active steering and such

[builder]

What is the deal with active steering? Is it a good option to get? What benefit would I see?

Also, has anyone used the active cruise control? I don't think I'd get it but was wondering how well it works.

[Mjollnir]

I don't know how relavent this is to BMW's,

I had it on my 95 300ZXTT. Actually it was Speed sensitive steering and HICAS (rear wheel turns about 8 degrees, actuated by an electric motor.)

Speed sensitive steering was great, keeps the car from being twitchy at highway speeds by making the steering stiffer, gives it a very solid feel by makig it a little harder o turn the wheel above a certain speed, I'm not sure what the mecahnism use was.

HICAS: Really cool setup, early cars were hydraulic, later cars used stepper motors. A lot of people removed this from their track cars, they said it made the car unpredicatable in the corners. I didn't track mine so I can't say for sure. Search TwinTurbo.net for more info on the Nissan setup. (http://www.twinturbo.net)

[333inlinesix]

I don't know how relavent this is to BMW's,

I had it on my 95 300ZXTT. Actually it was Speed sensitive steering and HICAS (rear wheel turns about 8 degrees, actuated by an electric motor.)

Speed sensitive steering was great, keeps the car from being twitchy at highway speeds by making the steering stiffer, gives it a very solid feel by makig it a little harder o turn the wheel above a certain speed, I'm not sure what the mecahnism use was.

HICAS: Really cool setup, early cars were hydraulic, later cars used stepper motors. A lot of people removed this from their track cars, they said it made the car unpredicatable in the corners. I didn't track mine so I can't say for sure. Search TwinTurbo.net for more info on the Nissan setup. (http://www.twinturbo.net)
I am pretty sure you have speed sensitive steering on your M3. I thought they have had this in their cars for a long time. You had the 4wheel steering like they have on the mitsibishi vr4's right?

As for the active steering, I think it changes the steering ratios depending on the speed. For example, the active steering would make parking easy by creating less turns lock to lock, not sure how it works on the highway.

[fliplap]

I don't know how relavent this is to BMW's,

I had it on my 95 300ZXTT. Actually it was Speed sensitive steering and HICAS (rear wheel turns about 8 degrees, actuated by an electric motor.)

Speed sensitive steering was great, keeps the car from being twitchy at highway speeds by making the steering stiffer, gives it a very solid feel by makig it a little harder o turn the wheel above a certain speed, I'm not sure what the mecahnism use was.

HICAS: Really cool setup, early cars were hydraulic, later cars used stepper motors. A lot of people removed this from their track cars, they said it made the car unpredicatable in the corners. I didn't track mine so I can't say for sure. Search TwinTurbo.net for more info on the Nissan setup. (http://www.twinturbo.net)

Sounds like what you're refering to is variable power steering assist. The car gave more assistance at lower speeds. Active steering actually changes the steering ratio depending on speed. All the way from 10:1 at parking lot speeds to 18:1 at highway cruising.

For what its worth, I liked active steering the couple times I tried it. People say it makes the car unpredictable, but to me it felt completely natural. Try it out at your local BMW dealership. I'm sure they'll have no problem if you're already buying an e60 and are just piecing out the options.

[ridebmw]

ive used it and on the highway it is much nicer no jerky movements. While in parking lots you can just scoot around real easy. I cant see a reason not to get it.

[333inlinesix]

ive used it and on the highway it is much nicer no jerky movements. While in parking lots you can just scoot around real easy. I cant see a reason not to get it.
Besides the fact that something could go wrong down the line possibly? I think it has not been out long enough to decide whether it is beneficial or not depending on reliability.

[Kevlar]

Active steering constantly varies the steering ratio based on speed. At slower speeds instead of having to make 2 1/2 turns from center to reach steering lock, you only need to turn the wheel a 3/4 of a turn.

At highway speeds, the active steering does just the opposite, by adjusting the ratio, the steering wheel requires more movement for a simple lane change which eliminates the darty effect felt by too agressive a steering ratio.

As a fail safe, if the system fails, the system goes to a default steering ratio of a normal car...

A downside to the system is it takes a little of road feel out of the steering wheel.

[Mjollnir]

I am pretty sure you have speed sensitive steering on your M3. I thought they have had this in their cars for a long time. You had the 4wheel steering like they have on the mitsibishi vr4's right?

As for the active steering, I think it changes the steering ratios depending on the speed. For example, the active steering would make parking easy by creating less turns lock to lock, not sure how it works on the highway.

Thanks for the info! and seting me straight on the difference between the Active and Variable assist.

I guess the 300zx 4-wheel steering is similar to the VR-4's but I haven't ever dealt with them, so I can't say for sure. It wasn't very much of a turn, but it did make a noticeable difference.

[ronin009]

My father bought a 645i last year which I drove for three months. I think as long as you have no plans on taking the car to the track I would absolutely recommend active steering. It makes parking easier and makes the car unbelievably stable at highway speeds. As far as reliability, your buying a new car so you have it covered by a warranty for atleast 4 years, and longer if you go for the extended.

Summary...go for it, I think you will enjoy it...