Steering in a 2011 X5 XDrive 35d

[lighthousemoon]

Is it me or is it heavier than I think it should be? I have a 2014 328d - very light steering compared to the X5. Just wondering if it means maybe low steering fluid or that's the way it should be?

[lighthousemoon]

Ignore it - realized it's because it's a 5500 pound car with 19" wheels and all. Thanks!

[joe_planet]

Definitely the steering is heavy. But its very precise at higher speeds. Sucks in parking lots though lol.

[serge1]

Don't you complain about heavy steering!
drove the 2014 3-series ... the steering is too light and disconnected. Don't like where BMW is going with steering across the models..

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by lighthousemoon

Is it me or is it heavier than I think it should be? I have a 2014 328d - very light steering compared to the X5. Just wondering if it means maybe low steering fluid or that's the way it should be?

Originally Posted by joe_planet

Definitely the steering is heavy. But its very precise at higher speeds. Sucks in parking lots though lol.

I take it neither of you have Active Steering?

[lighthousemoon]

Right - no Active Steering. My 328d is my 4th BMW - and I do see the differences in steering - my best one was in my 2001 330i. But my 328d is still amazing overall and of course because it's in EBII 😃 got the X5 for the brutal winters here in Pennsylvania and now that all 3 of my kids love skiing so I wager we ll be going into the mountains more this upcoming winter.

Thanks for all your responses!

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by lighthousemoon

Ignore it - realized it's because it's a 5500 pound car with 19" wheels and all. Thanks!

Nope, it's because the X5 has hydraulic-assist power steering while the 3-series has electric-assist power steering. The new 2014+ X5 also has EPS. I'd test drive that & see if it's light as well.

[jiggz]

Looks like most of you in this thread are already driving an X5 but for those that might be searching, try finding one with Active Steering. It's not a common option but it lightens up the steering in slow speed situations, namely parking lots.