How do you X3 guys live with the steering?

WWONG · 07-17-2011, 01:18 AM

I ordered a 2011 X3 not too long ago. Afterward, I heard about the Drive for Team USA deal and went to attend it. I had an extensive test drive with the X5 and X3 (was deciding between the two before I ordered), and I found the X5's steering feel like a BMW. Feels like my 2010 E92 and my 2001 E39.

The X3's electric steering felt disconnected, overly light and static, and essentially, NOT a BMW. In the end, it was the deciding factor that led me to cancel my X3 order and order an X5 instead.

How are you guys dealing with this? I'm not sure whether you guys have driven other BMWs before but this X5 with the hydraulic steering is the last BMW I buy unless they at least offer the hydraulic as an option...

X3andZ4owner · 07-17-2011, 02:42 AM

Why is this post in the pictures forum?
About the steering, I think it is great in the X3 I have servotronic and also variable sport steering . Maybe you should have pushed that sport button or tried one with VSS ?

sfax · 07-17-2011, 05:50 AM

You should definitely try different options to change the feel of the steering. Sounds like you were driving an X3 that had variable damping in normal mode which can feel very floaty. I have servotronic, perf control, sports suspension and 19" rims and like the feel of the steering. Would be interested to hear your feedback if you get to test drive an X3 with different options or simply drive one in Sport mode.

This thread should be moved as it's in the

!!

WWONG · 07-17-2011, 12:17 PM

Whoops posted in the wrong section. Move this please mods

Also, I was driving the regular version (no Normal or Sport rocker next to the shifter) and I did try in sport mode. Still felt artificial.

X3andZ4owner · 07-17-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WWONG

Whoops posted in the wrong section. Move this please mods

Also, I was driving the regular version (no Normal or Sport rocker next to the shifter) and I did try in sport mode. Still felt artificial.

Makes no sense to me if you drive in sports mode?? in a car which don't have the rocker switch to engage .... Sports mode steering , gearing and suspension...

WWONG · 07-17-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X3andZ4owner

Quote:

Originally Posted by WWONG

Whoops posted in the wrong section. Move this please mods

Also, I was driving the regular version (no Normal or Sport rocker next to the shifter) and I did try in sport mode. Still felt artificial.

Makes no sense to me if you drive in sports mode?? in a car which don't have the rocker switch to engage .... Sports mode steering , gearing and suspension...

Well I mean DS. I consider that as a sport mode as that has been before the joystick shifter. Steering did tighten up a little, but still light and non-responsive to the road in BMW terms

TN_3 · 07-17-2011, 09:22 PM

DS mode only affects the transmission, not the steering or chassis...

nonagon · 07-17-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WWONG

Well I mean DS. I consider that as a sport mode as that has been before the joystick shifter. Steering did tighten up a little, but still light and non-responsive to the road in BMW terms

WWONG, you didn't try one with Variable Sport Steering (part of Dynamic Handling Package) which may have addressed your issue. Enjoy your X5.

NYC_340i · 07-21-2011, 09:19 PM

Steering is a bit difficult but for me it's manageable. I'm more worried about the acceleration on my 28i.

07-17-2011, 01:18 AM	#1
WWONG Banned 109 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d Join Date: May 2010 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (14)	How do you X3 guys live with the steering? I ordered a 2011 X3 not too long ago. Afterward, I heard about the Drive for Team USA deal and went to attend it. I had an extensive test drive with the X5 and X3 (was deciding between the two before I ordered), and I found the X5's steering feel like a BMW. Feels like my 2010 E92 and my 2001 E39. The X3's electric steering felt disconnected, overly light and static, and essentially, NOT a BMW. In the end, it was the deciding factor that led me to cancel my X3 order and order an X5 instead. How are you guys dealing with this? I'm not sure whether you guys have driven other BMWs before but this X5 with the hydraulic steering is the last BMW I buy unless they at least offer the hydraulic as an option...
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07-17-2011, 02:42 AM	#2
X3andZ4owner Private First Class 35 Rep 182 Posts Drives: X3 Z4 630iC Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: @ iTrader: (0)	Why is this post in the pictures forum? About the steering, I think it is great in the X3 I have servotronic and also variable sport steering . Maybe you should have pushed that sport button or tried one with VSS ?
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07-17-2011, 05:50 AM	#3
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	You should definitely try different options to change the feel of the steering. Sounds like you were driving an X3 that had variable damping in normal mode which can feel very floaty. I have servotronic, perf control, sports suspension and 19" rims and like the feel of the steering. Would be interested to hear your feedback if you get to test drive an X3 with different options or simply drive one in Sport mode. This thread should be moved as it's in the !! __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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07-17-2011, 12:17 PM	#4
WWONG Banned 109 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d Join Date: May 2010 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (14)	Whoops posted in the wrong section. Move this please mods Also, I was driving the regular version (no Normal or Sport rocker next to the shifter) and I did try in sport mode. Still felt artificial.
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07-17-2011, 09:22 PM	#7
TN_3 Major 341 Rep 1,352 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 CS Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Franklin, TN iTrader: (10) Garage List 2020 BMW X5 M50i G05 [0.00] 2018 BMW M3 CS F80 [0.00]	DS mode only affects the transmission, not the steering or chassis... __________________ 2018 M3 CS F80 l SMB l EXEC 2020 X5 M50i G05 l MW l BLACK l PREM l DHP l 22” l PARK l EXT S-LINE l LASER l TH l AG
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07-21-2011, 09:19 PM	#9
NYC_340i Lieutenant 207 Rep 547 Posts Drives: '20 M340i xDrive, '11 X3 28i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Steering is a bit difficult but for me it's manageable. I'm more worried about the acceleration on my 28i.
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