Quote:
Originally Posted by simianspeedster
I'm still curious about this topic. It sounds like we've established the following:
Changing any F30 from the default Comfort setting to Sport changes the weight of the steering (i.e. effort required to steer).
Adding Variable Sport Steering also changes the responsiveness of the steering (i.e. steering ratio) but doesn't change the weight.
Because all F30 steering is electric, it's unlikely that either feature can adjust the feedback of the steering (i.e. how much "road noise," kickback, etc. you feel in the steering) -- that's probably defined by the decoupling of the steering input from the rack. Does that sound about right?
And that last part that's puzzling to me: looking at various features and options on the E9X line, I don't find any mention of steering changes that come from adding the Sport or M-Sport Packages. Of course different suspension and wheels/tires can have a significant difference on steering feel (especially effort and feedback), but it seems like all E9X cars used the same basic steering mechanism, not counting the rare Active Steering option.
Does this sound accurate or is there some suggestion that the steering was modified on various E9X models or trims?
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You are absolutely correct!
The steering "feel" is the same in all modes as far as communication goes- the weight is what changes (less electric assist). The communicative feedback is limited until the wheels are about to break loose; there is enough info to to feel the car and safely correct.
The F30 chassis unlike the E46 and E90 is more neutral from the start as the engineers did not need to dial in understeer for the "safety" of the masses as DSC is now standard and that takes care of inducing understeer. The car is much more tossable and the balance point in a slide is where it was in the E90 M3 which is ideal for a sedan, right behind the front seat. (Get rid of the staggered tires and it helps greatly!)
The chassis is very impressive. Many have said BMW cheapened the suspension by going to steel in the rear- the real reason was increased stiffness and added weight to the rear for ideal weight balance.
Do I like the new EPS- yes and no. What many think of road feel (in most cars) is really noise- it doesn't provide you with any needed information (like being in a room with the Fan humming), and what the steering now communicates is the information you need to make a driving adjustment (Fan is clunking so you better duck or get out of dodge). What this means is that it provides you with enough to do what you need to but that is about it- I'd prefer a more progressive nature to it, a bit more communicative change like the change in the hum rather than going to the clunk.
It is leaps and bounds over the F10 but it is also a different customer- the Z4 35IS has the best EPS rack and if they replicate that in the F30 it would be sensational.
-M
E9X line only had the different rack steering with the M3 and the horrendous Active Steering system.