E90 vs. F80 Steering Feel and Feedback

[soberin]

As a longtime E90 owner, I have been quite underwhelmed with the quality of the steering feedback and feel in the F80. After researching some recent articles in Road &Track and Car & Driver, I have found similar complaints from experienced auto reviewers. The EPS in the F80 is absolutely less engaging and less communicative than in the E90. In fact, I think it is the major design failure of an otherwise fine car.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by soberin

As a longtime E90 owner, I have been quite underwhelmed with the quality of the steering feedback and feel in the F80. After researching some recent articles in Road &Track and Car & Driver, I have found similar complaints from experienced auto reviewers. The EPS in the F80 is absolutely less engaging and less communicative than in the E90. In fact, I think it is the major design failure of an otherwise fine car.

I've driven both of the cars on the track. I agree that the F80 steering removes a good amount of feedback compared to the E90.

Not to take it off topic, but I think the rear diff and suspension are much better on the F80. It has much more traction at corner exit. That helps a bit as the drivetrain is not as responsive to throttle input as the E90 albeit overall much faster [as you would expect with a turbo vs. NA]

[W///]

Originally Posted by soberin

As a longtime E90 owner, I have been quite underwhelmed with the quality of the steering feedback and feel in the F80. After researching some recent articles in Road &Track and Car & Driver, I have found similar complaints from experienced auto reviewers. The EPS in the F80 is absolutely less engaging and less communicative than in the E90. In fact, I think it is the major design failure of an otherwise fine car.

Yea but I can also argue that the E36 M3 steering feel is much better than on my E92.

You just have to drive it for yourself (I have). I just don't take these tests too seriously. The F8x steering is not as communicative as the E9x, but the chassis is a pretty damn big improvement so it really makes up for it. If you ask me, the F80 is a better "handling" car. I could absolutely live with the way the F80 is setup as is.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Originally Posted by W///

Yea but I can also argue that the E36 M3 steering feel is much better than on my E92.

You just have to drive it for yourself (I have). I just don't take these tests too seriously. The F8x steering is not as communicative as the E9x, but the chassis is a pretty damn big improvement so it really makes up for it. If you ask me, the F80 is a better "handling" car. I could absolutely live with the way the F80 is setup as is.

The steering feel on the e9x m3's was never great. The f8x is not great, especially considering how BMW hyped up their EPS to say it was going to be great. It's still a far, far cry off of what Porsche has, but then again, I never expected them to come close. Maybe in a few more years or the next generation theyll be able to figure it out but as of right now, its not anything worth noting on the new car. I also dont think that the car getting more front heavy helps either.
That said, the f8x chasis, is certainly better. It had to be. No car maker is going to make a worse car generation after generation.

[soberin]

Originally Posted by smmmurf

I've driven both of the cars on the track. I agree that the F80 steering removes a good amount of feedback compared to the E90.

Not to take it off topic, but I think the rear diff and suspension are much better on the F80. It has much more traction at corner exit. That helps a bit as the drivetrain is not as responsive to throttle input as the E90 albeit overall much faster [as you would expect with a turbo vs. NA]

Yes, the new chassis construction is more secure and solid than the E9x, but the lack of essential feedback through the steering wheel makes it less fun to drive, regardless of it being a faster car with much more torque. I'll take better steering over power any day.

[M3guy3]

Originally Posted by soberin

Yes, the new chassis construction is more secure and solid than the E9x, but the lack of essential feedback through the steering wheel makes it less fun to drive, regardless of it being a faster car with much more torque. I'll take better steering over power any day.

sadly the market would say other wise.