Is the Steering really THAT bad?

JSH3 · 07-11-2011, 08:03 PM

I am looking to lease an F10 and read article after article about how bad the steering is... from lack of feedback to no on-center feel. Is it really that bad? I currently own an E90 and the steering is tight, but I need more room. (I'd hate to sacrifice the tight steering to get more room.) Thanks.

'17 750i Msport · 07-11-2011, 08:27 PM

Don't know if you'll like this analogy but i have a 550i with M sport package. I drive in sport mode and the steering feels very similar to an E63 I used to lease.

Asphire23 · 07-11-2011, 08:51 PM

Going from E92 with active steering to F10 myself, I would say you will lose that tight feeling. F10 feels a bit like Camry with tight grip and a bit of firmness.

JSH3 · 07-11-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asphire23

Going from E92 with active steering to F10 myself, I would say you will lose that tight feeling. F10 feels a bit like Camry with tight grip and a bit of firmness.

Given your move from E92 to F10, would you say it's a positive move despite the steering? What advantages do you see with the F10 other than more room?

Asphire23 · 07-11-2011, 10:00 PM

I'd say so far it's been a positive experience, the F10 is a solid car with tons of gadgets and great fuel economy (25 vs 17), plus you can compensate the spirited driving with the sports mode. But if I have the option again, I would go with the E92 any day of the week.

Btw, mine is a 528i, so I may not know what I'm talking about if I were to drive the 550i or M5.

paulbazo · 07-11-2011, 10:32 PM

Steering is bad in the F10, if you need more room, well, like you said, you will sacrifice the tight feeling on the E90, but eventually you will get used to the floaty F10 as long as you don't drive another car to compare it with.

marcielago · 07-11-2011, 10:35 PM

I have the F10 550i with DHP and integral active steering. I honestly think that the car is tight (I wouldn't say very tight) and smooth at the same time (the smoothest I've seen which I really like).

Could mean, seeing many people commenting on steer feel, that it depends on the options you have. I have also noticed in this forum that the people who are "mostly" having steering problems are the ones with the I6 engines.

ibimmer954 · 07-11-2011, 11:53 PM

I have a F10 535i with DHP and IAS packages. I'm happy with the steering in the car. It's not quite as tight as the 335i I had before, but overall I'm happy with the way the steering feels. A little lighter, but still responsive. I think IAS is a great option!

delvek · 07-12-2011, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibimmer346

I have a F10 535i with DHP and IAS packages. I'm happy with the steering in the car. It's not quite as tight as the 335i I had before, but overall I'm happy with the way the steering feels. A little lighter, but still responsive. I think IAS is a great option!

My thoughts exactly and the same build car only a 550i. I loved the steering when I got, never saw the issue others speak of.

I did put on the ACS suspension and it took it to the next step and the car is well grounded and connected, feedback is awesome.

Wanna_F10 · 07-12-2011, 02:07 AM

Came from an e39 530i 2002 w/sport to f10 535i m-sport with IAS - steering is tight, centered, tracks well, happy with it. In sport mode, I think it might be tighter than the e39 at highway speeds. At lower speeds, below 30mph, the IAS variable steering ratio intentionally makes the steering more aggressive, hence more maneuverable, but result is lighter feel and I'm ok with the tradeoff. Seems like those f10 owners with IAS or xdrive (hydraulic not electric) are happier with steering. Best to drive it yourself to decide.

EdM5 · 07-12-2011, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanna_F10

Came from an e39 530i 2002 w/sport to f10 535i m-sport with IAS - steering is tight, centered, tracks well, happy with it. In sport mode, I think it might be tighter than the e39 at highway speeds. At lower speeds, below 30mph, the IAS variable steering ratio intentionally makes the steering more aggressive, hence more maneuverable, but result is lighter feel and I'm ok with the tradeoff. Seems like those f10 owners with IAS or xdrive (hydraulic not electric) are happier with steering. Best to drive it yourself to decide.

JSH3 · 07-12-2011, 04:30 AM

Test driving one today. Can't swing the 550i or M5, so looks like IAS is the answer perhaps.

Jon D · 07-12-2011, 04:43 AM

I switched from a pre 2010 LCI (hydraulic steering) E92 to my 535d M Sport auto. In just about every respect it's a fantastic car, especially the utterly sublime twin scroll big diesel/8 speed sport auto powertrain and adaptive suspension. The only negative, for me, is the steering, which as others have found, lacks road feedback and is rather numb in the straight ahead position and is entirely different to the precision of the pre-2010 E9x series.
Having said that, it handles remarkably well for such a large car and provided that a positive cornering force is being applied to the wheel, the steering is very precise through a series of bends, especially with the suspension set to sport or sport+, which all but eliminates body roll.
The best thing you could do would be to take an extended test drive in a car specced as closely to your desired configuration as possible.
Additionally, it would be worth trying the active steering option; I haven't tried it myself, but from what I hear, it significantly sharpens things up.

BobRBob · 07-12-2011, 06:30 AM

There is no problem with the steering on the 528i. Tracks straight, feels just right.
Non-issue. Coming from an E39 which was heavier at low speeds.

LuvMyE92 · 07-12-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSH3

Test driving one today. Can't swing the 550i or M5, so looks like IAS is the answer perhaps.

Let us know what you think (and which cars you drive). As you can see from my "handle" I came from the E92 and now have the F10. I wish I'd kept the E92.

crmgr · 07-12-2011, 08:47 AM

I went from an E60 to a F10 XI-MSport. Only have 300 miles on it, so I may still need to break in the suspension and tires. There is a definite difference between the two cars. Steering in normal mode can best be called "floating" when on the highway. I'm getting use to it, but there feels to be a disconnect between the car and road. The car also tends to wander. Putting it in Sport mode tightens everything up. If handling and road feel is a priority, pony up for the adaptive suspension package.

The F10 is still a great car. It's a keeper if I can just work my way through the LS2 tire issue.

Bamsha · 07-12-2011, 09:16 AM

I just recieved my new F10 535i last week and have already driven it 2000 km(from UK to Sweden).

I still have my old e39 525i, and when I drove it right after driving the F10 I almost thought the servo was broken, because it felt so heavy to steer at low speeds.

So my conclusion is that the servo-engine is so much more powerful in the F10 which gives a diffrent feel when steering, but not necessarily making it less tight. Just a very diffrent feeling when its so easy to turn the wheel.

Its a matter of getting used to it, imo.

Needsdecaf · 07-12-2011, 09:37 AM

To paraphrase Smokey the Bear: "Only you can decide". Seriously. It's not BAD. It's just DIFFERENT. Some are fine with that. Others not. You need to figure out which camp you are in, which means an extended drive. On the highway

EdM5 · 07-12-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamsha

I just recieved my new F10 535i last week and have already driven it 2000 km(from UK to Sweden).

I still have my old e39 525i, and when I drove it right after driving the F10 I almost thought the servo was broken, because it felt so heavy to steer at low speeds.

So my conclusion is that the servo-engine is so much more powerful in the F10 which gives a diffrent feel when steering, but not necessarily making it less tight. Just a very diffrent feeling when its so easy to turn the wheel.

Its a matter of getting used to it, imo.

Well said. Now that I am used to my IAS F10, I am amazed how heavy the steering feels, every time I hop into my wife's 130i M sport. But heavy is certainly not better or tighter.
I have to admit though that (IMO) in the steering department, the e92 is still king.

cc3 · 07-12-2011, 03:37 PM

I have a F11 fantastic car but steering is a real weak point. Have owned 20+ BMW's and the steering on this car is the worst of all of them I also have a 1M and that has fantastic steering. You wouldn't believe they came
from the same company.

JSH3 · 07-12-2011, 04:41 PM

If I get the F10, it will not have IAS on it (due to my budget).

lindros2 · 07-12-2011, 07:22 PM

You'll get used to it.

I came from a Nissan GT-R and various Acura and Audi cars.

The loaner 335i was painful to steer coming out of my 535i. And the 3er interior felt low-rent compared to the 535i.

In summary - you'll get used to it.

My car does NOT have IAS.

07-11-2011, 08:03 PM	#1
JSH3 First Lieutenant 54 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2010 328i E92 and 2011 X3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boca Raton, FL iTrader: (2)	Is the Steering really THAT bad? I am looking to lease an F10 and read article after article about how bad the steering is... from lack of feedback to no on-center feel. Is it really that bad? I currently own an E90 and the steering is tight, but I need more room. (I'd hate to sacrifice the tight steering to get more room.) Thanks.
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07-11-2011, 08:27 PM	#2
'17 750i Msport Private First Class 22 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2017 750i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Don't know if you'll like this analogy but i have a 550i with M sport package. I drive in sport mode and the steering feels very similar to an E63 I used to lease.
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07-11-2011, 08:51 PM	#3
Asphire23 New Member 1 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 528i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Diamond Bar iTrader: (0)	Going from E92 with active steering to F10 myself, I would say you will lose that tight feeling. F10 feels a bit like Camry with tight grip and a bit of firmness.
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07-11-2011, 10:00 PM	#5
Asphire23 New Member 1 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 528i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Diamond Bar iTrader: (0)	I'd say so far it's been a positive experience, the F10 is a solid car with tons of gadgets and great fuel economy (25 vs 17), plus you can compensate the spirited driving with the sports mode. But if I have the option again, I would go with the E92 any day of the week. Btw, mine is a 528i, so I may not know what I'm talking about if I were to drive the 550i or M5.
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07-11-2011, 10:32 PM	#6
paulbazo Second Lieutenant 51 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2018 M550ix Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	Steering is bad in the F10, if you need more room, well, like you said, you will sacrifice the tight feeling on the E90, but eventually you will get used to the floaty F10 as long as you don't drive another car to compare it with.
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07-11-2011, 10:35 PM	#7
marcielago Private First Class 12 Rep 177 Posts Drives: SG F10 550i MSport, CB E39 M5 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Abu Dhabi iTrader: (0)	I have the F10 550i with DHP and integral active steering. I honestly think that the car is tight (I wouldn't say very tight) and smooth at the same time (the smoothest I've seen which I really like). Could mean, seeing many people commenting on steer feel, that it depends on the options you have. I have also noticed in this forum that the people who are "mostly" having steering problems are the ones with the I6 engines. __________________ F10 550i M-sport: Space Grey/Oyster Black E39 M5 : Carbon Black/Caramel E39 520i : Titanium Silver/Beige (Sold)
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07-11-2011, 11:53 PM	#8
ibimmer954 Major 138 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: '23 i4 M50, '15 M3, '18 911 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Diego, California, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [9.75] 2023 BMW i4 M50 [0.00] 2018 Porsche 911 C4S [0.00] 2019 BMW X4 M40i [0.00]	I have a F10 535i with DHP and IAS packages. I'm happy with the steering in the car. It's not quite as tight as the 335i I had before, but overall I'm happy with the way the steering feels. A little lighter, but still responsive. I think IAS is a great option!
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07-12-2011, 02:07 AM	#10
Wanna_F10 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: F10 535i M Sport April/2011 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Silicon Valley California iTrader: (0)	Came from an e39 530i 2002 w/sport to f10 535i m-sport with IAS - steering is tight, centered, tracks well, happy with it. In sport mode, I think it might be tighter than the e39 at highway speeds. At lower speeds, below 30mph, the IAS variable steering ratio intentionally makes the steering more aggressive, hence more maneuverable, but result is lighter feel and I'm ok with the tradeoff. Seems like those f10 owners with IAS or xdrive (hydraulic not electric) are happier with steering. Best to drive it yourself to decide. __________________ F10 535i M sport 4/2011 build Imperial Blue/Oyster, P1, P2, IAS, paddles, 60/40 seats, BMW Apps, Michelin rft's.
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07-12-2011, 04:30 AM	#12
JSH3 First Lieutenant 54 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2010 328i E92 and 2011 X3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boca Raton, FL iTrader: (2)	Test driving one today. Can't swing the 550i or M5, so looks like IAS is the answer perhaps.
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07-12-2011, 04:43 AM	#13
Jon D Brigadier General 224 Rep 3,016 Posts Drives: 2022 840d Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I switched from a pre 2010 LCI (hydraulic steering) E92 to my 535d M Sport auto. In just about every respect it's a fantastic car, especially the utterly sublime twin scroll big diesel/8 speed sport auto powertrain and adaptive suspension. The only negative, for me, is the steering, which as others have found, lacks road feedback and is rather numb in the straight ahead position and is entirely different to the precision of the pre-2010 E9x series. Having said that, it handles remarkably well for such a large car and provided that a positive cornering force is being applied to the wheel, the steering is very precise through a series of bends, especially with the suspension set to sport or sport+, which all but eliminates body roll. The best thing you could do would be to take an extended test drive in a car specced as closely to your desired configuration as possible. Additionally, it would be worth trying the active steering option; I haven't tried it myself, but from what I hear, it significantly sharpens things up.
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07-12-2011, 06:30 AM	#14
BobRBob Private First Class 2 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2017 540ix, Dark Graphite Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	There is no problem with the steering on the 528i. Tracks straight, feels just right. Non-issue. Coming from an E39 which was heavier at low speeds. __________________ 2017 540ix Dark Graphite Metallic/Ivory/Black Dakota Previous 2014 535ix Imperial Blue/Oyster, Comfort Seats 2011 528i Cashmere Silver/Black Dakota 2001 530i Sport (deceased)
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07-12-2011, 08:47 AM	#16
crmgr Private 6 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535XI M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	I went from an E60 to a F10 XI-MSport. Only have 300 miles on it, so I may still need to break in the suspension and tires. There is a definite difference between the two cars. Steering in normal mode can best be called "floating" when on the highway. I'm getting use to it, but there feels to be a disconnect between the car and road. The car also tends to wander. Putting it in Sport mode tightens everything up. If handling and road feel is a priority, pony up for the adaptive suspension package. The F10 is still a great car. It's a keeper if I can just work my way through the LS2 tire issue.
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07-12-2011, 09:16 AM	#17
Bamsha Private 0 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 535i F10 2011 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Solna iTrader: (0)	I just recieved my new F10 535i last week and have already driven it 2000 km(from UK to Sweden). I still have my old e39 525i, and when I drove it right after driving the F10 I almost thought the servo was broken, because it felt so heavy to steer at low speeds. So my conclusion is that the servo-engine is so much more powerful in the F10 which gives a diffrent feel when steering, but not necessarily making it less tight. Just a very diffrent feeling when its so easy to turn the wheel. Its a matter of getting used to it, imo. __________________ ----------------- 2011 F10 535i SE Sophisto Grey 2001 E39 525i M-Sport Titansilver(Retired)
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07-12-2011, 09:37 AM	#18
Needsdecaf Major General 6510 Rep 6,653 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	To paraphrase Smokey the Bear: "Only you can decide". Seriously. It's not BAD. It's just DIFFERENT. Some are fine with that. Others not. You need to figure out which camp you are in, which means an extended drive. On the highway
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07-12-2011, 03:37 PM	#20
cc3 Major 622 Rep 1,333 Posts Drives: 1M, GT4, M2 M140i G40 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: .UK iTrader: (0)	I have a F11 fantastic car but steering is a real weak point. Have owned 20+ BMW's and the steering on this car is the worst of all of them I also have a 1M and that has fantastic steering. You wouldn't believe they came from the same company.
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07-12-2011, 04:41 PM	#21
JSH3 First Lieutenant 54 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2010 328i E92 and 2011 X3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boca Raton, FL iTrader: (2)	If I get the F10, it will not have IAS on it (due to my budget).
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07-12-2011, 07:22 PM	#22
lindros2 First Lieutenant 33 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 535i M-S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ... iTrader: (0)	You'll get used to it. I came from a Nissan GT-R and various Acura and Audi cars. The loaner 335i was painful to steer coming out of my 535i. And the 3er interior felt low-rent compared to the 535i. In summary - you'll get used to it. My car does NOT have IAS.
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