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      10-16-2011, 03:05 PM   #1
simonm5
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VDC HELP

Hi All

i was wondering if there is a noticably differene between a 520d with VDC and one without

Is it worth spending the extra cash ?
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      10-17-2011, 05:16 AM   #2
blaz
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i haven't driven one without - but have been in one. I do have VDC.

I wouldn't have known the difference and claims that potholes or speed bumps disappear at the rear wheel due to the front have triggered a suspension change are a bit optimistic me thinks.

If you asked about active steering - I would say I noticed it more and I am impressed with the turning circle on my car where it is fitted.
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      10-17-2011, 05:22 AM   #3
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Does Active Steering actually tighten the turning circle? I thought it just varied assistance and the number of turns lock-to-lock. Surely the actual turning circle is the same?
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      10-17-2011, 07:51 AM   #4
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the car's turning circle changes because the rear wheels steer (by a maximum of 3 degrees each way)
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      10-17-2011, 07:56 AM   #5
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Not as part of Active Steering and three degrees would make no difference at all to the turning circle. That's a handling feature who's name escapes me. Active Steering just varies assistance and the gearing (i.e. turns lock-to-lock)

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t..._steering.html
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      10-17-2011, 08:49 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xenon View Post
Not as part of Active Steering and three degrees would make no difference at all to the turning circle. That's a handling feature who's name escapes me. Active Steering just varies assistance and the gearing (i.e. turns lock-to-lock)

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t..._steering.html
The way I read it is that at speeds below 35mph the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front which, to my understanding of geometry, would reduce the turning circle. Difficult to explain without being able to draw a diagram, but imagine the rear wheels describing their own arc outside that of the front, which would effectively turn the front further into the centre, thereby reducing the turning radius.
At speeds above 50mph the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front allegedly in order to increase stability.
Interesting that your link makes no mention of the rear wheel steering aspect, yet it's clearly detailed in the brochure.
I haven't tried the system myself, but I'm very keen to do so and my dealer is currently trying to source an F12 demonstrater so equipped.
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      10-17-2011, 08:55 AM   #7
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No, I understand the geometry I'm just thinking that a mere 3 degrees, even in an opposite direction to the front, would make no discernable difference (I wouldn't have thought). Be interesting to see the quoted turning circle between cars equipped and non-equipped. As you say, that "technical" article makes no reference to rear steering at all.
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      10-17-2011, 09:09 AM   #8
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I know 3 degrees doesn't sound very much, but I think it will have an effect. Just how much remains to be seen, but when my dealer sources a car for me I'll be able to drive both types back to back - I'll let you know when I've done so.
I'm less interested in the low speed agility aspect; my main hope is that the system might improve the mid to high speed steering feel.
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      10-17-2011, 09:11 AM   #9
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Hmm maybe. I think the F10 turning circle is pretty good anyway.
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      10-17-2011, 09:27 AM   #10
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Don't want to be pedantic, but if you consider the lever arm of several feet between the wheelbase, I think that will significantly compound the rear steering effect proportional to increasing font wheel angle.
However, I do agree that there's nothing wrong with the standard turning circle, hence my comment concerning the, hoped for, higher speed benefit.
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      10-17-2011, 10:30 AM   #11
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any one fancy drifting back to the actual question i posted about VDC
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      10-17-2011, 12:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simonm5 View Post
any one fancy drifting back to the actual question i posted about VDC
Ah, there you are - thought you'd got bored and gone away
Drifting away from the original question often happens on this forum and a very valuable source of information it often is too. You frequently find yourself unwittingly sparking off all sorts of related topics, but the subject generally finds it's way back and you'll be enriched with boundless knowledge in the process
To get back to your original query, I haven't driven VDC alone so I can't pass comment. My 535d has AD/VDC which, after the sublime dual turbo engine/sport auto power-train, I consider to be the car's second best feature.
I think your best course of action would be to find a dealer who has a demonstrater equipped with VDC alone and try it out first hand.
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      12-09-2011, 09:53 AM   #13
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I drove a demonstrator 520d SE sports auto for 2 days without VDC. I did not like the too jiggly ride on the bumpy, potholed,twisty Cheshire roads I frequent. So, I ordered a 520d SE sports auto with VDC and it was most definitely worth the extra.

VDC transforms the car. In Normal, most of the jiggliness is gone, while the ride is not overly firm. In Sport/Sport+ the jiggliness is eliminated, the car corners flatter, and yet the ride is not overly harsh. I never use Comfort mode, maybe fine on the motorway, but not on Cheshire A and B roads.

Its a real shame that BMW dont include VDC as standard on a £30k car when it makes such a huge difference the to the most fundamental aspect of BMW ownership.... how the car rides and handles! IMHO of course :-)
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