Considered trading in my 135i but...

Original1er · 07-23-2011, 06:21 PM

I considered trading in my 135i for an X3 35i, but I don't like the variable steering. It's tough to be precise when turning in while braking because the steering changes. I don't know that I could ever get used to this.

Oh well, looks like I'm just going to have to wait for the next 335i.

Nahoa · 07-23-2011, 07:01 PM

Too bad, did you drive it and give it a try? Just took mine on a drive through the mountains and had no trouble striking my desired line and varying from it precisely when needed. The feel is different, but just like anything else with a little familiarity you learn to use it. Rather than being tough to control during threshold braking and cornering, I think it's actually easier than the 335i. Don't know if it's a newer DSC, or the addition of the xDrive to the mix, or both, but it's good. Coming out of the corners under heavy power is also interesting. Not certain, but it seems that power is going front and rear. Dividing up the cornering and accelerating traction seems to work out nicely to control the line on the way out.

335i is a great car and I'm sure you'll enjoy, but it offers a different mix of advantages than the X3.

LEDZEP · 07-23-2011, 07:08 PM

The electric assist of the X3 steering is "different" than the traditional hydraulic power steering we are accustomed to - however, after a short adjustment period I really like the feel of the X3. The feedback from the road is still there, and the response is instant and precise.

I imagine that when "power steering" was first introduced, many poo-poohed the feature as well, claiming some driver purist reasons for hating it. It does feel different than my previous E90s, but different is not always 'bad'.

nonagon · 07-23-2011, 08:17 PM

I agree with the above comments, but also if you don't like Variable Sport Steering don't add Dynamic Handling Package. The car comes standard with normal fixed ratio steering (albeit with electronic assist).

colton_matthias · 07-23-2011, 08:45 PM

I'm not sure, but I heard the new 3 series are also using power steering, similar to the New X3 and 5 series??

Nahoa · 07-23-2011, 09:11 PM

I believe Adaptive Steering is an option. Assuming it's still hydraulic, but that's just an assumption.

colton_matthias · 07-23-2011, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nahoa

I believe Adaptive Steering is an option. Assuming it's still hydraulic, but that's just an assumption.

Dunno... read somewhere its power steering... lol...

Powerrunner · 07-23-2011, 09:21 PM

I have found the X3 variable steering to be a non issue, the responsiveness and feel are just fine. At least that is my experience.

tuco44 · 07-23-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerrunner

I have found the X3 variable steering to be a non issue, the responsiveness and feel are just fine. At least that is my experience.

+1

Want the thrill · 07-23-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colton_matthias

I'm not sure, but I heard the new 3 series are also using power steering, similar to the New X3 and 5 series??

I was told the same by the sales manager at the dealer. He said all the new BMW's coming out will have the same steering as the new X3's.

Original1er · 07-24-2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonagon

I agree with the above comments, but also if you don't like Variable Sport Steering don't add Dynamic Handling Package. The car comes standard with normal fixed ratio steering (albeit with electronic assist).

Interesting. I need to go back and double check the sticker on the car and have a discussion with Matt about the Dynamic Handling Package. I will have to say, I loved the throttle response in Sport and Sport+ mode. I was expecting more turbo lag in the N55 compared to the N54. I am very pleased that this is not the case. I really liked the road feel as well.

Having driven in town, on the highway, and in the country, there's no doubt that the X3 is great on any road. It's too bad Springfield was flattened by a glacier 15,000 years ago. I'd like to experience a little elevation change.

Thank you for the great feedback everybody. Now I'm going to have to drive one without the DHP.

XB101 · 07-24-2011, 12:55 AM

Was reading some of the N55 posts and some people likes the N54 more. I am just doing some read before my X3 gets here. Hopefully the glitches will be worked out.

Edited..

By that I mean people mentioned the stalling, and the rpm fluctuation, etc etc.

07-23-2011, 06:21 PM	#1
Original1er Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 135i Alpine White Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Springfield, IL iTrader: (0)	Considered trading in my 135i but... I considered trading in my 135i for an X3 35i, but I don't like the variable steering. It's tough to be precise when turning in while braking because the steering changes. I don't know that I could ever get used to this. Oh well, looks like I'm just going to have to wait for the next 335i.
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07-23-2011, 07:01 PM	#2
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Too bad, did you drive it and give it a try? Just took mine on a drive through the mountains and had no trouble striking my desired line and varying from it precisely when needed. The feel is different, but just like anything else with a little familiarity you learn to use it. Rather than being tough to control during threshold braking and cornering, I think it's actually easier than the 335i. Don't know if it's a newer DSC, or the addition of the xDrive to the mix, or both, but it's good. Coming out of the corners under heavy power is also interesting. Not certain, but it seems that power is going front and rear. Dividing up the cornering and accelerating traction seems to work out nicely to control the line on the way out. 335i is a great car and I'm sure you'll enjoy, but it offers a different mix of advantages than the X3. __________________
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07-23-2011, 07:08 PM	#3
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	The electric assist of the X3 steering is "different" than the traditional hydraulic power steering we are accustomed to - however, after a short adjustment period I really like the feel of the X3. The feedback from the road is still there, and the response is instant and precise. I imagine that when "power steering" was first introduced, many poo-poohed the feature as well, claiming some driver purist reasons for hating it. It does feel different than my previous E90s, but different is not always 'bad'. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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07-23-2011, 08:17 PM	#4
nonagon Captain 113 Rep 777 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayenne GTS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Arlington VA iTrader: (0)	I agree with the above comments, but also if you don't like Variable Sport Steering don't add Dynamic Handling Package. The car comes standard with normal fixed ratio steering (albeit with electronic assist).
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07-23-2011, 08:45 PM	#5
colton_matthias Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 229 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 M Sport Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I'm not sure, but I heard the new 3 series are also using power steering, similar to the New X3 and 5 series??
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07-23-2011, 09:11 PM	#6
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I believe Adaptive Steering is an option. Assuming it's still hydraulic, but that's just an assumption. __________________
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07-23-2011, 09:21 PM	#8
Powerrunner Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 275 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Naperville iTrader: (0)	I have found the X3 variable steering to be a non issue, the responsiveness and feel are just fine. At least that is my experience.
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07-24-2011, 12:55 AM	#12
XB101 Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2011 TiAg X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	Was reading some of the N55 posts and some people likes the N54 more. I am just doing some read before my X3 gets here. Hopefully the glitches will be worked out. Edited.. By that I mean people mentioned the stalling, and the rpm fluctuation, etc etc. Last edited by XB101; 07-24-2011 at 01:03 AM.. Reason: addition
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