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      09-27-2015, 04:26 PM   #1
Shaw
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Do you recommend the Active Steering?

is this option worth the price? It is $1,650 Canadian here in Canada.
Is this option a good feature to have?
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      09-27-2015, 05:51 PM   #2
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I didn't do enough research on the option before passing on it. I didn't know that it replaced the system as hyadraulic instead of electric.
It seems to offer the best of both worlds.

Light effortless steering in the city makes parking and cruising a breeze.

Heavy steering at higher speeds allow prevents your steering wheel from wobbling on every bump.
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      09-27-2015, 06:09 PM   #3
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I think it's one of the best options you can get. Its benefits have little to nothing to do with the lightness of steering. FWIW, my completely unscientific sense is that the steering with AS is slightly stiffer than the new default electronic steering. That said, too many people think that's why it matters (or more to the point, doesn't matter). It's true that the lighter steering helped a bit when the heavier hydraulic steering was present, but not with the new electronic steering.

The benefit instead is the way it changes the steering ratio. On such a big vehicle the steering ratio with AS makes it feel incredibly more nimble, especially for city driving. If you are on the highway 99% of the time, it might be that useful. In city driving, when you need to move quickly, though, cutting down the amount you need to turn the wheel is a major advantage.

Hope this helps.
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      09-27-2015, 06:16 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tlon View Post
I think it's one of the best options you can get. Its benefits have little to nothing to do with the lightness of steering. FWIW, my completely unscientific sense is that the steering with AS is slightly stiffer than the new default electronic steering. That said, too many people think that's why it matters (or more to the point, doesn't matter). It's true that the lighter steering helped a bit when the heavier hydraulic steering was present, but not with the new electronic steering.

The benefit instead is the way it changes the steering ratio. On such a big vehicle the steering ratio with AS makes it feel incredibly more nimble, especially for city driving. If you are on the highway 99% of the time, it might be that useful. In city driving, when you need to move quickly, though, cutting down the amount you need to turn the wheel is a major advantage.

Hope this helps.
Yes it does.
Does it take time to get used to it?
What about having multiple vehicles that don't have that option; isn't this something that confuses you if you are hopping from one car to another on a regular basis?
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      09-30-2015, 10:40 AM   #5
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I

Wish I would have gotten it I hate the light steering.... Feels like a Toyota...
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      09-30-2015, 11:17 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaw View Post
is this option worth the price? It is $1,650 Canadian here in Canada.
Is this option a good feature to have?
Don't waste money on it, get 2VP, it fixes steering feel, makes it feel very close to old hydraulic.
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      09-30-2015, 11:29 AM   #7
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See my footnote for survey results from those who have it. It covers other options as well.
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      09-30-2015, 11:46 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vangoose View Post
Don't waste money on it, get 2VP, it fixes steering feel, makes it feel very close to old hydraulic.
what is 2vp?
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      09-30-2015, 12:08 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
what is 2vp?
2VM Dynamic Damper Control + rear axle air suspension
2VP Dynamic Performance Control + Active Roll Stabilization
7SZ Dynamic Handling Package


So the definition I get for each:
Dynamic Damper Control: This available system adjusts the damping characteristics to suit driving conditions and road quality. The damping changes contribute to a more stable-feeling ride, while a self-leveling air suspension adjusts the height of your rear axle to optimize driving dynamics.

Active Roll Stabilization: On the road, a vehicle’s body tends to roll in corners, which can affect handling. Performance-elevating Active Roll Stabilization, incorporates two-piece anti-roll bars to generate stronger resistance to body roll, keeping the vehicle more level and providing maximum stability and agility.

Dynamic Performance Control: Smoothly distributes power between the rear wheels for optimal agility and sporty handling. For instance, when cornering, the outside wheel receives more torque, allowing you to drive “into” curves.
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      09-30-2015, 12:08 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
what is 2vp?
It's Adaptive Dynamic Suspension, part of DHP in US.
In Canada, only 2VP is offered for X5, not complete DHP.
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      09-30-2015, 12:09 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vangoose View Post
Don't waste money on it, get 2VP, it fixes steering feel, makes it feel very close to old hydraulic.
i'm going for 3rd row...I can't get the 2VP with 3rd row!!! not sure why??!!! height issues I reckon?!
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      09-30-2015, 12:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vangoose View Post
It's Adaptive Dynamic Suspension, part of DHP in US.
In Canada, only 2VP is offered for X5, not complete DHP.
Feedback from BMW Production North America:
"air suspension does not come with 3rd row seat anymore. But both air and adaptive suspension is included in the M Sport Package. You can order them together"

If you are going with MSport, you can get it...not with Xline or Luxury.
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      09-30-2015, 12:13 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
what is 2vp?
Don't get confused with Canadian and USA specs.

Here is a list for USA spec'ed X5.

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      09-30-2015, 12:18 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
Don't get confused with Canadian and USA specs.

Here is a list for USA spec'ed X5.

In Canada we ONLY get 2VP!!!
I have no idea why such features have restrictions...probably demand and supply is lower...
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      09-30-2015, 12:28 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
Don't get confused with Canadian and USA specs.

Here is a list for USA spec'ed X5.

ARS + DPC = 2VP, it also modifies steering to give more direct feeling.
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      09-30-2015, 12:55 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaw View Post
Feedback from BMW Production North America:
"air suspension does not come with 3rd row seat anymore. But both air and adaptive suspension is included in the M Sport Package. You can order them together"

If you are going with MSport, you can get it...not with Xline or Luxury.
What BMW means is you can't get 2VM with 3rd row, but you can get 2VF with it. 2VP is still not compatible with 3rd row.
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      09-30-2015, 01:53 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vangoose View Post
What BMW means is you can't get 2VM with 3rd row, but you can get 2VF with it. 2VP is still not compatible with 3rd row.
that's correct. So essentially, with 3rd row, you basically can'y get any performance package here in Canada.
Most excellent!
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      09-30-2015, 05:58 PM   #18
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I love it, as it makes zipping around a parking lot a breeze. I also, think that it makes the vehicle feel smaller. Just keep in mind that it does take a little bit to get used to. Once I did, I love it, and really don't have a problem switching from my M3 to the X5 or back.

Side note, get the overhead camera view. Perfect parking every time.
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      09-30-2015, 07:39 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vangoose View Post
Don't waste money on it, get 2VP, it fixes steering feel, makes it feel very close to old hydraulic.
I can testify this. I'm currently in the process of order a new X5, saying goodbye to my old E70 diesel that had "heavy" steering which I loved.

I test drove a bunch of standard suspension X5's .. couldn't find any DHP or M-Sport suspension cars and quite frankly the steering is appalling. So much so that I had pretty much given up on the X5.

However, the other day I finally got a chance to drive a DHP (ZDH) X5 ... and like the comment above says, switching it too Sport mode suddenly made the steering feel pretty good. I just wish I didn't need to spend $4500 to make the steering feel like my E70 ...

Can anyone comment on if the steering is firmed up with just the M-Sport suspension offering (2VF)?
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      09-30-2015, 09:05 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apw2607 View Post
Can anyone comment on if the steering is firmed up with just the M-Sport suspension offering (2VF)?
I came from a E70, and 2 E60 cars so I fully understand what you mean by the firm steering.. The E70 had a heavier steering than the E60 cars..
I was very skeptical about going with the F15 and the light electronic steering.. so much that I almost decided to just keep my E70... I finally caved in and decided to just get the F15 knowing that all cars will eventually have the electronic steering anyway. At first I was very disappointed with the steering feel..but as time went on, that feeling went away and after 6 months later I actually like the steering better on the F15. It is more precise and very accurate with plenty of road feel. For what its worth... I have the Adaptive M suspension option on my Msport.
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      09-30-2015, 09:08 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
I came from a E70, and 2 E60 cars so I fully understand what you mean by the firm steering.. The E70 had a heavier steering than the E60 cars..
I was very skeptical about going with the F15 and the light electronic steering.. so much that I almost decided to just keep my E70... I finally caved in and decided to just get the F15 knowing that all cars will eventually have the electronic steering anyway. At first I was very disappointed with the steering feel..but as time went on, that feeling went away and after 6 months later I actually like the steering better on the F15. It is more precise and very accurate with plenty of road feel. For what its worth... I have the Adaptive M suspension option on my Msport.
Thanks. When you switch the drive modes from say comfort to sport,with your adaptive m suspension .. does the steering characteristics change at all ... i.e become "heavier" .. particularly at higher speeds.

This was the effect I found with the DHP option.
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      09-30-2015, 09:10 PM   #22
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If it does change it is very subtle... So I can't really say if it does or not when I switch to Sport or sport+. I feel like the steering is firm yet light enough that you don't have to muscle the steering wheel to make turns...
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