[bosiwow]

Hello everybody,


I'm new to this forum and I want to buy a BMW 3 series. But I still have a question.
Imagine I buy a BMW without servotronic/variable sport steering, without adaptive suspension and with a manual gearbox.
What will the different drivemodes (eco/comfort/sport and sport+) change? Because it can't change the shift points (since it's a manual), it can't change the suspension
and it can't change the weighting of the steering wheel.

[smithf80]

The weight of the steering wheel should still change, it just won't automatically get heavier depending on your speed. For you it will change throttle response and steering weight.

[bosiwow]

Okay, thank you.

[Fronzdan]

And don't worry, you will feel the difference between each one with the 6MT.

[ft1330]

It doesn't change according to speed but according to turning radius.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by ft1330

It doesn't change according to speed but according to turning radius.

No, thats variable sport steering. Servotronic is based on speed.

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by smithf32

No, thats variable sport steering. Servotronic is based on speed.

Is this an option that's available in the US? Because I don't remember seeing this mentioned anywhere in the option list when buying the car

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by ft1330

Is this an option that's available in the US? Because I don't remember seeing this mentioned anywhere in the option list when buying the car

I believe Servotronic is standard on all US-Spec cars, but in other markets it is its own option. For Example, if you go on BMW Hungary you will have the option of choosing Servotronic or Variable Sport Steering. If you choose neither you get "base" steering. I have a screenshot but its hard to understand because it illustrates them the same even though they are not.

[smithf80]

Here it is anyway;



Ignore the illustration, suggesting that it also changes the ratio at lower speeds is wrong. Servotronic does lighten at lower speeds but the actual lock to lock ratio does not change.

[HighlandPete]

In the UK some cars come with base steering, other models further up the range have servotronic as standard, VSS is an option.

Then we do have VSS as a stand alone option, not just as part of DHP as in the States.

HighlandPete

[timmahh]

I had a loaner the other day [MY15] and in the options where you can now configure the modes there was an option in sport mode to modify the chassis and steering, or turn one or the other off. It still doesn't make sense, because the car obviously did not have DHP. Perhaps BMW thinks remapping the accelerator is "chassis tuning"?

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by smithf32

The weight of the steering wheel should still change, it just won't automatically get heavier depending on your speed. For you it will change throttle response and steering weight.

sport+ will also still put the stability control into DTC mode, and in the 335 it changes when the flaps in the exhaust open up (i.e. there is a bit of a burble noise on overrun)

[shoptb]

Even with a manual, the eco mode's dulling of the throttle response is very handy in some situations, namely city driving and in winter weather.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by shoptb

Even with a manual, the eco mode's dulling of the throttle response is very handy in some situations, namely city driving and in winter weather.

Very true. I get great city mileage on Eco Pro on my 8AT. I'm sure the throttle limiting will help greatly on the 6MT also.