Active Steering Concerns

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mahoneyl

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#1
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Northern Italy
#1
Hello All, I am a new forum member and a U.S. military officer stationed in Europe. The wife and I are in the process of purchasing a 2005 530i (probably w/o the Sports Package...). This will be the 4th BMW we have owned over the past 18-yrs. For 2005 models, the active steering is offered as a separate $1250 option. I have test driven the 5 w/ and w/o active steering and I understand it's technical features. I enjoyed the ease of it, but also felt somewhat disconnected from the road (i.e., loose feel). I understand that I will probably get used to it after time (i.e., based on reading other owners comments). However, with that said, my biggest concern are the limited critical reviews I have read regarding problems with it at high speeds, in cross-winds, and on unfinished highway roads (+ bridge joints, etc.). The bottom line is that for all the convenience and ease in the world, the last thing I want to give up is driving pleasure + safety (i.e., the feel of being connected with the road and/or experiencing cognitive dissonance at 90 mph while crossing an old bridge in December with winds gusting over 15-20mph). I need honest and unbiased feedback from owners with no axe to grind or ego to stroke. Thanks.

"Serving Proudly".
 
tool fan

tool fan

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#2
Whats up Brother???? Former soldier here and still working for the Military in Europe. I have the 530i with the sport package. Please reconsider getting the sport package. The 530i with and with out that package are 2 different animals alll together. You will feel more disconnected without the active steering. And with out the sport package. I love the active steering...best thing since Cheerios. What ever you decide to do...good luck and Thanks for Sacrificing for the GREATER GOOD

EDIT:
[welcome] Sorry I almost forgot to say welcome. This is a GREAT forum.
 
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kscarrol

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Just for another perspective, I'm not sure I would agree w/ Toolfan about the feeling more disconnected without AS. I got my 545 without the sports package just to avoid the AS (would have loved the order the suspension/roll stabilization, but couldn't get separately). Drove both before purchasing and I did not care for the feel of AS. Granted, my test drives don't give me nearly the experience that Toolfan has with it, but I can tell you that my car without AS handles like a dream, especially at highway speeds, where I really didn't care for the AS.
 
tool fan

tool fan

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kscarrol said:
Just for another perspective, I'm not sure I would agree w/ Toolfan about the feeling more disconnected without AS. I got my 545 without the sports package just to avoid the AS (would have loved the order the suspension/roll stabilization, but couldn't get separately). Drove both before purchasing and I did not care for the feel of AS. Granted, my test drives don't give me nearly the experience that Toolfan has with it, but I can tell you that my car without AS handles like a dream, especially at highway speeds, where I really didn't care for the AS.
Click to expand...
I do drive at incredibly stupid speeds, and in the twistys, the AS helps prevent me from over steering in the corners. Maybe I just say this because I have not driven a new 5er with out the AS...my older 528i did not have AS and I can say that I like my 530i more with it. JMO
 
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