Please confirm steering

[chuck92103]

The E63 comes with

A. Regular power steering (ball type) with active steering option to tighten it up at high speed.

B. Rack and pinion (with active steering option)

:dunno:

[G Smith]

Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist, variable-ratio rack-and-pinion power steering (from BMWNA webstie). I assume this is the standard set-up as opposed to the active steering option.

[chuck92103]

Thanks, not sure where you found the info, I could not find anything on the BMWNA web site. :dunno:

Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist, variable-ratio rack-and-pinion power steering (from BMWNA webstie). I assume this is the standard set-up as opposed to the active steering option.

[G Smith]

go to the 650 convertible page (or the coupe if you prefer), click on features and options. My prior post showed what was listed under the "standard" page. If you click on "options and packages" this is what appears under handling, ride and braking: Active Steering with variable steering ratio.

PS- I've got to do something while I wait for this thing to get here!

[chuck92103]

ok, got it, thanks.

However, does this sound like a bunch of crap? :dunno:

Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist, variable-ratio rack-and-pinion power steering

I guess this is their way of saying...

Speed sensitive, variable ratio rack and pinion steering

[G Smith]

that would be correct (the website description, not the option). I didn't order it, but many think it's great.

[cobradav]

Posted similar in another thread..

All E63/E64s in all model years have rack and pinion steering. It has been consistently recognized as superior for a drivers car wanting the sharpest turning and most road feel over the alternative, recirculating ball. R&P steering is the more expensive solution.

The variants in the E63/E64 are:
Base system is Servotronic power assistance with varies the "assistance" (not ratio) provided to help the driver at lower speeds.

The optional system is the Active System (AS) which adds an electronically controlled system to provide variable ratios as well as assistance.

To get the AS it does this by adding an electromechanical device in between the steering wheel and the steering mechanicals. So it is more complex as well. I have some very detailed write ups on the system, but will not bore you with those. You should also know that AS and DSC are interconnected so that the yaw and other sensors will actually feed some steering commands on your behalf in certain situations. One of those is cross winds. Those of you with AS may notice in gusty side winds some movement you may not have commanded but AS and DSC did. Some like this assistance and others don't. I have noticed it while driving in Hurricanes or going on/off or off/on one of the many bridges I cross during crosswinds. The car does its own corrections - kinda eerie - whose driving this thing I say to the 6er ME or YOU