[ICALL]

One of the largest complaints I've read about this car before leasing one was the new electronic steering causing a floaty feeling in the steering. It was equated to more of a luxury car feel and less BMW.

What I was saying in that paragraph was in sports plus mode in my car, I didn't notice a significant difference. I did notice it in the non-sport package dealer 550 I test drove.

I didn't feel comfortable breaking the rear loose in my auto 2009 550 around a turn. I do with this one.

[uhn2000]

Big complaint from BMW is that "American's" scream for manual transmission and then never buy it.. glad to see someone finally coming through. Definitely a car I will be adding to my stable in a year or 2.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by ICALL

One of the largest complaints I've read about this car before leasing one was the new electronic steering causing a floaty feeling in the steering. It was equated to more of a luxury car feel and less BMW.

What I was saying in that paragraph was in sports plus mode in my car, I didn't notice a significant difference. I did notice it in the non-sport package dealer 550 I test drove.

I didn't feel comfortable breaking the rear loose in my auto 2009 550 around a turn. I do with this one.

How is the steering in sport mode. I hear Sport plus deactivates the traction control. I have only driven 550s with Sport and the adaptive drive.

I wonder if the sports pack changes the steering or if the adaptive sport makes it less floaty... You cannot get adaptive without sport.

Any sport out there without the adaptive care to chime in? Non msport a well since feature is included in that pack...

[JK479]

Originally Posted by raleedy

I would find it relatively easy to give up AWD since it adds weight and complexity and diminishes balance and handling while doing little good other than to provide some enhanced traction for accelerating. Of course I don't know what you need to use the car for but I think most people would get along just fine with a good set of winter tires and rwd.

How about a 535xi stick... i don't think a 6 speed would be a hard decision for the snow belt areas who just want to have good control of their cars.

[ibimmer954]

Originally Posted by jk3355

How is the steering in sport mode. I hear Sport plus deactivates the traction control. I have only driven 550s with Sport and the adaptive drive.

Sport mode does not deactivate traction control. "Sport+" mode does put the traction control in DTC mode. Like hitting the traction control button once on the 335i.

I have IAS and the dynamic handling package. I've never had an issue with the steering feel. Yes, it's different than the 335i I had before. But IAS gives my 535i amazing handling and feel.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by ibimmer346

Sport mode does not deactivate traction control. "Sport+" mode does put the traction control in DTC mode. Like hitting the traction control button once on the 335i.

I have IAS and the dynamic handling package. I've never had an issue with the steering feel. Yes, it's different than the 335i I had before. But IAS gives my 535i amazing handling and feel.

Maybe the real trick is to get active handling with the dynamic handling. So many options to change the handlign on these cars. Someone should have jsut included this active handling into the dynamic handlign package. Or M sport pack.

So conclusion, is the 535i handling crisp and non numb on center. All the major mags punish the handling aspect...

[KRUZNM3]

i miss driving my 6pd!!!

[JK479]

Originally Posted by KRUZN335

i miss driving my 6pd!!!

Its a dying breed, these 6 speeds!

[F11-Diesel]

Yes for dynamics sake we should have a Dynamic Sportmode Selectorstick!

The DSS could be at the site of the (then maybe redundant?) gearchange stick.

So every car reporter could have his pick in setup possibilities playing with the sticks while trying to think up something interesting to say about "drive quality and road feel".

[delvek]

Being a 4 door 5 passenger sedan, I think it doesn't have to be "Americans" but instead "families" who the mom or dad doesn't really have to deal with shifting in traffic, etc after a day out with the family. For me, this is the most luxurious and performance fused car that can fit a family well. If it was just me and my wife (or single) I would probably get an M3 coupe with a manual of course.

[Kayman]

ixneh on the Cadi eh!

[MBrown1003]

I'm in a similar quandary. I've never had an automatic -- not sure I even would know how to drive one. I've had 6 Bimmers, including a 2000 E39 540i/6, 2002 E39 M5, and my current 2008 E90 M3. (I've also had a Mercedes-Benz 190 and Peugeot 505 Turbo, both with manuals.) I'm still a little on the fence about the size/mass of the F10, but I'm currently leaning toward a 550i RWD with a proper transmission -- the manual. No "pedal deficit" -- as in, missing the clutch pedal -- for me!

As far as steering, I had the adaptive steering in a 2007 335i coupe; loved it at low speeds, but it took the "edge" off at highway speeds, so I'd probably skip it.

Does anybody have the adaptive steering on the F10? Thoughts??

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

Does anybody have the adaptive steering on the F10? Thoughts??

I do and I love it. I test drove cars with and without Integral Active Steering (new name for what you call adaptive?) and I liked IAS equipped cars better in every situation. I posted here or at bimmerfest about my impressions after 1,800 miles which include the IAS steering. My car is a 550i with a 6 speed manual.

[ibimmer954]

I agree. Really like the IAS. I have IAS with 6MT on a 535i. Really fabulous to drive. I test drove a 550i and 535i GT that didn't have IAS. The difference was very evident even in the parking lot. Much easier to drive my car with IAS. It's more responsive at low speed, and is easy to drive at highway speeds. Awesome all around. Makes the car feel very nimble with the 4-wheel steering.

[MBrown1003]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

I do and I love it. I test drove cars with and without Integral Active Steering (new name for what you call adaptive?) and I liked IAS equipped cars better in every situation. I posted here or at bimmerfest about my impressions after 1,800 miles which include the IAS steering. My car is a 550i with a 6 speed manual.

Does it numb the steering at highway speeds? I remember driving the M3 after having had a 335i with IAS (formerly adaptive steering) for about 18 months and really preferring the crisp, responsive steering at highway speeds. I do agree, though, that at low speeds, it's a wonder.

(The 550i with manual is likely my next car.)

[1HOT BMR]

There is nothing "numb" about it, the wheel moves immediately and offers no resistance at the slightest change of direction. If you want a little resistance when moving the steering wheel off center then give your car a little toe beyond what the specs call for - you will get uneven wear on your tires but you will get that "crisp" feeling you are talking about. My NSX calls for toe-out in front, the more I put in the "crisper" the steering gets and the more resistance I encounter when trying to move the wheel off center. It feels super planted at speed and it tracks like it's following a center rail on the pavement but the tires wear out on the inside and need replacement in 10K miles. BTW, my NSX has electric steering too and there is nothing "numb" about it either.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

There is nothing "numb" about it, the wheel moves immediately and offers no resistance at the slightest change of direction. If you want a little resistance when moving the steering wheel off center then give your car a little toe beyond what the specs call for - you will get uneven wear on your tires but you will get that "crisp" feeling you are talking about. My NSX calls for toe-out in front, the more I put in the "crisper" the steering gets and the more resistance I encounter when trying to move the wheel off center. It feels super planted at speed and it tracks like it's following a center rail on the pavement but the tires wear out on the inside and need replacement in 10K miles. BTW, my NSX has electric steering too and there is nothing "numb" about it either.

This is the best post of the entire thread. I have longed believed a lot of the critics think that electronic power steering hampers the car. I think its just the next leap in technology. People are upset ofcourse that the e60 and e90 do not have this set up. Next 3 series will have it to i have read.

I love the idea that people were upset abotu power steering many moons ago. Yet the NSX has this tech from the 90s and it is considered one of the best sports cars to come out of that era under 100 grand.

[delvek]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

There is nothing "numb" about it, the wheel moves immediately and offers no resistance at the slightest change of direction. If you want a little resistance when moving the steering wheel off center then give your car a little toe beyond what the specs call for - you will get uneven wear on your tires but you will get that "crisp" feeling you are talking about. My NSX calls for toe-out in front, the more I put in the "crisper" the steering gets and the more resistance I encounter when trying to move the wheel off center. It feels super planted at speed and it tracks like it's following a center rail on the pavement but the tires wear out on the inside and need replacement in 10K miles. BTW, my NSX has electric steering too and there is nothing "numb" about it either.

Agreed, I honestly dont know what the gripe is about, although I had a pulling issue, the steering itself and its relationship with the pavement and feedback to the steering wheel was flawless. I found my F10 550i to be a complete Joy to drive and look forward to its replacement in a couple of weeks.

[EL MEJOR]

Wow I know this thread is old But wow has it been informative. I ordered my F10 550i 6S MT a week ago and was beginning to wonder if I made the right choice, After reading this entire thread I am so Happy with my choice. I cant wait till it comes in! Thanx to all for your info.