[drivethemachine]

Someone help me make sense of this.

I have a 2018 530e with the luxury trim and the standard steering wheel. When I ordered the car I chose non-M since I was looking for the softest ride possible.
I did however verify that the steering ratio was identical to the M-line models.

Now, I just drove a 2019 540i "sport line" service loaner which had the M steering wheel. And it felt sooo good! It felt like it had a more direct ratio, while also actually being lighter to turn.
But, upon checking the specs I don't believe there should be any difference between the two.

So what's going on here? Can someone explain the difference?
I am really bummed that I didn't get the M bits...

[LogicalApex]

More knowledgable people will chime in, but I wonder if it is due to either the model year difference or if since the car is drive by wire the "feel" is altered for the M trim.

[genesmasher]

Too many differences between the cars you are trying to compare. It's not just the steering ratio that will affect "the feel". Different engine and weight distribution, not to mention the wheels and tires are probably different too.

[Qsilver7]

The 530e is going to have electronic steering...did you lift the hood of the loaner to see if it had hydraulic steering?

I ask because in older cars like the f06 650i & 650ix...the AWD models have the old fashioned hydraulic steering (has a power steering reservoir)...but the RWD versions have electronic steering. If you don't know the difference between the two...the electronic steering is the one many old Bimmerphiles dislike:

{n63tu w/power steering reservoir if AWD} vs {n63tu w/no power steering reservoir if RWD}

[Superjackson]

Different tires and suspension setup makes steering feel different

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by drivethemachine

Someone help me make sense of this.

I have a 2018 530e with the luxury trim and the standard steering wheel. When I ordered the car I chose non-M since I was looking for the softest ride possible.
I did however verify that the steering ratio was identical to the M-line models.

Now, I just drove a 2019 540i "sport line" service loaner which had the M steering wheel. And it felt sooo good! It felt like it had a more direct ratio, while also actually being lighter to turn.
But, upon checking the specs I don't believe there should be any difference between the two.

So what's going on here? Can someone explain the difference?
I am really bummed that I didn't get the M bits...

The M Sport Package on the 530e doesn't bring any suspension upgrade (more or less cosmetic). Actually, if you want the softest ride possible, you should've probably gone with the Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) option as I believe the softest setting on DDC is softer than fixed damper.

What you may have experienced is the Integral Active Steering, which doesn't technically change the steering ratio, but if you are gauging it in slow speeds, it could give you an impression that it's has a quicker steering ratio because the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction.

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The 530e is going to have electronic steering...did you lift the hood of the loaner to see if it had hydraulic steering?

I ask because in older cars like the f06 650i & 650ix...the AWD models have the old fashioned hydraulic steering (has a power steering reservoir)...but the RWD versions have electronic steering. If you don't know the difference between the two...the electronic steering is the one many old Bimmerphiles dislike:

{n63tu w/power steering reservoir if AWD} vs {n63tu w/no power steering reservoir if RWD}

Negative. No G30 has a hydraulic steering rack. I would have loved one though.

[HighlandPete]

As said, suspension, tires, model specification, can all change the steering feel. Even the EPS software could be different.

IAS (if it is optioned) will definitely change the feel and overall steering ratio, due to the rear axle steering, plus the variable ratio rack.

[nlaak]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

More knowledgable people will chime in, but I wonder if it is due to either the model year difference or if since the car is drive by wire the "feel" is altered for the M trim.

I don't believe any 5 series is drive by wire, assuming you're talking steering. The power steering is electric assist, which a lot of people don't like, but there's still a mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and wheels.

Inifiniti (IIRC) has a true steer by wire, in the Q50 I think. Though I seem to remember reading they've backed off of that because it felt numb as hell.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by enigma01

Negative. No G30 has a hydraulic steering rack. I would have loved one though.

Ah...thanks for the education...I'll have to add this tidbit to my mental Rolodex. . Hopefully by the next time I have to buy another BMW and the only option is electronic steering...BMW will have developed it to "feel" like the BMWs of old.

[drivethemachine]

Just to confirm, my 530e has the DCC package. But neither car has IAS. I am quite familiar with IAS and would have noticed it. (And oddly enough you can't even option the 540 with IAS.)
Lots of theories for sure...at this point I'm simply thinking that the smaller diameter of the steering wheel requiring lesser input to turn the same degree. Small difference but it could matter.

[jsf721]

I cannot tell you why but my 540ix M Sport drives very differently from my wife’s 530ix from a steering feel. It’s tighter and more firmly “planted” feeling. Btw she prefers hers lol. Glad she’s happy.

[5drivr]

Note, M Steering wheel has slightly smaller diameter. So your hands need to move less for the same turn, making it feel a bit "quicker".

[georgere]

I have 2020 M550 and actually prefer the look of the standard wheel over m wheel. For the last couple of generations I feel the m division went on wrong design path, like Porsche with their new 911 PDK shifter.

[mjr24]

The M-Sport steering wheels are definitely thicker diameter-wise than the non M-Sport steering wheels.

It's a large difference...

[5drivr]

Originally Posted by mjr24

The M-Sport steering wheels are definitely thicker diameter-wise than the non M-Sport steering wheels.

It's a large difference...

Nope, the actual thing you grip with your hands (the doughnut) is thicker, but the overall diameter of the wheel (measured across) is a bit smaller for M Sport. See here for comparison:
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1374684

[mjr24]

The fact the thickness is different and the diameter is different says a lot.....if one has ever gripped both wheels, there is no mistaking one is larger. I think that is what OP is experiencing.

A thicker wheel gives the impression a person has more control and an easier time controlling the weight....vice versa with the smaller one.

[drivethemachine]

Yep, thanks for the replies, it's beginning to make sense. I am considering biting the bullet and just replacing the steering wheel...however I couldn't figure out the exact part number so not sure what kind of cost I'd be looking at. There are too many configurations out there, like I have a heated wheel but no adaptive cruise, so that's a unique combo right there. Also a lot of the parts I'm finding online seem to be European and some buttons are labeled differently. 😕

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The 530e is going to have electronic steering...did you lift the hood of the loaner to see if it had hydraulic steering?

I ask because in older cars like the f06 650i & 650ix...the AWD models have the old fashioned hydraulic steering (has a power steering reservoir)...but the RWD versions have electronic steering. If you don't know the difference between the two...the electronic steering is the one many old Bimmerphiles dislike:

{n63tu w/power steering reservoir if AWD} vs {n63tu w/no power steering reservoir if RWD}

My car appears to have the reservoir but I'm too lazy to go out to my works parking garage to check at the moment.

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by drivethemachine

Someone help me make sense of this.

I have a 2018 530e with the luxury trim and the standard steering wheel. When I ordered the car I chose non-M since I was looking for the softest ride possible.
I did however verify that the steering ratio was identical to the M-line models.

Now, I just drove a 2019 540i "sport line" service loaner which had the M steering wheel. And it felt sooo good! It felt like it had a more direct ratio, while also actually being lighter to turn.
But, upon checking the specs I don't believe there should be any difference between the two.

So what's going on here? Can someone explain the difference?
I am really bummed that I didn't get the M bits...

Attachment 2131822

Attachment 2131823

I know this is a very old thread but wanted to clarify for any future buyers out there- The m sport package on BMW's now comes standard with the variable sport steering (which used to be standalone option) . While the steering ratio is the same on CENTER, it's much quicker as you turn the wheel. It's a progressive variable ratio. The standard steering has a FIXED ration and on the G30 it's very slow. That's why the m sport felt more agile and nimble. It's a must have option on any BMW IMHO.