Somehow we've managed to go through almost a year in a BMW without really ever talking much about the steering system. Compared to almost any steering system in anything with a remote resemblance to a sport-utility vehicle, the X5's is fantastic.
If that seems like damning with faint praise, it wasn't meant to. But neither is the X5's system entirely faultless. It's nearly perfect on the expressway when a little heft and a relatively slow ratio off-center result in a steady, composed demeanor -- exactly what you want for high-speed runs.
Around town, though, that weight seems unnecessary and unwelcome. Now, we're not talking heavy like the old days of non-assisted steering here. But it will come as a surprise to the uninitiated. And, as on most crossover/SUV things the ratio isn't particularly quick, even though the standard X5 system uses a variable-ratio rack that quickens the response the farther from center you guide it. But the weight combined with the relatively slow ratio and the X5's bulk can still mean a whole lot of work in parking situation.
If there's one vehicle in BMW's lineup that could genuinely benefit from the company's Active Steering system, it's the X5. At speeds up to 55 mph Active Handling uses a quick ratio that results in only two turns lock-to-lock -- giving the driver more turning response for a given input. At higher speeds the system uses a slower ratio to maintain stability. We don't really care for the system on the nimble 3-series.
But if you're in the market for an X5 we would say you should test drive one with Active Handling and one without. It is a stand-alone option which cost $1,400 for the 2008 model like ours. It's since gone up to $1,550.
--Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
drewsrx says:
01:23 PM, 02/25/09
Man, that is one ugly looking steering wheel.
But, Mercedes has them beat currently in ugly steering wheels.
kissel1 says:
01:30 PM, 02/25/09
Hi Daniel,
Your posts are getting better and better!
I really like the X5, but it's a large vehicle. Could you address the issue of steering: what it's like, and whether Active Steering would be useful.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
wobbly_ears says:
01:46 PM, 02/25/09
Gosh, I really wish this week would pass quickly. This slobbering over anything BMW is getting on my nerves.
How about some posts on other LT vehicles once in a while, eh?
israelgt says:
01:48 PM, 02/25/09
Have to agree with wobbly_ears...
chavis10 says:
01:53 PM, 02/25/09
I cannot believe what I am reading? BMW steering being criticized? When I drove a 530i a few years back, I could not believe they actually sold cars to customers with such heavy steering effort. It was ridiculous. Most BMW owners drive to strip malls and work in traffic so that effort is just unacceptable at the average speeds we experience in our average driving situations.
ahightower says:
02:00 PM, 02/25/09
+1 on ugly steering wheel
wobbly_ears says:
02:08 PM, 02/25/09
I can't believe that I am looking at the steering wheel of a 40k+ vehicle.
Ford's Focus has a better looking steering wheel!
dragonflight says:
02:25 PM, 02/25/09
I'm just waiting for car of the week to hit something like the RX400h or the Civic GX aka the cars everyone forgets Edmunds still has...
Hopefully it doesn't hit the over-posted cars like the Sti, EVO, GT-R, and R8 though.
wobbly_ears says:
02:34 PM, 02/25/09
dragonflight, you know very well the answer. They are going to post another 1000 posts about Sti, EVO, GT-R, and R8 and nothing about other cars.
Note to Edmunds management: More posts on cars mere mortals drive & less on 'Toys' plz.
cheslin says:
02:45 PM, 02/25/09
I hope that plastic doesn't feel as cheap as it looks...
billt9 says:
02:49 PM, 02/25/09
wobbly_ears,
Same thing as Top Gear now. The thought is nobody is buying cars during the global recession anyways, so there's no point reviewing cars people buy. So go wild on fantasies. ...is what Clarkson said.
cat_bus says:
03:13 PM, 02/25/09
I can't believe you're complaining there are too many posts. The more the merrier. Keep 'em coming.
toyot4life says:
04:16 PM, 02/25/09
I had the opportunity to drive a friend of mine x5 back in December, when I brought it back to him I ask him what was wrong with his steering system, he said its because of the wide after market tires...after getting out of my 4runner and into "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" I wasn't impressed. If this is everyone's opinion of "FUN TO DRIVE" then no thanks, I'll stick to Toyota's. If having fun means you have to arm wrestle the steering wheel then I dont get it.
roadburner says:
04:44 PM, 02/25/09
"after getting out of my 4runner and into "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" I wasn't impressed. If this is everyone's opinion of "FUN TO DRIVE" then no thanks, I'll stick to Toyota's[sic]"
And the BMW Car Club breathes a collective sigh of relief...
cx7lover says:
07:39 PM, 02/25/09
The car of the week posts are fine, at least it's not Honda Fit of the week.
altimadude00 says:
07:53 PM, 02/25/09
What's with putting the cruise control on the left side of the steering wheel? Not since the days of GM's almighty everything-stalk have I seen the cruise controls on the left. Is that some hold over from being a European-based vehicle?
jdub53084 says:
04:14 PM, 02/26/09
Steering wheel looks old and cheap, hope it feels more substantial than it looks.