[BMW-GT]

Ordering a F10-550i next week. Definitely getting the Dynamic Handling Pkg & Sports Transmission with Paddles. The question I have is on getting the Integral Active Steering. Have an X6 that it definitely helps on when parking but it gives the X6 a bit of artificial feel making the steering lighter than it should (which is the purpose). Have any members feel it's worth getting and do you feel it lessens the pure driving experience?

[BimmerGuyFL]

Depends on what you are looking for? if you want more of a natural feel I would go without the IAS. However if you like the quick steering and don't mind the less artificial feel I would say get the IAS. The normal Non IAS steering doesn't have the old school BMW heavy feel anymore as it feels lighter and very easy to steer without much resistance. I would say save your money and get the normal non IAS steering system.

[Hoss NY]

I decided against getting the IAS. It got mixed reviews from the media reviews and from the dealers I spoke with about it. There are some enthusiasts that swear by it, and I'm sure it makes a difference in performance, but based on the reviews and dealer input, I passed. This is in the personal preference category. If you're really torn, I'd recommend test driving both if you can before deciding.

[ibimmer954]

Keep in mind that if you get IAS, you also get 4-wheel steering. So it's not just adjusting the steering parameters. I have IAS and I like the way the car feels when going in the twisties. I'm guessing the extra steering is helping there. Also, I can do U-turns with very little effort. The steering is lighter than the 335i E93 I had before. I'll take extra handling when needed over heavier steering.

But I haven't driven an F10 without IAS. I might next week at an F10 dealer event. Not sure if the demo car will have IAS or not.

[delvek]

I havent see one bad review on IAS and all feedback I have received claims it a must have option for high speed driving on turns its phenomenal. Of course the low speed assist is nice too.

Please someone post a link to a review that spoken negatively about it.

[MBrown1003]

I had Active Steering in my E92 335i. I loved it -- really missed it when I got the M3. After 18 months with the ///M, I don't miss it. When I was ordering my E92, I drove two E90s back-to-back: one with, and one without. I (obviously!) liked the car with it much better. Parking & low-speed maneuvering were MUCH better with it. I also noticed that high speed maneuvers, though, were a little less crisp. (Think abrupt lane changes at highway speeds. [At exactly the speed limit, right?! ])

I'm pretty sure that the F10 system is more advanced -- including the 4-wheel steering -- so I completely concur with Hoss to drive both. Back to back and over the same course if at all possible.

[delvek]

Driving in Germany / Europe can be very tight for cars even more so with a 5 series, if you have never been in a parking garage in Europe with 5'er you haven't lived. Also, I make a lot of high speed runs to Austria, the long sloping turns at high speeds are a major factor for me. From my understanding through talking with BMW and owners here, that the IAS will be invaluable for me. Most people dwell on the benefits of IAS at low speeds but the benefits at high speeds was equally important to BMW and should be mentioned as well.

The only real argument against it that I have heard are from those that are anti anything that gets in the way of them and their car. They claim that IAS and many other technologies mediate their relationship with the auto and road. I buy that from a true aficionado but most of the naysayers are such and just adopt the argument because they own a car that could qualify them as such.

I think in the end we must choose options that fit our needs and the only way to do that is to accept how we truly will be using the car, not want to.

[BMW-GT]

Well said.

[raleedy]

My primary gripe is that active steering requires the dynamic handling package which in turn requires the sport package. These little things add up.

[1HOT BMR]

I'm also debating on whether or not to order the IAS. Can someone post some links to IAS reviews - positive or negative? I've done searches in a couple of forums and I find very little written about it.

[pharding]

I have it. In general I like it, however I have mixed feelings about it. It is somewhat soft when going straight compared to my E60. IMO it could be fixed with a software modification. I believe that BMW will fix it just like they addressed similar issues on the E60 when it came out. So I would get it and trust that BMW will fix it.

[bm323]

Originally Posted by delvek

Driving in Germany / Europe can be very tight for cars even more so with a 5 series, if you have never been in a parking garage in Europe with 5'er you haven't lived. Also, I make a lot of high speed runs to Austria, the long sloping turns at high speeds are a major factor for me. From my understanding through talking with BMW and owners here, that the IAS will be invaluable for me. Most people dwell on the benefits of IAS at low speeds but the benefits at high speeds was equally important to BMW and should be mentioned as well.

The only real argument against it that I have heard are from those that are anti anything that gets in the way of them and their car. They claim that IAS and many other technologies mediate their relationship with the auto and road. I buy that from a true aficionado but most of the naysayers are such and just adopt the argument because they own a car that could qualify them as such.

I think in the end we must choose options that fit our needs and the only way to do that is to accept how we truly will be using the car, not want to.

+1 on your last point.

I have not read any info from BMW that IAS improves the drive at high speeds. How does it do so? The product info is that IAS assists in slow speed maneuvering.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by bm323

+1 on your last point.

I have not read any info from BMW that IAS improves the drive at high speeds. How does it do so? The product info is that IAS assists in slow speed maneuvering.

I think there is a credible claim that the 4 wheel steering is better for high speed turns. At elevated speeds it turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts.

[bm323]

Originally Posted by raleedy

I think there is a credible claim that the 4 wheel steering is better for high speed turns. At elevated speeds it turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts.

Just checked, yes you are correct http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...+gRO1AkEqBnQ==

Question is whether IAS numbs the steering somewhat, as mentioned by maybe 2/3 car mag reviewers.

[bm323]

Originally Posted by pharding

I have it. In general I like it, however I have mixed feelings about it. It is somewhat soft when going straight compared to my E60. IMO it could be fixed with a software modification. I believe that BMW will fix it just like they addressed similar issues on the E60 when it came out. So I would get it and trust that BMW will fix it.

Reading your post makes me wonder whether it is due to IAS that caused you to feel differently about the handling of the f10, comparing the 535i tested (which I assume was without IAS) and 550i with IAS.

[pharding]

Originally Posted by bm323

Reading your post makes me wonder whether it is due to IAS that caused you to feel differently about the handling of the f10, comparing the 535i tested (which I assume was without IAS) and 550i with IAS.

I have never thought of that. You may be right. IMO my IAS 550i F10 handles great. It is just that when going straight it feels a tad sloppy and lacking a precise steering feel of a BMW. Warts and all I would definitely get IAS.

[bm323]

Originally Posted by pharding

Warts and all I would definitely get IAS.

Good to hear this

[PoleApart]

I had AS on my E60 530d for 4 years. Ordered the F10 without it. Every day I have to drive up 5 floors on a tight car park and really it's fine without. At speed I much prefer no AS. Basically in tight corners you know what steering wheel angle corresponds to what bend radius regardless of speed.

As for feel - the electric steering is not that great in generating too much of it anyway so can't comment on how better or worse it is compared to an E60 without AS.

[delvek]

my opinions 3 months into ownership of my 550i is that I agree with pharding. Fact is, the car is softer period has nothing to do with the IAS. In tight spaces at low speeds there is notable nimbleness and at high speeds it is more rail like because the ass end turns with the front end.

My hopes is as mentioned already here, that a software fix of sorts stiffens the ride but again IMO IAS is not a factor behind that.