Servotronic

Is it really worth it? My local dealer has none with it...

IMHO it made the steering way too light. So I got one without it.

What about on the s28i? The electric power steering is already pretty light to begin with. Is the servotronic worth the $250 pop?

It's a tough call really.

When comparing to my lighter 2800lb car I was surprised at first with how much more force the X1 needed on the non-servo. It wasn't huge, but you do notice at first. I think most men wouldn't mind it and in fact you do feel the road a little more and IMO that's better for performance driving. I decided on the 35 though, which has servo standard and no option to not have it. I think the 3 pro's for it are that anyone can drive it comfortably, if you have to turn the wheel real quick (deer, balls, avoiding an accident, autocross) you can do it much easier, and finally the adjusting ratio means more finite control when you need it and less when you don't.

If a guy is driving, don't get it unless you like a more numb road feeling. If you autocross then you might consider it.
I'd say get it though if a smaller lady is driving the car.

Originally Posted by Wolfex

IMHO it made the steering way too light. So I got one without it.

I don't think Servotronic makes it lighter. If any, I think it's the EPS makes it lighter.

Based on BMW's description of Servotronic:

Servotronic: vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering adjusts the amount
of steering support based on your current speed – not engine speed.
It offers more assistance at lower speeds, such as when parking, and
decreases assistance at higher speeds for more stability and control.

Which means when you are driving slow, the steering wheel is supposed to be light. It gets heavier when you are at speed, and that's when you want more "feel" or "heft".

I think this makes a lot of sense than RPM-sensitive steering assist. I've tried X1 35 (with Servotronic standard), and it's still much heavier than the F30 328.