What is Variable Steering? - XBimmers

wb47 · 10-23-2011, 10:45 AM

Hey Guys, I am soon to purchase a X3 but I have a few questions on some options.

I know i must get the Dynamic Suspension but is the variable sports steering any good? I would think it would be a little confusing, having the steering feel change.

What is Sports Suspension and how does it differ with dynamic?

And what is Performance control?

Thank you.

Harplayr · 10-23-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb47

Hey Guys, I am soon to purchase a X3 but I have a few questions on some options.

I know i must get the Dynamic Suspension but is the variable sports steering any good? I would think it would be a little confusing, having the steering feel change.

What is Sports Suspension and how does it differ with dynamic?

And what is Performance control?

Thank you.

I had it on my 2010 X3.
The change is very subtle and you forget its there.

Beyu · 10-23-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb47

What is Sports Suspension and how does it differ with dynamic?

I believe sport suspension is a fixed suspension and the dynamic dampers are dampers that stiffen or soften based on detected road imperfections.

LEDZEP · 10-23-2011, 04:48 PM

Allows you to maneuver either left or right at variable rates, simply by turning the steering wheel one way or the other to varying degrees.

Okay, but really... it increases the amount of wheel steer per degree of steering wheel movement at low speeds (for ease in parking, etc.) and decreases the degree of wheel steer at higher speeds to help avoid over-steer.

We have it in our X5 and it takes some getting used to.

sfax · 10-24-2011, 12:34 AM

You should also bear in mind that if you spec VSS or VDC (Variable Damping Control) you will also get Dynamic Drive Control which gives you a switch to change from Normal to Sport to Sport+.

For performance control, see description on the BMW website or in the brochure (changes power to individual wheels)

wb47 · 10-24-2011, 04:53 AM

Can I get the Dynamic Drive Control without getting the Variable Sports Steering?

sfax · 10-24-2011, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb47

Can I get the Dynamic Drive Control without getting the Variable Sports Steering?

No you can't as far as I know. In theory you could use DDC only for changing the throttle response if you had neither VSS nor VDC but the only way to get DDC on a UK spec X3 (and Australia is similar) is by adding either VDC or VSS. I would recommend you get at least servotronic steering and then going one step further and getting VSS (which includes servo) is a relatively cheap way to get DDC too

AussieMarkF · 10-24-2011, 05:57 AM

Simple answer, if you like a sporty drive, get the Variable Sport Steering. You will also need to buy it with Performance Control. The items will cost an extra $1000 all up, but well worth it as you get the Sport mode selector switch, to go between normal, sport an sport plus. If you value tight handling, get the sport suspension too.

wb47 · 10-24-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

No you can't as far as I know. In theory you could use DDC only for changing the throttle response if you had neither VSS nor VDC but the only way to get DDC on a UK spec X3 (and Australia is similar) is by adding either VDC or VSS. I would recommend you get at least servotronic steering and then going one step further and getting VSS (which includes servo) is a relatively cheap way to get DDC too

I plan on getting Dynamic Damping, so will i be able to buy DDC with this option only without VSS?
Also what is Servotronic steering???
Thanks

sfax · 10-24-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb47

I plan on getting Dynamic Damping, so will i be able to buy DDC with this option only without VSS?
Also what is Servotronic steering???
Thanks

Dynamic Damping = VDC and aleady includes DDC. No need for VSS which is purely about tightening up the steering in Sport mode.

I've never quite got to the bottom of steering comparisons but I have sports suspension, 19s, performance control and servotronic steering (no VSS) and like the feel of the steering and don't find it at all floaty as some people have observed. I wouldn't mind trying a car with VSS in Sport mode to see the difference.

Servotronic steering: http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...rvotronic.html

I would recommend you add this

10-23-2011, 10:45 AM	#1
wb47 New Member Drives: N/A Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	What is Variable Steering? Hey Guys, I am soon to purchase a X3 but I have a few questions on some options. I know i must get the Dynamic Suspension but is the variable sports steering any good? I would think it would be a little confusing, having the steering feel change. What is Sports Suspension and how does it differ with dynamic? And what is Performance control? Thank you.
	Tweet

10-23-2011, 04:48 PM	#4
LEDZEP Lieutenant General Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 Posts: 12,277 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [3.93] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Allows you to maneuver either left or right at variable rates, simply by turning the steering wheel one way or the other to varying degrees. Okay, but really... it increases the amount of wheel steer per degree of steering wheel movement at low speeds (for ease in parking, etc.) and decreases the degree of wheel steer at higher speeds to help avoid over-steer. We have it in our X5 and it takes some getting used to. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious

10-24-2011, 12:34 AM	#5
sfax Brigadier General Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 3,774 iTrader: (0)	You should also bear in mind that if you spec VSS or VDC (Variable Damping Control) you will also get Dynamic Drive Control which gives you a switch to change from Normal to Sport to Sport+. For performance control, see description on the BMW website or in the brochure (changes power to individual wheels) __________________ BMW X3 (F25) xDrive20d SE . . titanium silver . . titanium front grille . . 309s . . xline . . xenons . . black leather . . alu trim . . professional multimedia package . . dynamic package . . climate package . . electric seats . . folding mirrors . . servotronic steering . . DAB radio . . business speakers . . sun protection glass . . split rear seats . .

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

10-24-2011, 04:53 AM	#6
wb47 New Member Drives: N/A Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	Can I get the Dynamic Drive Control without getting the Variable Sports Steering?

10-24-2011, 05:57 AM	#8
AussieMarkF New Member Drives: F25 X3 30D and X5 30d LCI Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Newcastle, NSW, Australia Posts: 21 iTrader: (0)	Simple answer, if you like a sporty drive, get the Variable Sport Steering. You will also need to buy it with Performance Control. The items will cost an extra $1000 all up, but well worth it as you get the Sport mode selector switch, to go between normal, sport an sport plus. If you value tight handling, get the sport suspension too.