[PHXATC]

Long time lurker and this is about my 4th post or whatnot.

Recently picked up a used 2020 430i convertible with the M Sport package to use as a kick around, grocery getter, daily driver, guests that come in to town can drive it vehicle.

My daughter had a 2015 428i coupe with the Adaptive steering and when you put it in SPORT mode (the suspension alone) the steering was really tight and gave that old school steering feel, if you will. This 2020 430i 'vert when you put it in SPORT mode it actually goes the other way to me, and feels like mush and not a heavy tight feeling at all, but light and airy.

It is hard to describe with words, but I feel the 2015 in SPORT had a much nicer overall steering feedback feel than the 2020. Also, the 2020 actually feels better, to me, in COMFORT than SPORT, which appears to be opposite of what I would expect.

I'm guessing BMW went to electric steering somewhere along the way between 2015 and 2020 and I missed it (yah, boy do I miss the old school feel ).

Thoughts? I figured someone here would know maybe if that is the case, something is wrong, or I am just nuts.

It's not a deal breaker or a panic worthy deal, I am just curious. The car is mostly driven by wifie and she likes the way it drives. We have other vehicles both German and American for when family comes over and we can haul them around and if we want a spirited top down sportscar run around, so the steering/suspension feel is fine the way it is, however I am wondering where things changed.

For context we have had several BMWs before and they all were very similar (except this 2020) in steering and suspension feel, each with their own model's uniqueness: 2006 325i, 2008 525i, 2013 640i, 2014 550i, 2015 428i, various X5Ms.

Thanks for your thoughts and have a great 4th weekend!!

[anotheran]

Both have electric steering.

Are tires and wear equal on both vehicles.

I forget if 2020 msport package included vss. Double check that too.

[PHXATC]

Good point.

2015 had a square 18" setup and the 2020 has the staggered 18" setup with either the same front size or the 2020 has a slightly wider front tire (and rear, obviously).

Both have Bridgestone run flats.

I am not so sure on the Variable Sport Steering. I will have to do some digging on that.

[Wires]

+1 on checking if it has VSS. My 2016 does, and the steering wasn't great. There was a thread someone posted on this forum about BMW releasing a SIB to update the software for the steering.

I did that, and it's 100% better than when the car was new. Not the same as old school hydraulic, but much better and much more defined.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by PHXATC

Thoughts? I figured someone here would know maybe if that is the case, something is wrong, or I am just nuts.

Have you checked the settings?

I'd try Comfort vs. Sport Individual, ensure the steering is checked. See if the steering weights up.

Having driven the G20 diesel 'nearest equivalent' to the 30i, Sport steering is tighter and has more heft than in Comfort mode.

[PHXATC]

I have moved the settings between COMFORT and SPORT and the steering (suspension) in the box on SPORT.

It still seems backwards to me with the COMFORT setting being firmer and heavier steering. I shall mention it next time I am down for service (in a year LOL). For now, I will just enjoy the car.

Thanks, everyone.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by PHXATC

Long time lurker and this is about my 4th post or whatnot.

Recently picked up a used 2020 430i convertible with the M Sport package to use as a kick around, grocery getter, daily driver, guests that come in to town can drive it vehicle.

My daughter had a 2015 428i coupe with the Adaptive steering and when you put it in SPORT mode (the suspension alone) the steering was really tight and gave that old school steering feel, if you will. This 2020 430i 'vert when you put it in SPORT mode it actually goes the other way to me, and feels like mush and not a heavy tight feeling at all, but light and airy.

It is hard to describe with words, but I feel the 2015 in SPORT had a much nicer overall steering feedback feel than the 2020. Also, the 2020 actually feels better, to me, in COMFORT than SPORT, which appears to be opposite of what I would expect.

I'm guessing BMW went to electric steering somewhere along the way between 2015 and 2020 and I missed it (yah, boy do I miss the old school feel ).

Thoughts? I figured someone here would know maybe if that is the case, something is wrong, or I am just nuts.

It's not a deal breaker or a panic worthy deal, I am just curious. The car is mostly driven by wifie and she likes the way it drives. We have other vehicles both German and American for when family comes over and we can haul them around and if we want a spirited top down sportscar run around, so the steering/suspension feel is fine the way it is, however I am wondering where things changed.

For context we have had several BMWs before and they all were very similar (except this 2020) in steering and suspension feel, each with their own model's uniqueness: 2006 325i, 2008 525i, 2013 640i, 2014 550i, 2015 428i, various X5Ms.

Thanks for your thoughts and have a great 4th weekend!!

Your 2015 is an F-Series and I'm guessing that your 2020 is a G-Series chassis. Not surprising that steering feels different.

BMW electric steering got a bad wrap from automotive press when the F-Series was released. Press just assumed that the electric steering was responsible for the vague steering feel in F-Series, compared to the previous E-Series. They never evaluated suspension changes.

F-Series cars have an Upper Control Arm with a big rubber fluid filled bushing in an effort to reduce Noise Vibration Harshness to the cabin occupants. The bearing has too much internal play which causes the vague steering feel. Monoball control arm bushings totally improve F-Series steering. Links below.

I haven't taken a close look at the newer G-Series suspension but BMW typically fixes known issues in subsequent series.

Hope this helps!

FOR RWD:

https://www.kiesmotorsports.com/prod...8;_ss=r?aff=22

FOR XDRIVE:

https://www.kiesmotorsports.com/prod...8;_ss=r?aff=22

[henkinc]

I have been advised- including by my Dinan dealer, so not just OEM shop- to avoid monoballs since they transmit harshness unduly for road use. Welcome thoughts of others.

I did not know the variable steering feature can be disabled as I thought I read in this thread?? Please confirm. This is the worst in hard cornering since the car takes over in the turn.

Thanks.
Charlie

2014 335Xi, MT, ECS, strut bar, Dinan st 1, Clutch stop, NON RF Michelins, high end speakers added since was not optioned on car, Android auto play, other s/w convenience features programmed after purchase

[tturedraider]

A 2020 430i ‘vert is still an F series, an F33.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by henkinc

I did not know the variable steering feature can be disabled as I thought I read in this thread?? Please confirm. This is the worst in hard cornering since the car takes over in the turn.

Not sure what you mean by "disabled". VSS is a mechanical function. Do you mean a different software version?