am finding that the interior is so much more luxurious; more wood and leather. The seats are infinitely adjustable and the back top half of the seat back folds forward, the pass side has all the same functions plus memory now. I think I can get them into a fetal position if I am feeling insecure that day. The ride is sooo much smoother. We get the same steering wheel that we got in 2004, but its the best one they have. The tail and head lights are better for many various reasons.
I like the SA, its shifts are lightening quick. Can't wait until break in period is over to explore the car at its limits...

aybeesea

Not sure that this is an LCI feature - sounds like Comfort Seats - which ARE fantastic!..

ABC

pennetta

I did not specifically order them but maybe they came with the Sports Package.

aybeesea

Indeed they do but they are called "20-way power multi-contour front seats"...

ABC

Rudy

You guys are right, the comfort seats are very nice (I had them in my E39) and they are included in the 550 sport package now.

I also agree that the interior refinements are nice. The steering wheel's leather wrap is less "rubbery" as well as the center console trim, etc. I will say, however, that the pre-LCI interior never bothered me that much in the first place...