Active Steering

[Benj]

All,

I have a 2004 (E60) 530d with Active Steering. Whilst there are real benefits to this system, I find the car can 'wander' at slower speeds (0-40mph) when the car encounters uneven road surfaces. For example, if the car finds a ridge in the road the steering wheel will turn quite sharply of its own accord, far more pronounced than on the E39 I had previously.

Above 50mph the steering really tightens up and the problem reduces, but the issue remains - making driving in a straight line an effort! All the reviews I have read of BMW's Active Steering all seem to praise the good points of this system, but with no mention of this quite obvious (and some times alarming) handling issues!

On an even surface it handles fantastically well.

Does anyone else have any handling issues? Any tips for correcting these issues?

Thanks

Ben

[kscarrol]

Some more detail will help, but what you describe is not new to those with AS. Do you have the run-flat tyres? This wandering effect seems to be much improved by switching to regular tyres (along with the general ride and noise from the tyres!). When was your 2004 produced? Earlier version had this "loose" steering problem, though later version are much "tighter" feeling. The issue is software related and can be improved w/ a software update from your dealer. Hope this helps.

Ken

[Benj]

Originally posted by kscarrol@Jan 5 2005, 12:45 AM
Some more detail will help, but what you describe is not new to those with AS. Do you have the run-flat tyres? This wandering effect seems to be much improved by switching to regular tyres (along with the general ride and noise from the tyres!). When was your 2004 produced? Earlier version had this "loose" steering problem, though later version are much "tighter" feeling. The issue is software related and can be improved w/ a software update from your dealer. Hope this helps.

Ken

[snapback]264380[/snapback]

Ken

Thanks for your response. My car was produced January 2004, but does not have run flat tyres.

Do you have any idea what software version is required?

Thanks
Ben

[kscarrol]

My car was built Jan 2004 as well, though I don't have the Active Steering. From reading posts on other boards, these early versions had software that left a bit of play in the AS that was corrected/tightened in later versions, though I can't quote a number. Assuming that you've not had any software updates since getting the car, you are likely running version 11.0 like I was. I just got car's software updated to version 15 as part of an emissions recall here in the states. I'd go to your dealer and complain about your steering issue and request the new software. Hope that will solve the problem!

Here's a thread to the subject on another board

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...teering+problem