Inside Line track test: 2011 BMW 5 series has no steering feel and slower than Infiniti M through slalom?

Another 'no feel' comment? Inside Line said it. Should BMW drop the new electric steering?

"The 2011 BMW 535i is the most radically different 5 Series for this, the sixth generation (F10 for the BMW geeks) of the venerable not-too-big/not-too-small midsize BMW sedan with a new engine, new suspension and a new eight-speed automatic.

Handling Comments: Slalom: With DSC off in Sport, the tires were the limiting factor. Good balance between understeer/oversteer and good steering response but not enough ultimate grip to make it all work. In Sport + DSC on, the brakes would grab abruptly just as I approached a cone (expecting a little slide), so I had to back down the speed to keep from being pulled into cones by DSC. Skid pad: hard to balance/steer on the line with boost varying wildly -- requires constant steering with DSC off. With DSC on (Sport +) it requires virtually no steering, and throttle was more consistent (obviously being managed by computer), steering weight was appropriate, but almost no feel.".

See Infiniti M test info in

http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/2010/2011-infiniti-m56-vs-2010-mercedes-benz-e550-comparison-test.html
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r15mohd - 8/26/2010 7:42:57 AM

+8 Boost

hmmm...no magical steering feel anymore, say it aint so! isn't this the very reason everyone buys a BMW?

JUGNU - 8/26/2010 8:37:30 AM

+5 Boost

R15mohd agree completely. And now almost all magazines have complained about the steering feel of BMW. BMW should not have messed something which was winning them so many comparison tests all these year and a favourite of nearly all magazines. First it was new Z4 and now 5 Series. Steering feel has always been a big factor in all the wins of BMWs.

JUGNU

dlin - 8/26/2010 9:57:12 AM

+2 Boost

In fact the old Z4 also used electric steering, otherwise I'll be driving one already.

theoptimisticpessimist - 8/26/2010 2:43:17 PM

+2 Boost

dlin-

"In fact the old Z4 also used electric steering, otherwise I'll be driving one already."

Check out the "M" verison it has real steering not have the uninspiring electric steering.

Need4Speed - 8/26/2010 10:08:42 AM

+3 Boost

That's why I'm keeping my e46! I may get a new car...but I can't promise it will be another BMW.

dlin - 8/26/2010 10:43:46 AM

+3 Boost

Same here. I really want the Z4, but so turned down by steering. If they put it on next 3 series, then Bimmer is officially dead. I cannot imagine that day.

LexSucks - 8/26/2010 1:26:29 PM

+1 Boost

They already changed the steering on the E46 3-series as well (when the 330i was released in 2001). People complained so much that they offered to Retrofit the steering racks with the one from the prior years 328. I know because I did it. So the 3-series already has the mushy steering. I think folks here have gotten used to it, and now BMW decided to even make the steering more mushy. If you have a 3-series from 2001 on up? And didn't get the retrofit, you already have the numb feeling steering.

dlin - 8/26/2010 3:19:12 PM

+1 Boost

No kidding! No wonder it did feel a little weird/isolated compared to my G, although the latter is kinda heavy. That said, 3 series steering still have good weight.

LexSucks - 8/26/2010 12:02:30 PM

+5 Boost

BMW changed the steering feel because weak lazy americans were complaining that the steering required too much effort. BMW is selling out to the masses and seem to be forgeting about what got them to where they are at in the first place.

Recently the only true BMW drivers cars are the "M" models. The rest are just German Infinitis.

Terry989 - 8/26/2010 2:43:04 PM

+1 Boost

I have to agree with LexSucks on the steering effort. As BMWs have grown larger, heavier with bigger wheels and wider cross section tires, the amount of steering effort required has significantly increased - - - especially when parking or moving slowly. getting the balance right between neutral feel and being over boosted is difficult. If you want to know who has the steering right, just test drive a Boxster, Cayman or 911.

LACMAN - 8/26/2010 3:29:48 PM

+3 Boost

Just like BMW perfected the driving machine itself, Im pretty sure their clever team of engineers will be the first to perfect the electric steering to feel like we want it to. Trust me. Might be over time but it WILL happen by BMW (if any automaker).

JUST MY 2CENTS! ;)

agent507 - 8/27/2010 4:21:50 AM

+2 Boost

Had a new 5 series for a week, tested it, ordered it. The most perfect car for me. Great supension, superior interieur, beautifull from the outside and damn fast ...