07-20-2018, 06:31 PM | #1 |
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How bad is the S-Drive steering?
I'm contemplating the idea of trading my X-drive 28i for the S-drive equivalent. As I understand it, that means "electric steering". Having recently driven a nearly-new 3-series, and hated the Atari-esque steering, I'm curious if the S-Drive has a similar feel.
Thanks much. _Jeff |
07-21-2018, 08:12 PM | #2 |
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I’ve owned 16 BMW’s and own a 2013 X1 sdrive MSport and M235i. The steering is fine, nice beefy weight to it and if someone didn’t tell you you really wouldn’t know it was electronic not hydraulic. I think it was mass histeria when they switched but was never bad on an SDrive and I switch between my M235 and it all the time and honestly not a big difference.
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07-21-2018, 09:42 PM | #3 |
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07-22-2018, 01:30 PM | #5 |
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Well my M235 is electronic and almost all cars are electronic now. I really think the tires are a bigger factor, put run flats on most cars and they feel detached. I still don’t understand the BMW fixation with run flats but at least they are moving to give option of non run flats on most series.
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07-24-2018, 03:46 PM | #7 |
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Guess your done buying any more BMW’s then.
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07-26-2018, 10:44 AM | #8 | |
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07-26-2018, 10:02 PM | #9 |
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Maybe. Just traded the x3 for an atlas. Recently traded my e92 m3 for a X1 xdrive 2.8 with hyd steering Because I need it all wheel drive and higher ground clearance . I really love driving the X one and even compared to the M3 it is fun to drive . My dealer said he recently drove all new X.3 and feels they finally got the steering just right maybe there is hope . The only current BMW I would consider would be the M2 but since I need more ground clearance and all-wheel-drive my next sports car will likely be a Ford raptor
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07-27-2018, 11:22 AM | #10 |
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I love my 2014 s28i m sport. Steering is very easy, and so instantaneous I was turning in too quick.
Also, with my staggered 8x18 and 9x18 wheels, car would sway at around 120+ mph. I stopped sway and stiffened steering with 12mm BMS spacers on front hubs. X1 drives even better now. Many different wheel combos might do different, but I tuned my minor glitch out. |
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07-27-2018, 06:10 PM | #11 |
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I have a new X1 xdrive loaner right now as my M235 is getting new tires. My E84 Msport Sdrive is like driving a real car and the new X1 is like driving an SUV. That’s the best way I can describe, owned 3 E46 M3’s, E93, several E36’s and honestly I think the E84 drives nice and that’s with shit tires. We still have Goodyear performance run flats which are crap so with real tires very little difference than E92/E91. Only way Id buy a new X1 after today it would have to be an MSport, the suspension is soft and the higher ride is just so different. Interior is much nicer no doubt, not really quality just features like rear vents, button to shut the tailgate.
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08-21-2018, 07:49 AM | #12 | |
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If you just drove the E84 and nothing else I agree its fine. Its a car, not vague per se but it feels like an overly assisted hydra unit IMHO. Way too light, and not point and shoot precise. Hop back to back in an E9x car and you are greeted to a comparably heavy but fantastic steering feel. Thats our 335d for you. Its debatable if its too heavy but I'll take a bit too heavy vs bit too light, that's just me. Full disclosure, I like weighty direct steering, and our other two cars are both traditional hydraulic sports cars in the 07 cayman and 370z. So the X1 really stands out as being the dud of the litter. - b |
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08-21-2018, 04:19 PM | #13 |
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There is a period of time when BMW was learning how to fine tune EPS. I read the later models are much better. Haven't tested a 2018 G-series ones. But the F-series reminded me of Hondas or a Ford focus. Light as a feather with no feel. There are a few mfg that nailed EPS so I know it's just a design philosophy as technical limitation.
Not sure how BMW could flubber it up. |
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08-22-2018, 01:33 AM | #14 | |
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08-24-2018, 06:09 AM | #15 | |
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However, there is the Servotronic line item on the build sheet for our X1 and IIRC all of the 3.0 cars, and for whatever reason the steering between the X1 an our E90 M sport 335d are night and day different. I enjoy the E90 and when I hop in the X1 its quite meh |
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08-26-2018, 02:38 AM | #17 |
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No complaints here. Previous to purchasing our "family" sDrive, I was driving (my beloved) 964 with its glorious Porsche steering. Contrary to my fears, driving the X1 has been a wonderful experience, especially the steering - and now we can take the kids and the mother-in-law!!
Hope this helps! Cheers, Dave PS. Had someone not offered a price for the 964 that my wife couldn't refuse, that beautiful air-cooled machinery would still be sitting in our garage, worth 3x what we sold it for back in '10. Oh the pain... |
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08-27-2018, 08:07 AM | #18 |
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My 35i feels much heavier than EPS, but my 328i feels even heavier than my 35i - I attribute that to the 328 needing its' hydraulic fluid flushed at 120k though.
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08-28-2018, 12:23 PM | #19 | |
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Anyway EPS is just another solution to reduce emissions/enviro impacts. I am hopeful that BMW will continue to fine tune the EPS. |
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08-28-2018, 08:09 PM | #20 |
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09-02-2018, 02:26 AM | #21 |
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Like Lucky13 and Vidgamer, I also have a 2013 sDrive2.8i M-sport and I like the steering feel. We also have a 2004 330ci, 2002 530i, and 2011 335is. They’re all a little different in terms of heavy/light feel, but I have no preference; I just adjust to the car.
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