RWD Models with EPAS and xDrive with Hydraulic steering

BimmerGuyFL · 02-04-2011, 03:11 PM

Since the magazines still have not tested a 535xi or a 550xi F10 model, for those of you who have driven both the RWD and the xDrive F10 5-series, could you chime in and provide us your feed back on the steering feels between each other.

Am wondering if the xDrive model steering feels more like the traditional BMW steering feel.

Thanks.

kickdown · 02-05-2011, 08:34 AM

Yes its exactly the same as the E60 Xdrive. In Europe here, you can't order the self parking system with the XDrive models, since it need and electric power steering

rexus300 · 02-05-2011, 11:14 AM

The xdrive steering is heavier weighed and has better on center feel than the RWD with electric steering. The xdrive retains the BMW steering feel like the older E60 which is a good thing.

bmwarchitect · 02-05-2011, 01:56 PM

Agree that x drive feels more planted. Opinion is from test driving both models.

radarguy · 02-06-2011, 08:29 AM

I have driven both and they both respond to steering wheel inputs the same. However, the hydraulic requires slightly more effort and feels more like my E39 hydraulic PS. The difference isn't that great between EPS and HPS. It's a question of what appeals to you and I think either one is more than acceptable and after driving it for a few hundred miles I doubt if you will think about it.

I drove a number of EPS models between June and October and then the hydraulic one in October. My first reaction was they were different and slightly preferred the hydraulic. After the hydraulic test drive was over I decided it really didn't matter. Since I wanted an X-drive, I didn't have a choice.

As a previous poster indicated, the X-drive feels more planted on the road even on dry pavement and certainly on wet pavement, both of which I tested it on. That attribute is most likely due to AWD rather than the steering mechanization.

02-04-2011, 03:11 PM	#1
BimmerGuyFL Lieutenant 74 Rep 515 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 BMW 535i M-sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orlando, FL USA iTrader: (0)	RWD Models with EPAS and xDrive with Hydraulic steering Since the magazines still have not tested a 535xi or a 550xi F10 model, for those of you who have driven both the RWD and the xDrive F10 5-series, could you chime in and provide us your feed back on the steering feels between each other. Am wondering if the xDrive model steering feels more like the traditional BMW steering feel. Thanks. __________________ 2013 F10 BMW 535i Alpine White / Oyster Dakota Leather / Anthracite Wood Trim / Steptronic transmission / M Sport Package / Premium Package / Technology Package / Rear-view camera / Park Distance Control
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02-05-2011, 08:34 AM	#2
kickdown Private 0 Rep 73 Posts Drives: BMW 320dA Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria iTrader: (0)	Yes its exactly the same as the E60 Xdrive. In Europe here, you can't order the self parking system with the XDrive models, since it need and electric power steering __________________ Diesel Power Europe German forum: You ask a question and you get an answer. US Forum: You ask a question, you get an answer and you are asked back another question. Bulgarian Forum: You ask a question...5 people starts explaining you how dumb you are, for asking such a stupid question!!!
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02-05-2011, 11:14 AM	#3
rexus300 Lieutenant 154 Rep 440 Posts Drives: car Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan iTrader: (1)	The xdrive steering is heavier weighed and has better on center feel than the RWD with electric steering. The xdrive retains the BMW steering feel like the older E60 which is a good thing.
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02-05-2011, 01:56 PM	#4
bmwarchitect Enlisted Member 0 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 03 BMW X5 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: upstate ny iTrader: (0)	Agree that x drive feels more planted. Opinion is from test driving both models.
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02-06-2011, 08:29 AM	#5
radarguy Second Lieutenant 92 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2024 M440ix, 2023 X3 M40ix Join Date: May 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have driven both and they both respond to steering wheel inputs the same. However, the hydraulic requires slightly more effort and feels more like my E39 hydraulic PS. The difference isn't that great between EPS and HPS. It's a question of what appeals to you and I think either one is more than acceptable and after driving it for a few hundred miles I doubt if you will think about it. I drove a number of EPS models between June and October and then the hydraulic one in October. My first reaction was they were different and slightly preferred the hydraulic. After the hydraulic test drive was over I decided it really didn't matter. Since I wanted an X-drive, I didn't have a choice. As a previous poster indicated, the X-drive feels more planted on the road even on dry pavement and certainly on wet pavement, both of which I tested it on. That attribute is most likely due to AWD rather than the steering mechanization.
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