Steering

jeremicium · 06-30-2016, 09:59 PM

I had an X5 loaner today...nicest loaner i've had yet. I was pretty excited. Very nice car. But that steering. Just terrible. Zero feel, and no accuracy , it just felt like it wanted to wander all over the place at freeway speeds. This would explain why, despite being a very nice car, it came in last in so many comparisons to the Audi, Volvo, and MB. Hard to have fun in a car when it steers like a Kia.

kanvas · 07-01-2016, 01:14 AM

You get used to it eventually. A lot of people complain about it at first but eventually adjust to the light steering feel. I was one of them. Still a bit uncomfortable at freeway speed, but I appreciate the light steering when maneuvering around tight parking lots and spots, U-turning, etc.

In terms of the X5 "being last" in comparison to other mid-size luxury SUVs, I have no idea why that's so. Sure, steering feel is not the best, but having test-driven the Q7, GLE, and the XC-90, none of them push the emotional buttons in such a visceral way like the X5 does. They're competent SUVs, but if looking for the ultimate driving experience, nothing beats the X5.

On a separate note, I'd love to get an M4 loaner

F15GorDe · 07-01-2016, 01:48 AM

Yep, you get used to it. Double check tire pressures. Can have a surprising affect on steering feel.

coolidge · 07-01-2016, 02:29 AM

I picked up my new X5 last Friday, yes it was all over the road same as the X5 I test drove weeks ago. All I can say is now after 460 miles it settled down. In my case it wasn't me getting used to the steering. My Ram 4x4 required constant steering, the X5 was an entire new level the steering was touchy as hell. Now it seems to track down the road straight with minimal effort. So the tires scrubbed in or the computer adjusted or something but its much better behaved.

UnhappySwede · 07-01-2016, 02:34 AM

Its the adaptive M suspension that causes this. My stock suspension comes with a precise and rather heavy steering feel. The M suspension feels like driving on ice at any time.

I even found the steering too heavy for my taste when I got my car. But speaking of Kia, the steering, road feel and balance in my Optima is close to perfect, way better than any other premium sedan I drove.

1230vani · 07-01-2016, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremicium

I had an X5 loaner today...nicest loaner i've had yet. I was pretty excited. Very nice car. But that steering. Just terrible. Zero feel, and no accuracy , it just felt like it wanted to wander all over the place at freeway speeds. This would explain why, despite being a very nice car, it came in last in so many comparisons to the Audi, Volvo, and MB. Hard to have fun in a car when it steers like a Kia.

Did it have M package? Adaptive Suspension? Am pretty sure it did not have Active steering (still hydraulic).

coolidge · 07-01-2016, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1230vani

Did it have M package? Adaptive Suspension? Am pretty sure it did not have Active steering (still hydraulic).

I have just the standard suspension, no M no adaptive no active steering and as I mentioned the steering was really squirly.

P1 · 07-01-2016, 10:28 AM

I'm slowly getting used to it. I've put about 600 miles on my F15 so far, and today I'm taking the X5 on her first road trip. We'll see how it goes.

wifesbimmer · 07-01-2016, 11:06 AM

well make sure not to go straight from your M4 into the X5. I try not to.

Sharp_Cai · 07-01-2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifesbimmer

well make sure not to go straight from your M4 into the X5. I try not to.

+1.

There is a reason why we buy X5 not M3. Sportiness is not the top priority(at least for me). Go drive a X5 M / X6 M then go do the comparison.

viperdoc · 07-01-2016, 12:06 PM

I agree. The steering is the one complaint I have of the car....the ONE complaint. Given that I got rid of my lexus RX after only 18 months because of a laundry list of complaints, I consider this an acceptable trade off.

Seriously, though, the only time I notice it now is when I spend a lot of time driving my MDX. The MDX has better highway steering feel, but compared to the X5 the ride is much, much worse. You feel every little bump in the road in the MDX and large bumps produce a vibration throughout the whole car.

cretanu · 07-01-2016, 12:29 PM

In sport mode the steering is ok...I have DHP also...it also depends of the tyres pressure...could be slightly better, but is not a major issue...

igom3 · 07-01-2016, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cretanu

In sport mode the steering is ok...I have DHP also...it also depends of the tyres pressure...could be slightly better, but is not a major issue...

M adaptive in SPORT help little bit

wifesbimmer · 07-01-2016, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igom3

M adaptive in SPORT help little bit

I don't think M adaptive helps in any way. If anything should help, BMW should start offering air suspension for all four corners. That should significantly improve what the ride quality should be in the X5.

m5 guy · 07-01-2016, 03:20 PM

The steering is my big fear going from my fully modded e70 X5M to the new F15. Happened when I went to a F30 from a modded e46 M3 too. I just know the steering is going to be numb numb numb. I have a plan to liven it up though, just have to check on the compatibility of a set of bushings.

Tlon · 07-01-2016, 04:25 PM

Active Steering is the only option. It makes the steering much more precise and the car much nimbler. And unfortunately it looks like you can't order it any longer. Really sucks.

jeremicium · 07-01-2016, 06:42 PM

It was really only on the freeway that I really disliked it. Around town it felt fine... Well not fine, but it was ok. On the freeway I really felt like it lacked enough resistance off center to feel confident maneuvering.

I'm sure it is something you get used to, hopefully BMW does some running to improve it. Again, it's s great car otherwise... Just gotta get some steering feel.

Keithwand · 07-01-2016, 07:09 PM

New in Jan. X5 S35i with 20 inch run flats. We drove from FL to MI to our summer home and the car wandered so much my wife wouldn't drive it.
She blames the rear drive as a M35 Infiniti did the same so we sold it.
Still like the car other than that.

batmanken · 07-02-2016, 12:50 AM

highway steering feel seems like the biggest complaint. what's weird is that, all the other models I've driven, which were all loaner cars including, 528i, 428i grancoupe, 328i, all have electric steering, does feel pretty light when turning, but surprisingly all have better feel on highway than the X5 lol, F15's just have that weird twitchy feel that requires lot of attention to keep it in lane, all the other bmw's drove fine.

MarkG_M5Comp · 07-02-2016, 09:05 AM

Potentially down to the lack of aerodynamics - the front wheels getting 'light' which has an adverse effect on steering.

Spoilers are the only answer aftermarket of course.

motex · 07-02-2016, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanvas

You get used to it eventually. A lot of people complain about it at first but eventually adjust to the light steering feel. I was one of them. Still a bit uncomfortable at freeway speed, but I appreciate the light steering when maneuvering around tight parking lots and spots, U-turning, etc.

In terms of the X5 "being last" in comparison to other mid-size luxury SUVs, I have no idea why that's so. Sure, steering feel is not the best, but having test-driven the Q7, GLE, and the XC-90, none of them push the emotional buttons in such a visceral way like the X5 does. They're competent SUVs, but if looking for the ultimate driving experience, nothing beats the X5.

On a separate note, I'd love to get an M4 loaner

+1

P1 · 07-02-2016, 11:14 AM

Drove for 200 miles yesterday, had the ACC set to 75 most of the way. Makes the drive so easy. Car was in EcoPro mode. Steering was perfect. And these were imperfect Texas roads. The "heaviness" was spot on and I did not experience any squirliness. Had the wife in the front seat and the baby in the rear. Zero complaints from anyone.

First road trip in the F15 was a success!

06-30-2016, 09:59 PM	#1
jeremicium Major 171 Rep 1,178 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tacoma, Wa. USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00] 2009 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 2016 BMW M2 [0.00] 2001 Honda S2000 [0.00]	Steering I had an X5 loaner today...nicest loaner i've had yet. I was pretty excited. Very nice car. But that steering. Just terrible. Zero feel, and no accuracy , it just felt like it wanted to wander all over the place at freeway speeds. This would explain why, despite being a very nice car, it came in last in so many comparisons to the Audi, Volvo, and MB. Hard to have fun in a car when it steers like a Kia.
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07-01-2016, 01:14 AM	#2
kanvas Major 649 Rep 1,170 Posts Drives: V8 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	You get used to it eventually. A lot of people complain about it at first but eventually adjust to the light steering feel. I was one of them. Still a bit uncomfortable at freeway speed, but I appreciate the light steering when maneuvering around tight parking lots and spots, U-turning, etc. In terms of the X5 "being last" in comparison to other mid-size luxury SUVs, I have no idea why that's so. Sure, steering feel is not the best, but having test-driven the Q7, GLE, and the XC-90, none of them push the emotional buttons in such a visceral way like the X5 does. They're competent SUVs, but if looking for the ultimate driving experience, nothing beats the X5. On a separate note, I'd love to get an M4 loaner __________________ 2001 X5 4.4i - sold but never forgotten! 2014 X5 xDrive50i Last edited by kanvas; 07-01-2016 at 03:03 AM..
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07-01-2016, 01:48 AM	#3
F15GorDe Well versed in the care and feeding of BMWs 261 Rep 733 Posts Drives: F15d, F10 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Yep, you get used to it. Double check tire pressures. Can have a surprising affect on steering feel. __________________ B&O, parking assistant, executive package, 3rd row seats and the manual rear shades are the ONLY items we didn't order. Having everything else makes our F15d a NICE ride.
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07-01-2016, 02:29 AM	#4
coolidge Private First Class 56 Rep 171 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive 35i Join Date: May 2016 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I picked up my new X5 last Friday, yes it was all over the road same as the X5 I test drove weeks ago. All I can say is now after 460 miles it settled down. In my case it wasn't me getting used to the steering. My Ram 4x4 required constant steering, the X5 was an entire new level the steering was touchy as hell. Now it seems to track down the road straight with minimal effort. So the tires scrubbed in or the computer adjusted or something but its much better behaved.
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07-01-2016, 02:34 AM	#5
UnhappySwede Private First Class 94 Rep 144 Posts Drives: BMW X5 F15 -2016 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	Its the adaptive M suspension that causes this. My stock suspension comes with a precise and rather heavy steering feel. The M suspension feels like driving on ice at any time. I even found the steering too heavy for my taste when I got my car. But speaking of Kia, the steering, road feel and balance in my Optima is close to perfect, way better than any other premium sedan I drove.
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Steering

07-01-2016, 10:28 AM	#8
P1 Lieutenant General 11572 Rep 11,136 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	I'm slowly getting used to it. I've put about 600 miles on my F15 so far, and today I'm taking the X5 on her first road trip. We'll see how it goes.
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07-01-2016, 11:06 AM	#9
wifesbimmer Lieutenant 158 Rep 540 Posts Drives: '20 X5 M50i, E92 M3, '16 F150 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	well make sure not to go straight from your M4 into the X5. I try not to.
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07-01-2016, 12:06 PM	#11
viperdoc Lieutenant 364 Rep 598 Posts Drives: X7/‘21 45e/‘23 45e Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Destin, Florida iTrader: (0)	I agree. The steering is the one complaint I have of the car....the ONE complaint. Given that I got rid of my lexus RX after only 18 months because of a laundry list of complaints, I consider this an acceptable trade off. Seriously, though, the only time I notice it now is when I spend a lot of time driving my MDX. The MDX has better highway steering feel, but compared to the X5 the ride is much, much worse. You feel every little bump in the road in the MDX and large bumps produce a vibration throughout the whole car.
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07-01-2016, 12:29 PM	#12
cretanu Private 31 Rep 87 Posts Drives: BMW X5 M 5.0d Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Romania iTrader: (0)	In sport mode the steering is ok...I have DHP also...it also depends of the tyres pressure...could be slightly better, but is not a major issue...
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07-01-2016, 03:20 PM	#15
m5 guy Brigadier General 1692 Rep 3,200 Posts Drives: 2020 M5 Comp Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (14)	The steering is my big fear going from my fully modded e70 X5M to the new F15. Happened when I went to a F30 from a modded e46 M3 too. I just know the steering is going to be numb numb numb. I have a plan to liven it up though, just have to check on the compatibility of a set of bushings. __________________ 2020 F90 M5 Comp Oxford Green Metallic II-Aragon JOURNAL 2016 F10 M5 Space Gray-Black SOLD 2012 E70 X5M Monte Carlo Blue-Silverstone SOLD 2001 E46 M3 Oxford Green Metallic II-Cinnamon SOLD
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07-01-2016, 04:25 PM	#16
Tlon First Lieutenant 173 Rep 391 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	Active Steering is the only option. It makes the steering much more precise and the car much nimbler. And unfortunately it looks like you can't order it any longer. Really sucks.
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07-01-2016, 06:42 PM	#17
jeremicium Major 171 Rep 1,178 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tacoma, Wa. USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00] 2009 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 2016 BMW M2 [0.00] 2001 Honda S2000 [0.00]	It was really only on the freeway that I really disliked it. Around town it felt fine... Well not fine, but it was ok. On the freeway I really felt like it lacked enough resistance off center to feel confident maneuvering. I'm sure it is something you get used to, hopefully BMW does some running to improve it. Again, it's s great car otherwise... Just gotta get some steering feel.
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07-01-2016, 07:09 PM	#18
Keithwand First Lieutenant 106 Rep 381 Posts Drives: 22 X5 replaced 16 X5 6/22 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Lakewood Ranch FL iTrader: (0)	New in Jan. X5 S35i with 20 inch run flats. We drove from FL to MI to our summer home and the car wandered so much my wife wouldn't drive it. She blames the rear drive as a M35 Infiniti did the same so we sold it. Still like the car other than that.
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07-02-2016, 12:50 AM	#19
batmanken Private First Class 67 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2018 540i Msport Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	highway steering feel seems like the biggest complaint. what's weird is that, all the other models I've driven, which were all loaner cars including, 528i, 428i grancoupe, 328i, all have electric steering, does feel pretty light when turning, but surprisingly all have better feel on highway than the X5 lol, F15's just have that weird twitchy feel that requires lot of attention to keep it in lane, all the other bmw's drove fine.
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07-02-2016, 09:05 AM	#20
MarkG_M5Comp Supreme Being 1804 Rep 5,425 Posts Drives: M5 Comp Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Potentially down to the lack of aerodynamics - the front wheels getting 'light' which has an adverse effect on steering. Spoilers are the only answer aftermarket of course. __________________ Current: F90 M5 Competition Gone: F80 M3 Competition Pack / M135i / F15 X5 M50d / Saab 9-5 Aero HOT / F30 335d xDrive M Sport / E92 LCI 320d M Sport / E46 320d M Sport Touring / E46 318i Touring
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07-02-2016, 11:14 AM	#22
P1 Lieutenant General 11572 Rep 11,136 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Drove for 200 miles yesterday, had the ACC set to 75 most of the way. Makes the drive so easy. Car was in EcoPro mode. Steering was perfect. And these were imperfect Texas roads. The "heaviness" was spot on and I did not experience any squirliness. Had the wife in the front seat and the baby in the rear. Zero complaints from anyone. First road trip in the F15 was a success!
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