08-01-2015, 07:40 AM | #1 |
Major
625
Rep 1,333
Posts |
Variable Sports Steering
My new X3 M Sport which gets built next week will come with variable sports steering. Having just read the test on the updated 3 series I am starting to worry. This steering set up seems to be pretty grim.
Any feedback on how it drives on an X3? http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...ort-comparison |
08-01-2015, 03:37 PM | #2 | |
Private First Class
30
Rep 113
Posts
Drives: E90 320D, F25 X3 30D
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Mumbai
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-01-2015, 07:30 PM | #3 | |
Private
5
Rep 91
Posts |
Quote:
For me, it has transformed the driving experience. The steering now feels so direct and precise (even more so in Sport Mode) and seems to handle like a go-cart and has brought back the enjoyment of driving. I would strongly urge you to test drive an X3 with that option before making a decision based on a reviewer’s report.
__________________
Current: X3 30d Auto MY2016
Previous: X3 20d Auto MY2013 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-02-2015, 01:09 AM | #4 | |
Private First Class
30
Rep 113
Posts
Drives: E90 320D, F25 X3 30D
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Mumbai
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-02-2015, 01:14 AM | #5 |
Major
183
Rep 1,259
Posts |
Sorry for busting in here, but I have tried to have this dialogue on X4 forum - no go .
When I got my X4 35i with all performance gadgets incl. 20" 310:s, I compared with my 9000 MY-97 (I still keep it) with 18" wheels - and was a bit disappointed: steering feel, steering precision and steer- into a curve AND steering wheel feedback was not as good. Apart from that, ride height is OK for X3 - not for my X4 coupe- so I lowered it - H&R, 35 mm (1 1/2"). Now I got not only a more harmonic looking vehicle - see picture - but also: better steering feel, better steering precision, better steer- into a curve, less sidewindsensitivity. and better steering wheel feedback. Note: -I have retained original shocks= less travel left for bumps -riding slightly on front bump stops= slightly less ride comfort - I would not do this if living with bad roads around. -I have not checked wheel alignment, but seem to be OK. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-02-2015, 10:05 AM | #6 | |
Private
5
Rep 91
Posts |
Quote:
That is purely my direct experience based on similar wheel sizes and may well be different for different wheel parameters people are looking at, thus my recommendation to test it first. The problem is that dealers don’t have demonstrators with the myriad of options customers may be wishing to try, so it’s difficult to test the ride/feel of variable sport steering with a particular wheel size or suspension set-up before ordering. Clearly demonstrator vehicles are more likely to have pricier luxury options because of a bigger profit margin, than something low cost but more practical with a direct impact on driving pleasure like VST. I opted for VST after sampling just the Servotronic-only option on an M version demonstrator (no VST) which of course had bigger and wider wheels, so I knew I would at least have a softer ride and hopefully improved steering response over and above the servo, due to VST. The result - fantastic!
__________________
Current: X3 30d Auto MY2016
Previous: X3 20d Auto MY2013 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2015, 07:50 AM | #7 | |
Private First Class
30
Rep 113
Posts
Drives: E90 320D, F25 X3 30D
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Mumbai
|
Quote:
I forgot to mention that my car and the lci I drove have the same tyre sizes along with the same tyres. 245/50 R18. Both are RFTs. Another thought of mine was that, variable sport steering shouldn't really change the feel considering it only changes how much you have to move the steering to turn a certain amount. But yes, RFTs and Non RFTs make a massive difference. I cannot wait for these damn Pirelli RFTs to wear off on my car so I can go and purchase a nice set of normal tyres. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|