BMW's new AFS

[PerfAdv]

BMWs new Active Front Steering (AFS), friend or foe? AFS actually varies the steering ratio, varying the amount of steering angle needed dependent on speed. This is different than variable effort steering, that has been around for many years. At slow speeds, used in parking or tight corners, the steering becomes more responsive, only 2 turns lock to lock. At speed the system becomes less responsive to steering input, allowing for finer control.

AFS can also steer the car by itself with out any steering input. In suituations where the car starts to wander from crosswinds, for example.

The problem I see with this system is not how good it is, as strange as the sensation will be, most will become accustomed. At freeway speeds where AFS increases the steering ratio for finer control, it takes more input to get the amount of steering angle. The problem I see is in a multicar family situation. Example: The spouse is use to the way the other car and once in while the cars are traded out. On the freeway in an emergency lane change. How much to turn?? Another criticism I heard on a E60 so equipt, is when, during spirited driving, you slow quickly from faster speeds to where the changeover takes place. If this changeover takes place in mid-turn, then what?

IMO, just to aid parking, BMW might have created a system that with have many drivers experience atleast some 'oops' moments.

learn more......and some more

[Matra et Alpine]

Originally Posted by PerfAdv

The problem I see is in a multicar family situation. Example: The spouse is use to the way the other car and once in while the cars are traded out. On the freeway in an emergency lane change. How much to turn??

THis is already present as no 2 cars have the same turning circle and rack ratio.
Some can be WAY different - though most tend to be 2 1/2 turns l-l.
I hope the SO can cope with it or we're in BIG trouble in all cars, not jsut beemers

If this changeover takes place in mid-turn, then what?

Now THAT coudl be a worry, you'd hope they don't change it while it's IN a turn. So the computer only chages it while going straight or changes it's ratio SO slowly that it's not noticable.

Good be a great idea from BMW, OR another I-drive

[jcp123]

Way too much new fangled computer crap for me. When I drive a car, I like to actually be driving it...none of that traction control safety nanny stuff.

[Distress]

Originally Posted by jcp123

Way too much new fangled computer crap for me. When I drive a car, I like to actually be driving it...none of that traction control safety nanny stuff.

I don't have a problem with traction control; it's nice that some car allow you to "truly" fully disable it; others, just a little or none at all

Not to fond of these new electronic systems. What do we have now? Self-adjusting cruise control; the Land Rover LR3 has it where the brake applies when you let off the brake pedal at a stop...to go, just put your foot down on the gas. Before you know it, cars will be electronically guided...what if the power goes out?

[SPHFerrari]

ive heard its a bit strange at first, but you get used to it very quickly. i guess its just something u cant really say without trying it.

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

yeah

... electronics now take the place of rack and pinion steering ... they managed to make a computer mimic a piece of metal soem gears and another piece of metal ... bravo bmw

... drive by wire (e-throttle) they managed to make a whole buncha servos electrodes and transistors take the place of a piece of metal wire ... wow real useful ...

automatic startup devices ... wow useful now i can press a button instead of turning a key ...

automatic doors that open at the push of a button ... so dumb i dont need to explain

rain sensing wipers ... oh dear god ... 1 drop of rain ... wipers on ... scratches on windshield ...

radar guided cruise control ... only a person with a.d.d would manage to stay awake

hands free phone/integrated into car ... encouraging use of mobile fone which distracts the drivers attention from what's at hand (driving) ... real smart

ABS (betchya didnt see this coming) ... it actually makes you stop slower in a strait line, whoop di doo

traction control ... this is actually useful (LEAVE IT ON PEOPLE)

tiptronic transmissions ... if it's a manual tiptronic .. just get a sequential u lazy bastards, if it's an auto ... just drive an auto u schumacher wannabe

anymore ? ...

horns ... why do they have these on cars? they're abused in traffic even though these button happy morons know full well cars ahead have no more room and even if they did half a foot is not going to get them to work early when they left their house 10 min late ... second they cant prevent an accident so instead of honking the guy making a left turn at an intersection when he isnt suppose to ... dont go so fast and brake

the way things are going instead of pedals and a steering wheel we'll be able to drive our cars in the comfort of our backseat with a playstation controller staring into an lcd screen