To Servotronic or to no Servotronic, that is the Question

[gvlbuckeye]

I can't find a local X1 to drive to test the Servotronic and I'm frustrated! In fact, the only one's at my local dealership are only SDrive models so I can't even drive the hydraulic setup at all.

What and why did you buy one or the other?

I drive a FX35 now and had a Boxster up until last year so maybe a reference to either of those might help.

Thanks,

[Red Bread]

If your dealer has a 35i, they all have servotronic.

[gvlbuckeye]

Nope only SDrive 28i's in stock.

[Grovsnus]

There are at least six BMW dealers in SC, plus dealers right across the border (Augusta and Charlotte) - go somewhere else?

[gvlbuckeye]

I know but only 1 within 1.5 hr drive. 4 of them are on the coast 3.5-4 hours away. It looks like I'll try to get to Charlotte in the next few weeks.

[Vertigo//SD]

Automobile magazine...

"So that leaves the X1 xDrive28i, the $33,245 base four-wheel drive version. Sure, it carries a $1700 premium over the rear-drive X1 and it loses 2 mpg city and 3 on the highway, but the extra dough and gas is worth it for the steering alone. See, the X1's four-wheel drive system resides in the place where parts of the electric steering system go -- so xDrive X1s have good, old-fashioned hydraulic assistance. If you're sitting at home and wondering why we're continually mourning the disappearance of hydraulic steering, go drive these two X1s back-to-back. The difference is like trading in your favorite late-night 1-900 number habit for a real girlfriend. Only one of them touches you back."

[gvlbuckeye]

Vertigo, this is exactly why driving the sDrive doesn't help my decision It get the impression the sDrive folks are adding Servotronic to help the steering feel.

[tonydetiger]

When I order mine, I plan on adding Servotronic. I've read too many reviews that mention the hydraulic steering being a bear below 30 mph.

But I also haven't done a test drive yet, so I may change my mind once I actually try it for myself.

[Grovsnus]

Personally, I find the Servotronic steering on the 35i somewhat too light, and wish it wouldn't assist at all at speeds above 20 mph.
But then again, I grew up with mechanical rack and pinion steering, back when buying a smaller steering wheel was a sign that you had muscles.

[ddark13]

coming from VAG products, i find even the servotronic steering pretty heavy. i would def avoid the non-servotronic unless you really like extremely heavy steering. dont get me wrong, on a sports car the heavy steering would be welcome, but IMO isnt necessary on a sports wagon/cuv.

i have experience with a last gen 3-series without servotronic and parking in that car is like a workout. i used to joke that you have to throw your entire body weight into turning the wheel whenever youre around town (this is coming from someone who's 6'2, 200 lbs)

[Red Bread]

Agree with the above, our X1 has slightly lighter steering than our previous 135i, but it's still not light. In fact it's still a good bit heavier than M Coupe was and heavier than the Boxsters I've driven. I find the Servotronic in the 35i about right for what it is and at speed, it's nice and heavy, about on par with our 1er, I really only notice the effect at parking lot speeds and after a week or so of driving it I don't really notice it.

[Transfer]

X1 hydraulic is heavy but it feels very true and natural. It's heavier than I would like really. I drove a 35i briefly back in September and I honestly don't remember a thing about the steering.

[MSportX1]

Originally Posted by gvlbuckeye

I can't find a local X1 to drive to test the Servotronic and I'm frustrated! In fact, the only one's at my local dealership are only SDrive models so I can't even drive the hydraulic setup at all.

What and why did you buy one or the other?

Do not listen too much to the xDrive35i owners' opinions, because they might like the hydraulic steering without servotronic, but have no choice. xDrive28i owners' opinions, especially those test-drove and compared both (with/without servotronic) are more unbiased. I am a owner of xDrive28i without servotronic, but I did not test one with servotronic (I test-drove a sDrive28i and did not like the light steering wheel). It is true that you may feel the steering wheel a little bit heavy on parking lot. But, after owning the car for four months, I am used to it on parking lot. I personally like the hydraulic steering and think that it is X1's best feature. On the highway speed, the heavy steering gives you a feel that the car is very stable and you can control it easily even at very high speed (say above 100 mph), like driving a Porsche?

[donsbabybeamer]

I have I28 xdrive and opted to get the Servotronic. The way I describe the feeling is that the resistance of driving below 25 MPH or above 25 MPH is seamless. I can only attribute this to the Servotronic feature. Without it I would guess the resistance below 25 MPH to be much different. I would recommend getting this feature based on my experience.

[MrT-Man]

I have hydraulic on my 28i and find it a little heavy... especially since I spend 75% of my time driving at <40mph. It's not awful and not a deal breaker -- I still love my car -- but I'm thinking the servo might have been better for me... (though I've never tried the servo).

[Mtpisgah]

Sorry buckeye, I bought the last xdrive that Century had.

[gvlbuckeye]

Mtpisgah, It's all your fault
I'm thinking of taking off Friday afternoon and driving to Asheville if they have something for me to drive.

[gvlbuckeye]

Well I had an appointment cancellation this afternoon so I drove up the mountain to Asheville NC today. They had 5 or so X1's, sDrive, xDrive, sport line, X line etc. I test drove an xDrive that was loaded but no servotronic. I thought it was heavy but not overly so at parking lot speeds. Very similar in weight to the Boxster I had. I also sat in a Sport line with the sport seats. Those seats are now a priority The SA spent a lot of time going over all the options and very detailed with the iDrive etc. I think I'm going to go with a Mineral white xDrive M sport, ultimate package, NO servotronic, xeons, 18", Beige leather heated with Fine line wood, and make sure I get paddle shifters

[Grovsnus]

Originally Posted by gvlbuckeye

I think I'm going to go with a Mineral white xDrive M sport, ultimate package, NO servotronic, xeons, 18", Beige leather heated with Fine line wood, and make sure I get paddle shifters

Keep in mind that M-Sport and heated steering wheel are mutually exclusive. And a choice of no servotronic limits you to the 28i.

[gvlbuckeye]

"Beige leather heated" = Seats, not steering wheel
I've only considered the 28i

[mrlancer]

While the X1's steering is not as easy as many cars, it is by no means at all difficult to steer at any speed, including when parking. And I like the feeling of control you get the way it is.

That said, you should try both to make sure you get the feel you like

[nospam]

Originally Posted by gvlbuckeye

Well I had an appointment cancellation this afternoon so I drove up the mountain to Asheville NC today. They had 5 or so X1's, sDrive, xDrive, sport line, X line etc. I test drove an xDrive that was loaded but no servotronic. I thought it was heavy but not overly so at parking lot speeds. Very similar in weight to the Boxster I had. I also sat in a Sport line with the sport seats. Those seats are now a priority The SA spent a lot of time going over all the options and very detailed with the iDrive etc. I think I'm going to go with a Mineral white xDrive M sport, ultimate package, NO servotronic, xeons, 18", Beige leather heated with Fine line wood, and make sure I get paddle shifters

Great choices!