Quote:
Originally Posted by ATX78703
ah, that's a good analogy. I'm all for model proliferation and cost-cutting, modular platform sharing, etc... it's how the business is and if you can find the car YOU like, who cares if BMW is also making several other models you DONT like.
but, the recent criticism of modern F-series BMWs has been that the very virtues they were once known for have slowly been diluted to the point where the competition has caught up (or passed them depending on which reviews you read). What we're talking about is direct steering connection to the road, that perfect compliant yet firm BASE suspension, linear predictability during cornering.
I don't think the two issue have to be related (proliferation of lineup + loss of core handling/steering characteristics), but it does seem like it's been heading that way.
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it's amazing the lack of understanding (and carping from Bimwads) regarding electric steering.
Electric steering does not = driving feel death. If that were the case then how would the Porsche Cayman be considered one of the best handling vehicles with what is perceived as the best steering feel available on the market today?
The simple fact is that BMW had a poor algorithim for electric steering on it's first try. Porsche did a better job on their electric steering.
BMW M has COMPLETELY redesigned their EPS for the new M3/M4... and ... BMW AG has issued updates for F30 models.
The updates are easy to apply as a FIRMWARE update.. meaning all the " bad" examples can be updated with a trip to the dealer.
I bet you GM and Chevrolet wish they could apply updates like this....
Perusing different forums... it is evident that owners that have driven multiple F30 models over the last few years have indicated improvement in the system in that model.
And of course... Car & Driver did a comparison of HPS vs. EPS on the F10 xDrive cars:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...n-test-feature
They have this to say:
"After griping about EPS for years, the shocking revelation is that C/D’s editorial staff preferred BMW’s electric system over its hydraulic assistance. Total votes in seven out of ten rating categories favored EPS by two to eight points each. Hydraulic shined in only the three Feedback categories where it won the on-center comparison by four points and tied with EPS in our middle-of-maneuver and at-cornering-extremes performance ratings"
Perhaps BMW owners will eventually evolve along with their EPS?
