04-08-2015, 10:25 PM | #1 |
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Less power in exchange for hydraulic powersteering
What if BMW went backward in technology (probably never) to deliver the direct feel purists "crave?"
At the end of the day a focus of BMW is reducing carbon emissions and beating competitors standards while delivering performance. However, I was just watching a video about the new Mclaren 570s and how they still use hydraulic power steering systems. They get efficiency from electronically controlling the pump and I assume reducing drag on motor. But would you take a M2 with a bigger power gap between it and M3/4 for hydraulic steering? |
04-09-2015, 03:41 AM | #2 |
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If its more connected, which is will be, then yes.
Nothing like direct access to the front wheels. The electric systems are getting good, but it's just not the same feel |
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04-09-2015, 04:53 AM | #3 |
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the best electronic steering I've driven was in a Cayman GTS around a track....the worst is actually in the 235/228 which felt so artificial that it is painful. I really hope BMW fixes that 'artificial' feeling their current 2-series has for the M2. I did not find it enjoyable at all. With Audis electronic steering actually improved over their slow hydraulic systems but with BMW it has been a major downgrade. I have not yet driven the F8X M3/M4 so I cannot comment in that yet.
I would say there is a slim to no chance that BMW will go back to hydraulic steering and that is unfortunate to say the least... |
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04-09-2015, 06:38 AM | #4 |
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I'd take it in a heart beat. In fact, I'll have a hard time getting rid of the 328. I love the tight, hydraulic steering and the road feel it provides. It's far from the prettiest or fastest BMW to be had but scores high in the fun-to-drive department. So far I'm thinking of leasing the M2 as a fun summer/weekend car and using the 328 as a DD
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04-09-2015, 07:19 AM | #5 |
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Who wouldn't on these forums? Have you seen BMW's recent sales numbers? No one cares about hydraulic steering, N/A engines, options to remove idrive, etc., etc. BMW won't be giving us the option because we (enthusiasts) don't matter all that much to the brand anymore.
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04-09-2015, 08:42 AM | #6 |
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I understand the rationale for going to EPS as a way to reduce parasitic power drag on the engine, but why not an electric hydraulic pump? It could even be powered by a small hybrid-like battery recharged by regenerative braking and such.
Somebody build this, please.
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04-09-2015, 09:17 AM | #8 |
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I can't believe they got rid of their excellent system. It is brilliant on my 330i with M arms. So many folks bitch about manual but steering is even more important for me. Ferrari still has it and Infiniti is putting it back in on the next G model. Some BMW models still have it.
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04-09-2015, 12:39 PM | #9 |
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What you guys seem to be missing is that if BMW did put hydraulic steering on the car, it would be an admission that their electric steering sucks. Hence, it will never happen.
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04-09-2015, 01:10 PM | #10 | |
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We should be given products that we aspire to own, not try to "fit" in! Are you listening Kermit Man? |
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04-09-2015, 01:44 PM | #11 | ||
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Quote:
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What I really wish is that the whole buying experience was "ala-carte" - in that I could choose the body style (M2), engine of my choice (S55, 65, whatever was still in production) and pick and choose my other options accordingly. They could charge accordingly if I wanted an engine that needed to be shipped in or whatever - that's the essence of an invidividual program... Then I really could get the car EXACTLY the way I wanted.
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04-09-2015, 02:43 PM | #12 |
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1. ///M chose to stick to hydraulic steering when it first came on on the 5-series, no?
2. The fuel economy savings for electric steering are minuscule. As McLaren has shown and as a poster mentioned above, a hydraulic system can be powered by an electric pump. Of course there is some non-zero complexity to this. |
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04-09-2015, 04:46 PM | #13 | |
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04-09-2015, 05:11 PM | #14 |
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Well, if they did develop an electronic pump/hydraulic system it would just been a new technology to showcase. It is an opportunity to move forward just depends on your perspective/perception.
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04-09-2015, 05:48 PM | #15 |
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I admit that my 05 Xterra has better road feel through the steering than the M235i. Hydraulic steering would be the best improvement the M2 could get IMO.
It will never happen but at least we can dream.
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04-09-2015, 06:24 PM | #16 |
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Honestly, who really needs boosted steering anyway? My first car had non-powered rack-and-pinion steering - as in no PS at all.
And it drove fine. It drove great, actually. VERY connected to the road. Power steering is for wimps! And then I hear people complaining (not in this thread, but in others) that they went to the 2 series because they thought they had to work too hard with the 1er's steering. We have become pussies. lol And no, this isn't sarcasm. Tyler Durden doesn't have power steering.
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