Active vs Servotronic Steering

[teagueAMX]

What's the difference between Active Steering and Servotronic steering?

I've read that Active Steering lacks road feel. Is that true and is that true of Servotronic steering, as well?

[xDrive50i]

From BMW USA website:


Active Steering

When BMW first introduced Active Steering to the market in 2003, our drivers weren't the only ones who were impressed. It received the Innovation Award of German Industry, too. The technology allows for a variable steering ratio based on your speed. At low speeds, steering is nimble (10:1) for easy navigation in tight spaces. At high speeds, greater movement of the steering wheel is required to turn the front wheels the same amount (18:1), for increased stability. Most car companies split the difference with a constant 14:1 ratio, but we're not ones to compromise - even with our steering ratio.



Personally, I like the active steering, but that really is a personal taste issue. If you don't know what you should get, I suggest you go to your local BMW dealer and test drive the same car with and without active steering so that you can make up your mind of what you like best!

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by xDrive50i

From BMW USA website:


Active Steering

When BMW first introduced Active Steering to the market in 2003, our drivers weren't the only ones who were impressed. It received the Innovation Award of German Industry, too. The technology allows for a variable steering ratio based on your speed. At low speeds, steering is nimble (10:1) for easy navigation in tight spaces. At high speeds, greater movement of the steering wheel is required to turn the front wheels the same amount (18:1), for increased stability. Most car companies split the difference with a constant 14:1 ratio, but we're not ones to compromise - even with our steering ratio.

Attachment 255742

Personally, I like the active steering, but that really is a personal taste issue. If you don't know what you should get, I suggest you go to your local BMW dealer and test drive the same car with and without active steering so that you can make up your mind of what you like best!

Thanks, xDrive50i for taking time to respond. Yes, the one I drove yesterday did not have Active Steering so the next time I'll try one with it.

Don't take me for a know-it-all because I'm just learning about bimmers, but I've read the Active Steering description on the BMW website. But for some reason, I thought I read just today that BMW used a newly redesigned M variation of the Servotronic Steering for the x6 M. That's what made me curious.

Is Active Steering and Servotronic Steering the same thing?

[shenard]

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

Thanks, xDrive50i for taking time to respond. Yes, the one I drove yesterday did not have Active Steering so the next time I'll try one with it.

Don't take me for a know-it-all because I'm just learning about bimmers, but I've read the Active Steering description on the BMW website. But for some reason, I thought I read just today that BMW used a newly redesigned M variation of the Servotronic Steering for the x6 M. That's what made me curious.

Is Active Steering and Servotronic Steering the same thing?

I don't think they are because I do not have Active Steering on my X6 and I remember my service advisor telling me that I had Servotronic Steering. Not sure the difference in the the two and would be curious to hear from someone that knows.

[Deda]

[Is Active Steering and Servotronic Steering the same thing?[/QUOTE]

no,active steering is much advanced technology...and i love it...especially with wide summer front tyres it makes full sense.

[Nezo86]

from what I have seen servtronic steering = power steering... and we all know what active steering does by now....

[teagueAMX]

I think I've got it now - thanks.

Recap I've learned from you guys: Servotronic Steering is the stock power steering pump and rack is not bad but more work. On the other hand Active Steering is a far more advanced variable ratio power steering option on the x6 (and others).

[archwerks]

From what i've read about active steering, adaptive drive, DPC, DSC, active steering works w/these systems & has a slight degree of computer adjustment in extreme under or oversteer situations to compensate & help steer the car toward the intended path.

[Low Note]

Originally Posted by archwerks

From what i've read about active steering, adaptive drive, DPC, DSC, active steering works w/these systems & has a slight degree of computer adjustment in extreme under or oversteer situations to compensate & help steer the car toward the intended path.

Finally got my 2010 X6 5.0 with all options other than additional 40 hp. Active steering is amazing. It is not nearly as "dramatically different" than the non active steering as the automotive press would lead you to believe. It simply evens out the steering effort and angle/precision at any speed, which makes quick accident avoidance maneuvers very easy and stress free. Vehicle is simply more predictable and safer at all speeds. Highly recommended (as is also the heads up display). 2010 X6's all have "top view" parking assist cameras and upgraded I-drive which makes the system a total no-brainer. Makes the Lexus, Mercedes (what a nightmare) and Audi ergonomic interfaces look primitive in comparison.