[TodmordenLad]

I’m sure this has been well covered elsewhere but I couldn’t find any live threads so thought I’d start one.

VSS gets a bad press from all the journos, and I'm not sure why as it’s not THAT bad. I didn’t spec VSS on my F31 330D as I bought an ex-demonstrator, so I’ve no particular loyalty to VSS, one way or another. In Comfort mode, the steering can be a bit vague, becoming too artificially heavy when Sport is selected. I certainly wouldn’t have spec’d it if I were buying new, but I find it easy enough to live with, given the strength of the rest of the package.

The bigger issue lies in the fact that BMW took a step backwards when they abandoned hydraulic systems. The last decent steering was on my E61 530D, which was spot on.

So, if you have VSS on your F30/F31, how do you find it?

[dalto]

I thought the changing of steering weight was part of the standard EPS.

I was under the impression that what VSS did was change the steering ratio.

Is that not the case?

[crono06]

Originally Posted by dalto

I thought the changing of steering weight was part of the standard EPS.

I was under the impression that what VSS did was change the steering ratio.

Is that not the case?

I believe you are correct. I don't have vss and the effort/weight changes with the different modes as well.

The vss gives you a dynamic ratio. As more lock is applied, it will require less input to get more turn in. Without vss, you will have a linear ratio.

[TodmordenLad]

You may well be right. The VSS requires very few turns of the wheel. However, I haven't driven an F30/F31 without it so cant compare

[chiefneil]

VSS has nothing to do with steering weight or feel. I have it and don't really like, but it's not a huge pain just something I'd rather not have.

To illustrate my issue with VSS, take a hard right turn (left turn in the UK) really fast like at 8/10ths or higher. Bomb fast into the turn in a straight line, brake hard and late for a late apex, then turn smartly for the apex in a single motion. You'll find yourself oversteering unless you consciously slow down the turning motion while mentally tracking the steering wheel and your heading very closely. In a car without VSS, you do those types of corners instinctively and naturally.

If you don't ever hit hard right turns like that, then VSS won't bother you at all and you'll probably like it a lot for the increased turning ratio in parking lots. I'm just a little bit of a delinquent sometimes, I guess.

[hollandog]

To be honest I don't feel any dramatic difference between my 340i with VSS and 328i w/o VSS.

At low speed I don't need to turn the wheel as much for the U or 90 degree turns and that's about it.

[goj]

I am under the impression that although the variably cut steering rack is not new, it is becoming more common on journalist test cars and on the market.

I get this feeling that journalists really hate change and that is more of a reason for criticism than anything. The steering is fine, both VSS and standard and am doesn't feel any different in regular driving.

I've driven my families e36, e46, e92, my F30 LCI, and my families F82 the steering of the last two doesn't make the F30 or F82 less fun to drive.

[rjc32000]

+1. This really highlights the problem with adaptive components on a performance vehicle. If I'm navigating a parking lot, VSS seems really great. On a track or other performance setting, VSS isn't so hot IMHO. When steering behaves differently depending on the speed I'm traveling, predictability is sacrificed. When I scream into a corner, I want my suspension and steering to operate the same as they do at all other times--predictably and consistently. I don't want the car to decide midway through a hotlap to adjust my steering ratio or suspension settings, because it alters the driving dynamics and makes the car less predictable/consistent.

Realize I might be in the minority here, but I wouldn't opt for either VSS or Adaptive suspension on my cars.

Originally Posted by chiefneil

VSS has nothing to do with steering weight or feel. I have it and don't really like, but it's not a huge pain just something I'd rather not have.

To illustrate my issue with VSS, take a hard right turn (left turn in the UK) really fast like at 8/10ths or higher. Bomb fast into the turn in a straight line, brake hard and late for a late apex, then turn smartly for the apex in a single motion. You'll find yourself oversteering unless you consciously slow down the turning motion while mentally tracking the steering wheel and your heading very closely. In a car without VSS, you do those types of corners instinctively and naturally.

If you don't ever hit hard right turns like that, then VSS won't bother you at all and you'll probably like it a lot for the increased turning ratio in parking lots. I'm just a little bit of a delinquent sometimes, I guess.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by rjc32000

+1. This really highlights the problem with adaptive components on a performance vehicle. If I'm navigating a parking lot, VSS seems really great. On a track or other performance setting, VSS isn't so hot IMHO. When steering behaves differently depending on the speed I'm traveling, predictability is sacrificed. When I scream into a corner, I want my suspension and steering to operate the same as they do at all other times--predictably and consistently. I don't want the car to decide midway through a hotlap to adjust my steering ratio or suspension settings, because it alters the driving dynamics and makes the car less predictable/consistent.

Realize I might be in the minority here, but I wouldn't opt for either VSS or Adaptive suspension on my cars.

You are OK then, with VSS, as it doesn't alter the ratio at random. It is mechanical and always doing exactly the same thing at a particular part of the rack. Any feeling of change with speed and/or in bends must be the servotronic and levels of assistance, not the rack.

I guess a lot of drivers have a 'mind map' that is used to a traditional steering rack. Find it hard to adapt mentally to a new steering response. Wonder how you'd get on with an M3 or M4 with their variable cut rack. Predictability is there, just different than what we may be used to.

HighlandPete

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by dalto

I thought the changing of steering weight was part of the standard EPS.

I was under the impression that what VSS did was change the steering ratio.

Is that not the case?

That's what I always thought, BUT apparently VSS not only changes the variable turning rate mechanical gear (which I LOVE), but apparently it also VARIES the weight continuously, unlike non-VSS which just changes the weight to a fixed setting depending upon mode...though having owned it for a while, I don't notice the variability in weight.

Regardless, in answer to your question, I love VSS (the varying turning ratio aspect) and would absolutely order it again.

[auf Deutsch]

2 turns lock-to-lock. Makes 3 point turns a breeze.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by AudiA4

That's what I always thought, BUT apparently VSS not only changes the variable turning rate mechanical gear (which I LOVE), but apparently it also VARIES the weight continuously, unlike non-VSS which just changes the weight to a fixed setting depending upon mode...though having owned it for a while, I don't notice the variability in weight.

Regardless, in answer to your question, I love VSS (the varying turning ratio aspect) and would absolutely order it again.

EPS systems fitted to most F3x models have the servotronic function. Something like an F30 328i/335i (330i/340i) M-sport sold in the UK definitely have servotronic. I didn't think you guys in the US had the basic steering option, the standard rack without servotronic. The servotronic optioned EPS, like VSS, has variable assistance according to speed, irrespective of the modes selection.

HighlandPete

[rjc32000]

Oh, that's interesting. I assumed VSS adjusted the ratio based on speed vehicle is traveling, or at least based on how far rack was turned (i.e., 1x turn of wheel = X degrees of tire turn, and 2x turn of wheel = > 2X degrees of tire turn).

I get what you are saying about consistency: VSS works the same every time because it is mechanical. But from the perspective of someone who expects (through years of experience) the steering wheel to turn the wheels the same regardless of my speed or how far I've already turned the wheel, VSS introduces a dynamic that I personally find it hard to get used to.

So I guess a better way to express my original opinion is that for me-having become accustomed to how car steering has traditionally operated-finds VSS a bit intrusive and thinks it makes the car less predictable.

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

You are OK then, with VSS, as it doesn't alter the ratio at random. It is mechanical and always doing exactly the same thing at a particular part of the rack. Any feeling of change with speed and/or in bends must be the servotronic and levels of assistance, not the rack.

I guess a lot of drivers have a 'mind map' that is used to a traditional steering rack. Find it hard to adapt mentally to a new steering response. Wonder how you'd get on with an M3 or M4 with their variable cut rack. Predictability is there, just different than what we may be used to.

HighlandPete

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by rjc32000

So I guess a better way to express my original opinion is that for me-having become accustomed to how car steering has traditionally operated-finds VSS a bit intrusive and thinks it makes the car less predictable.

I totally understand what you are saying, it is a problem for some users. Although there is consistency (has to be it's mechanical) it's a different kind of predictability. I sense even test drivers (car mags) often comment negatively because they are not 'tuned' to the finer nuances in test drives. I've read that many adapt in a couple of days and never think about it again, unless they drive a car without and find them 'flat' dynamically by comparison.

Same happened with the active steering in the E9x and E6x models. Some users simply hated the way it worked, other drivers got it almost immediately and loved the more dynamic feel to the chassis.

I've just made a comment on another BMW forum, to a user who misses the active steering in his previous E60, I've encouraged him to test VSS, as he is thinking of getting into a F31.

HighlandPete

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by rjc32000

Oh, that's interesting. I assumed VSS adjusted the ratio based on speed vehicle is traveling, or at least based on how far rack was turned (i.e., 1x turn of wheel = X degrees of tire turn, and 2x turn of wheel = > 2X degrees of tire turn).

The part after "at least" is correct. However, it is very different from the first half of your sentence, which describes Active Steering optional in 5er and higher models.

I had AS in an X5, it would freak out everyone driving it irregularly. VSS in my current F31, on the other hand, is just fine. All it does is help turn quicker. The actual difference is not in VSS vs regular servotronic, but in the sport/comfort setting.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Same happened with the active steering in the E9x and E6x models. Some users simply hated the way it worked, other drivers got it almost immediately and loved the more dynamic feel to the chassis.

E9x never had AS.

I've just made a comment on another BMW forum, to a user who misses the active steering in his previous E60, I've encouraged him to test VSS, as he is thinking of getting into a F31.

VSS is nowhere close to the AS behavior. If someone wants AS (why?! why?!) they'll have to pay up to F0x, F1x, or G1x.

[//M]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

E9x never had AS.
VSS is nowhere close to the AS behavior. If someone wants AS (why?! why?!) they'll have to pay up to F0x, F1x, or G1x.

Your wrong the E9x did have active steering at least in 2007.

[TodmordenLad]

Thanks to all of you for replying. As I suspected, some like it, some don't and some aren't bothered either way. More to the point, however, I now understand what VSS actually does - which I didn't before!

[SDH]

Just to add a little to this, as I understand it the vss adds a variable ratio rack so if you were used to driving non vss then suddenly jumped into a vss equipped car you may well find less steering angle is required for the same corners you drive every day. However as stated above it is still a mechanical steering rack and pinion so the belt drive assist cant adjust ratio just assist levels.

[Blubaron79]

I actually forgot that I had it. I have no complaints. It comes with the DHP right?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

E9x never had AS.

E9x models in the UK certainly did have the active steering option, code 217. I was tempted to buy a 2008 335i wagon with it optioned. Remember we were also using EPS over here in Europe in some E9x models.

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

VSS is nowhere close to the AS behavior. If someone wants AS (why?! why?!) they'll have to pay up to F0x, F1x, or G1x.

It's not the same, but as near as you are going to get with least wheel movement per degree of steering angle mid position, and more wheel movement at greater steering angles. This is what users of AS say they miss, the ability to have turning ability with less steering wheel movement.

As a general note, VSS makes perfect sense and why the M-servotronic steering in the F8x M-cars have a variable tooth rack as standard.

HighlandPete

[chiefneil]

A while back I was reading up on VSS and found the info below. It sounds like the regular rack is also variable, just not to the same degree as VSS. I'd be curious to see how agressive the variable rack is in the M3/M4.

The info on the 100-degree steering wheel turn coincides with my observation that I'm most bothered by VSS on 90-degree right turns (only when driving fast and needing to turn the wheel quickly, not at normal speeds).

"On center, the standard steering is 15:1, the VSS 14.5:1. By the time the wheel has been turned 100 degrees (roughly the amount needed to turn at a typical intersection) the standard steering has quickened to 10.1:1, but the VSS has reduced to an ultra-quick 7.7:1."