[HVYWGHT]

I'm unfortunately assuming that the F30 will suffer the same fate as the most recent BMWs and have electric power steering. Is this true?

After driving the lifeless new 5er with this set-up, and then watching it lose a C&D comparo to an Infiniti and an old Audi for this very reason, I'm a little worried. When they went from electric-pump hydraulic steering in the MINI (R50/53) to an all-electric steering set up in the R56 (current gen MINI), it lost the instant tactile feel. It still goes around turns, but the actual feeling is lost. When they made the last gen Z4 M version, they put a hydraulic rack back in to regain steering feel....

I understand BMW's desire to eak out every last bit of fuel efficiency with this shift being part of it, but I really can't bare to think of the 3 series losing its best in the world steering feel for a little less gas. Give the USA stop-start if you want to do this. Lighten up the vehicles with carbon fiber roofs and hoods. Just keep the hydraulic rack, PLEASE!

Anyone else out there agree?

[BMWDAD]

I have not drove the 5 yet, but read with great interest the C+D comparo.

WOW!

[Nater]

I completely agree, I am worried about this very thing myself. I hope BMW can get this figured out. This is ruining the driving experience that BMW is all about.

[oserx]

I think my 1er and 3er coupe have also electric-aid power steering. So you don't have to worry. I have my 1er since june 2007 and 80.000km. It's ok

[pruettfan]

I am not concerned at all about electric steering. It is essentially the same as a fly by wire system used in since the F-16 in the late 70's. In economy cars electric steering sucks because the lack of time and investment in calibrating and programing the steering for proper feel and establishing systems for feedback. BMW will not make that mistake.

[reprod]

I test drove the new 2011 550i with the work (Tech Package and Sport w/19s)

Steering felt numb and I didnt feel as confident as I did in my 335.

[hotrod2448]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

I am not concerned at all about electric steering. It is essentially the same as a fly by wire system used in since the F-16 in the late 70's. In economy cars electric steering sucks because the lack of time and investment in calibrating and programing the steering for proper feel and establishing systems for feedback. BMW will not make that mistake.

It's different than that. This is electrical power steering assist, not fly by wire. The steering wheel is still mechanically connected to the rack through the column and is what is actually doing the work with an electric motor to help lighten the load.

Fly by wire has no mechanical connection to the part the control is telling to move. It provides an electric signal that is then interpreted by the system and control motors do the actual movement.

Something to think about with this system though is depending on what computer controls the assist you could potentially adjust the amount of assist or turn it off all together at speeds greater than 15MPH with a reflash.

[Atombyte]

Originally Posted by oserx

I think my 1er and 3er coupe have also electric-aid power steering. So you don't have to worry. I have my 1er since june 2007 and 80.000km. It's ok

Unless they're different from American models, you should have hydraulic power steering. Both my '07 335 and my '11 328 have hydraulic power steering.

I'm trying to stay optimistic and I'll hold off judgment until I actually see and drive one. However, if:

1) They're as ugly as the renderings I've seen
2) Only offer turbo 4's and not a NA I6
3) Weigh in a couple hundred pounds more than the current model
4) Have a dead-feeling electric power steering
5) Cost more

then I won't be buying an F3x. With the exception of #1 above, that's why I chose to get a 328 over an A5. I'll either buy out my current E92 328 or get a cheap daily driver and a slightly used E92 M3 for weekends/fun.

[bdardashti]

The power steering doesn't have to be a totally bad thing. Bimmerfile reviewed the Z4 sDrive35is and said that the steering feel is MUCH better than that of the regular 35i, so my guess would be that BMW will tune the steering feel on the next 1er and 3er differently than what they've done with the new 5er. It will very likely be power steering, but tuned differently.

Originally Posted by tgb335i

I'm trying to stay optimistic and I'll hold off judgment until I actually see and drive one. However, if:

1) They're as ugly as the renderings I've seen
2) Only offer turbo 4's and not a NA I6
3) Weigh in a couple hundred pounds more than the current model
4) Have a dead-feeling electric power steering
5) Cost more

1) I don't know.
2) Not having a NA 6 is pretty likely
3) Probably not. Most estimates have said it will be same size, so even with small size growth, with more advanced weight savings technique, it should be kept the same.
4) As described above, hopefully not.
5) Probably will, unless of course competition forces the prices down (like Mercedes did with the new E and BMW followed with F10).