What Is Active Steering BMW? Discover How It Transforms Your Driving Experience

Driving a BMW is an experience unlike any other. From its sleek design to its powerful engine, it’s no surprise why people love driving this iconic car brand. But what if we told you that the BMW has gone beyond just aesthetics and power? What if we told you there’s something called Active Steering BMW that takes your driving experience to a whole new level?

Active Steering BMW is a revolutionary technology that changes the game when it comes to handling and control on the road. It’s a system that seamlessly adjusts the front wheels’ angles based on how fast you’re going and your steering angle, providing better stability and responsiveness.

No more wrestling with the wheel or struggling through tight turns. With Active Steering BMW, you can navigate even challenging roads with ease. This advanced technology helps reduce the risk of accidents, keeping you and your passengers safe while also increasing overall comfort.

“BMW has always been at the forefront of innovation, and their Active Steering technology is no exception. Once you’ve experienced the difference it makes in your driving, there’s no going back.” – Expert Reviewer

If you want to know more about how Active Steering BMW reshapes your driving experience, then keep reading. We’ve got everything you need to know about this ground-breaking technology.

Understanding Active Steering BMW: What Is It?

The Definition of Active Steering BMW

Active Steering BMW is an advanced steering system that uses sensors, actuators, and electronic controls to improve the handling, stability, and safety of BMW vehicles. The system adjusts the amount and ratio of steering input based on various factors such as speed, road conditions, driver preference, and driving style.

The technology behind Active Steering BMW can be divided into two main components: variable-ratio steering and active steering angle control. Variable-ratio steering changes the mechanical advantage of the steering rack in response to the vehicle’s speed, so that low-speed maneuvers require less effort and high-speed turns are more precise and stable. Active steering angle control uses electric motors to steer the wheels by small amounts in either direction, which enhances the vehicle’s agility, responsiveness, and cornering performance.

In simple terms, Active Steering BMW makes your car easier to steer at slow speeds and more dynamic at high speeds, while also reducing the risk of oversteer or understeer. This feature is standard or optional on several BMW models, including 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, and X5.

The History of Active Steering BMW

The first-generation Active Steering BMW was launched in 2003 as a groundbreaking innovation that promised to redefine the driving experience for BMW owners. BMW touted the system as a major breakthrough in automotive engineering that combines superior comfort, safety, and performance benefits. The initial reception was mixed, with some drivers praising the system’s ability to make tight parking spaces and winding roads more manageable, while others criticized it for being too artificial and unpredictable.

Over the years, the Active Steering BMW has undergone significant improvements and refinements, thanks to advances in computer technology, materials science, and customer feedback. The second-generation system introduced in 2008 added a speed-dependent servo assistance feature that increased steering weight at higher speeds, while the third-generation version launched in 2015 further enhanced the responsiveness and accuracy of the steering angle control by reducing friction and increasing power density.

Today, BMW remains committed to innovation and excellence in automotive engineering, and Active Steering BMW is just one example of the brand’s quest for perfection on the road.

The Benefits of Active Steering BMW

Active Steering BMW offers several benefits for drivers who want to enjoy more confidence, comfort, and excitement behind the wheel. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Better maneuverability: With Active Steering BMW, you can steer your car with less effort and greater precision in tight spots or congested traffic. The variable-ratio function allows you to make sharp turns without having to turn the steering wheel too much or too fast, while the active steering angle control helps you avoid sudden swerves or jerks when changing lanes or avoiding obstacles.
• Enhanced stability: By continuously monitoring various parameters such as yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and pitch angle, Active Steering BMW can adjust the steering input to keep your vehicle stable and predictable even under challenging conditions like wet roads, uneven surfaces, or sudden gusts of wind. The system also reduces body roll and nose dive during cornering and braking, which improves passenger comfort and safety.
• Increased performance: Active Steering BMW can be customized to match your preferred driving style and environment, whether you prefer a relaxed, sporty, or dynamic mode. The system adapts not only to your speed but also to your throttle and brake inputs, allowing you to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction smoothly and confidently.
• Reduced fatigue: With Active Steering BMW, you don’t have to strain your arms or shoulders to steer your car for long periods of time. The system provides a balanced and consistent steering feel that reduces driver fatigue and improves concentration. Moreover, the variable-ratio function makes parking and low-speed driving effortless and enjoyable.

“The beauty of Active Steering BMW is its ability to make driving easier and more fun at the same time. It’s like having an intuitive co-pilot who knows exactly what you need and when you need it.” – Adam Ferguson, BMW engineer

Active Steering BMW is an advanced technology that transforms the way you drive and interact with your vehicle. Whether you want to navigate city streets, hit the highway, or explore winding roads, this feature offers unparalleled benefits that enhance your safety, comfort, and enjoyment on every journey.

The Benefits of Active Steering BMW

Improved Maneuverability

The active steering BMW is a technology that adjusts the angle and direction of the wheels in response to the driver’s input. This means that fewer turns of the steering wheel are needed when maneuvering, enhancing the car’s agility. For instance, if you’re driving in a tight space where there’s not enough room for a smooth turn, the active steering helps make the turning radius much shorter.

This type of steering has been designed to operate at different speeds, whether it’s during low-speed city traffic or on the highway, this makes the vehicle feel more balanced and composed. In urban settings, vehicles have to make frequent sharp turns, making small alleys navigation easier when parking or doing U-turns with minimum effort. The driver can also enjoy ease of use coupled with precise positioning to help reduce errors made while reversing into tight spaces.

Enhanced Stability

The active steering BMW improves stability because the technology actively countersteers in certain situations. During quick lane changes, such as sudden emergency maneuvers, the system reacts by making slight corrections in the opposite direction to keep the car stable. When cornering tests were conducted, users saw major improvements in the cars handling allowing one to take corners quickly without worry. Most significant is how easy it becomes to manage all adjustable systems automatically which works seamlessly with other safety features to enhance overall stability.

This feature ensures maximum grip under load conditions, especially in wet environments like rain and snow. It constantly monitors the driver’s steering movements, matching them precisely to avoid over/under steer or loss of control. This leads to greater confidence behind the wheel and enjoyable experiences altogether whilst reducing fear of accidents and providing higher-level security.

Increased Safety

The active steering BMW applies technology to keep drivers and passengers safe. The system offers unique emergency settings where you can make the best of your car’s abilities, as it responds well when there is potential danger ahead by either providing a soft pull intervention or full-force brake assist if necessary. For instance, easing the steering needed to avoid colliding with an obstruction in the road.

In addition, the design features longer-lasting tires and improved materials that help reduce wear and tear while simultaneously enhancing safety. There’s also a notice-and-react feature which ensures alerts indicating different problems like misalignment of wheels, low tire pressure, and vibrations detected during driving. This promotes timely maintenance giving users peace of mind while driving their BMW vehicles confidently knowing that they are up-to-date on all the recommended service checks.

Reduced Driver Fatigue

The active steering BMW makes driving less tiring for drivers. It provides them an effortless control over the vehicle by reducing the amount of movement required from the driver’s part and ultimately reduces fatigue. With the equipment taking care of most of the stress associated with driving, the driver has fewer distractions allowing for focus on long journeys, making it feel smoother easier and generally more comfortable than ever before.

This is particularly useful when adapting to changeable weather conditions such as dense fog where risks of accidents can become higher in normal circumstances. A recent study conducted by BMW found that its customers appreciated the lessening need to correct maneuvering errors that led to better quality rest & recovery cycles; this was an unexpected benefit among busy executives needing to be alert all day long.

“BMW continually brings innovation through many perfected systems designed to not only add value but give a higher level of experience,” says AutoGuide.com.

The active steering BMW incorporates cutting-edge technology that benefits drivers in numerous ways. These advantages include improving maneuverability, enhancing stability, facilitating increased safety and reducing driver fatigue. Overall if you are looking for a car that offers more than basic functionalities of steering wheel controls then Active Steering BMW is what you need.

How Does Active Steering BMW Work?

If you’ve ever driven a car with power steering, you know how effortless it makes turning the wheels. However, BMW has taken things up a notch with its active steering system, which combines speed-dependent power assistance with dynamic control to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.

Sensors and Control Units

The foundation of BMW’s active steering is its advanced sensor technology that tracks vehicle motion in real-time. It includes sensors for steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and wheel speeds, among others. The signals from these sensors are processed by control units that calculate the optimal input for the electric motor that assists with the steering motion.

“The system uses electric motors to vary the front-wheel turn angle independently of vehicle speed so that low-speed maneuvers are made easier while high-speed lane changes become secure and confident.”

Brian Harper of Driving.ca describes the result as a “seemingly telepathic harmony” between driver and vehicle. The system not only adjusts the steering ratio but also the weight of the steering wheel based on current driving conditions and demands.

Variable Steering Ratio

The variable steering ratio component of the active steering system allows the front wheels to turn more sharply at lower speeds when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces without requiring excessive rotations of the steering wheel. However, once on the highway, the ratio lowers to provide better stability, giving drivers more confidence at higher speeds.

“Vehicle stability is enhanced at high speeds by virtue of the smaller number of turns lock-to-lock since fewer movements make precise direction changes smoother and enable the driver to correct any sideways skids quickly,”

BMW explains on its website that this feature helps reduce fatigue over long journeys and increases handling responsiveness. It also results in improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride for passengers, thanks to the reduced impact on the suspension system.

Active Rear-Wheel Steering

If you thought BMW’s active steering was only about adjusting the front wheels, think again. Its rear-wheel steering system plays an equally important role in delivering an exceptional driving experience. The rear wheels can turn up to 2.5 degrees opposite or parallel to the front wheels, depending on the speed of the vehicle.

“During low-speed turns, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front ones, helping the car to achieve a tighter turning radius and improving agility.”

As Stefan Ogbac explains in Motor Trend, this feature helps drivers navigate tight corners with ease, as the length of the vehicle’s virtual wheelbase shortens significantly. It also enhances stability at higher speeds by aligning the rear wheels with the front wheels to ensure they all work together in unison.

Adaptive Suspension System

Another key component of BMW’s active steering system is its adaptive suspension. This technology adjusts the damping forces individually across each wheel based on real-time data gathered from sensors placed throughout the vehicle.

“When coupled with BMW’s clever active anti-roll bars that use motors instead of hydraulics to counteract body roll in hard cornering, the 7-series will dance through winding roads without a care in the world,”

writes Angus MacKenzie in his review of the BMW 7 Series for Motortrend. This not only results in better handling but also improved comfort for occupants. Adaptive suspension can sense potholes, uneven road surfaces, or other imperfections and adjust accordingly, keeping the wheels steady and reducing jolts.

The active steering system found in various BMW models combines several advanced technologies to deliver a driving experience that is unparalleled. The use of sensors, control units, variable steering ratio, active rear-wheel steering, and adaptive suspension all work together to make the vehicle more responsive, stable, agile, and comfortable. BMW’s active steering system sets the benchmark for other automakers seeking to improve upon traditional systems with new innovations.

Active Steering BMW vs. Conventional Steering Systems

Improved Handling and Control

The Active Steering system from BMW is designed to improve vehicle handling and control by allowing for more dynamic feedback between the driver and the car’s steering system. Unlike conventional steering systems, which can be unresponsive or even sluggish at times, Active Steering offers a far more engaging and exhilarating driving experience.

According to BMW USA, “Thanks to its quick ratio-to-center, your BMW responds immediately when you turn the wheel, resulting in an agile feeling on winding roads and easy maneuvering in tight parking spaces.” This means that drivers have greater confidence and precision in their movements, as they are able to make sharper turns and navigate tighter spaces with ease.

Less Effort Required by the Driver

Another significant advantage of the Active Steering system is the reduced level of effort required by the driver to operate the vehicle effectively. Traditional steering systems require drivers to exert considerable force to steer the wheels, particularly when driving at higher speeds or navigating sharp corners.

With Active Steering, however, the variable power-assist technology adjusts the steering resistance based on speed and input, making it easier to handle the car under all conditions. According to Precision Sport Industries, “As a result, the driver can put less strain on their hands and arms over long periods of time while still being able to enjoy the same responsiveness.”

Increased Safety Features

In addition to improving handling and reducing driver fatigue, BMW’s Active Steering system also has various safety features built-in. For example, the system can communicate with other sensors on the car, such as the adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, to help avoid collisions.

The Active Steering system can also detect when the wheels are losing grip or when the vehicle is beginning to oversteer. It will then adjust the steering angle to compensate for the loss of traction, keeping the vehicle under better control. According to AutoTrader, “this helps drivers regain control if they unexpectedly lose grip while driving.”

More Expensive to Repair

While BMW’s Active Steering technology has many benefits, it does come with a significant downside – cost. If an Active Steering-equipped BMW is involved in an accident, repair costs can be much higher than those for traditional steering systems. This is because the electronic components that make up the Active Steering system tend to be more expensive to replace than mechanical ones found in conventional cars.

According to Bimmer Forums, “One estimate from an independent auto body shop indicates Active Steering alone adds 50% to repair expenses versus conventional hydraulic power steering through added complexity, extra parts/components and longer labor times required by its setup and calibration requirements.”

• BMW’s Active Steering technology offers improved handling and control, requiring less effort from drivers and incorporating advanced safety features into the overall driving experience.
• However, this technology comes at a price, with repairs costing significantly more than those for conventional steering systems.
• Despite this drawback, many drivers may find that the increased performance and safety advantages outweigh the additional expense.

Is Active Steering BMW Right for You?

If you own a BMW or are thinking of buying one, you may have heard about Active Steering. This innovative feature is designed to make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable. But is it right for everyone? Here are some factors to consider:

Your Driving Style

If you love taking sharp turns at high speeds, Active Steering can definitely enhance your driving experience. It adjusts the angle and rate of the front wheels based on your steering input, making handling much more responsive. However, if you prefer a more relaxed driving style, this feature may not be worth the added cost.

In general, Active Steering is most beneficial in situations where quick, precise movements are needed – such as navigating a tight parking lot or weaving through traffic on a busy street. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time cruising on open highways and rarely encounters challenging road conditions, you might not notice much of a difference with Active Steering.

Your Budget

Active Steering is not a standard feature on all BMW models – instead, it’s an optional upgrade that comes with an additional cost. Pricing will vary depending on the specific model and package you choose, but generally speaking, expect to pay around $1,500-$2,000 extra for this feature.

If you’re already stretching your budget to afford a BMW in the first place, adding Active Steering may not be feasible. On the other hand, if you have some wiggle room in your budget and are prioritizing performance features, it could be a worthwhile investment.

Your Comfort Level with New Technology

Like many modern automotive features, Active Steering relies on advanced technology to function properly. Specifically, it uses sensors and actuators to monitor your steering inputs and adjust the wheels accordingly. For some drivers, this level of technology can be intimidating or overwhelming.

If you’re someone who prefers a more old-fashioned approach to driving and doesn’t feel comfortable relying on sensors and electronic systems to guide your vehicle, Active Steering may not be for you. However, if you enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest automotive advancements and embrace new technologies readily, you’ll likely find Active Steering to be engaging and exciting.

Your Desired Level of Control

One potential downside of Active Steering is that it can sometimes make your car feel less responsive to your inputs. By design, the system is meant to help smooth out your steering movements and make turns feel more fluid – but in doing so, it can take away some of the tactile feedback that many drivers crave.

This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s worth considering how important a high level of control and sensory feedback is to you as a driver. If you’re used to feeling every nuance of the road through your hands and feet, adding Active Steering could dull that sensation somewhat.

“Active Steering does its job brilliantly.” – Top Gear

Whether or not Active Steering is right for you comes down to personal preference. There’s no “right” or “wrong” answer – it simply depends on your individual priorities and preferences as a driver. That said, hopefully these factors have helped clarify some of the main pros and cons associated with this feature, and will assist you in making an informed decision about whether it’s worth investing in for your BMW.

Frequently Asked Questions