Electric v. hydraulic steering

[davuusM6GC]

I currently drive a 2006 525 and looking to get a new 6er. But I have been informed that the new electric steering in BMWs quite frankly "suck" and that BMWs no longer feel how BMWs should feel (as ultimate driving machines) in all the model lines and not just the 6series. I have been told I will miss driving my old car.
Any thoughts on this matter? Do the 640 and M6 share the same steering systems? Curious to hear what you all think!!!

[ibimmer954]

You'll just have to try it your self. Yes, the steering is generally lighter. And, yes, there is less road feel than before. Some people can't stand it. Personally, I'm OK with it. Another possible option is to try the variable sport steering system (aka. "Integral Active Steering"). I had a 535i with the IAS system and really liked it. I got my 650i off the lot and it didn't have it. Try them both. The M will have a slightly different steering system. But keep in mind that it's still based on an electric motor.

[BMWMilan]

Yes, the steering is going to feel different than the hydraulic system of years past.
Yes, it is lighter.
No, the current M6 still has the old non-electric M Servotronic steering setup. But soon the entire ///M line will be electric, which has begun with the M4/M3.

Not sure it matters whether one likes the electric steering. There's really no other option -- either in the BMW line or any other luxury car line. Save with the exception of the Aston Martin DB9, I believe every single luxury car manufacturer has gone electric.

It's not really something a person should like or not like, just something one has to accept at this point.

[southern6er22]

xDrive still uses hydraulic. That's not the primary reason people choose xDrive, but it is an added benefit. I rather like the steering in my '12 650xi. That is why the xDrive cars don't have the auto park feature as part of the driver assistance package.

[zoltans4]

when you get in this fat a$$ car and drive it and realize you aren't struggling to manuver in a parking lot you will think to yourself, man this electric steering sure is nice!

[doug_999]

I test drove a 535xi and then my friends 550xi (both 2014s) and the steering was terrible in both. I was under the impression that those both used hydraulic steering so I believe that they can make electric steering feel as good as hydraulic and hydraulic as bad as electric.

That said.. the 650GCs I've test driven have really nice steering (only driven the AWD versions) at the expense of a 3 turns to lock steering (read lots and lots of turning of the steering wheel). I have Active Steering in my X6 and love it due to the number of tight low speed turns I do every day on my way to work. On the plus side, in the X platform it really lightens up the steering (if you have ever driven an X5 without Active Steering you know it takes some serious effort to turn that wheel at low speeds). This was not always the case as the Active Steering in my 2006 550 felt the exact same as the 550 without it in back to back test drives.

Long story short, I think the platform makes as much if not more difference than the type of steering. The F10 5-series has been dinged for bad steering since it came out and I agree with those reviews (I also agree that you get used to it). The GC on the other hand continually gets praised.