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      09-28-2014, 03:20 PM   #1
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M4 First Extended Drive; Two Irritations

Well, I've had my car for 10 days and finally got around to taking it on the road yesterday for a 300 mile drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, and back. I didn't want to take it out until I got my Xpel Ultimate front coverage and my windows tinted so it was just taking up space as the reigning garage queen. Now, however she is well on her way to the 1200 mile service and establishing a bond with me.

First of all, this is a very comfortable car on the highway. The fit of the seats, the ergonomics, the features and general comfort, and its overall responsiveness and performance make this car a genuine please to drive.

Except for just two things, so far.

The small irritation first: That bright white and yellow ugly warning label on the sun visors greatly detracts from the attractiveness of the interior, especially considering that the headliner is black and contrasts so much. At times, until I got somewhat used to them my eyes would inadvertently go the visor label on my side as though it was lit up. As they are painted on, I'm considering covering them either with BBQ flat black paint, or a flat black sticker. Anyone dealt with this issue?

The second irritation, but much more significant, is the egregious dead spot I feel in the steering wheel when going straight, and the lack of steering feel at all other times. Moreover, initiating any movement of the wheel is met with a heaviness and artificiality, something akin to static friction, whereas the old systems are completely smooth and natural even with the smallest correction. Compared to the 2008 135i I had for four years, and the 2001 525iat my wife had for 12 years, both of which I would rate "A" for steering, this car gets a barely passing grade of "C" in the steering category. Because all-electric steering cannot yet provide the connected feel of a direct hydraulic electric-assisted system, I think that the M division should have stuck with hydraulics until development was much, much further along. Any chance that there will be a retrofit hydraulic-electric steering kit available?
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      09-28-2014, 03:27 PM   #2
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For your first "Irritation" check out Ind-distribution.com

As far as steering feel I love what they did with the new M, If you don't like the heaviness then configure the steering to comfort.

I also have a 335is and prefer the steering in my M4.
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      09-28-2014, 04:35 PM   #3
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1: Replace the sun visors with the European version;

2: welcome to Electric Power Steering. Whilst the M4 steering is highly accurate, it does not give great feedback like the best of the 'old' hydraulic systems, and is far too heavy, even in Comfort mode.

Bish
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      09-28-2014, 05:00 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebishman View Post
1: Replace the sun visors with the European version;

2: welcome to Electric Power Steering. Whilst the M4 steering is highly accurate, it does not give great feedback like the best of the 'old' hydraulic systems, and is far too heavy, even in Comfort mode.

Bish
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      09-28-2014, 05:08 PM   #5
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I don't agree with your generalization. Not all eps systems are lacking, try driving a new cayman, you wouldn't even know it has eps. Steering feel is better than almost any hydraulic steering I've ever driven.
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      09-28-2014, 05:21 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebishman View Post
1: Replace the sun visors with the European version;

2: welcome to Electric Power Steering. Whilst the M4 steering is highly accurate, it does not give great feedback like the best of the 'old' hydraulic systems, and is far too heavy, even in Comfort mode.

Bish

you really think its still too heavy even in Comfort mode? I daily drive my M4 and honestly I find Comfort mode to be light enough, Anything lighter would be civic territory.
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      09-28-2014, 05:38 PM   #7
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Steering is subjective... I have no dead spot and quite like the steering feel in the car. It is very accurate and also very, very responsive IMO.

I do agree that it feels artificially weighted in sport plus. Comfort is a tad too soft for me personally but sport is pretty good.

But, as you will see here, opinions on steering feel vary widely... Chris Harris loved the F8X more than the E9X relative to steering, others will disagree.
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      09-28-2014, 06:05 PM   #8
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Steering in the M4 is very good. Yes it is still lacking (slightly) compared to hydraulic but as another member mentioned the Porsche system is superb. I have a 2012 X3 and let me tell you that EPS is absolute junk compared to the M4. No feed back, feels lazy even in sport mode.
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      09-28-2014, 06:09 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
Steering is subjective... I have no dead spot and quite like the steering feel in the car. It is very accurate and also very, very responsive IMO.

I do agree that it feels artificially weighted in sport plus. Comfort is a tad too soft for me personally but sport is pretty good.

But, as you will see here, opinions on steering feel vary widely... Chris Harris loved the F8X more than the E9X relative to steering, others will disagree.
I agree with Sport feeling the best. When you ran yours on the track, which setting did you use?
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      09-28-2014, 06:13 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmcconn535 View Post
I agree with Sport feeling the best. When you ran yours on the track, which setting did you use?
Started with Sport but ended up with Sport Plus. For the street Sport Plus is too heavy but, for some reason, I preferred it at the track. Maybe because the steering is very responsive and the extra steering weight felt like I had more finite control.
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      09-28-2014, 06:14 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
Started with Sport but ended up with Sport Plus. For the street Sport Plus is too heavy but, for some reason, I preferred it at the track. Maybe because the steering is very responsive and the extra steering weight felt like I had more finite control.
Thanks!!
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      09-28-2014, 06:50 PM   #12
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If those minute things are your gripes. I would say the car is a win. Who can't find two things wrong with anything in life. Weather they are significant or extremely minor. I love my f80 but find way more than two things out if order.
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      09-28-2014, 07:05 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal
Steering is subjective... I have no dead spot and quite like the steering feel in the car. It is very accurate and also very, very responsive IMO.

I do agree that it feels artificially weighted in sport plus. Comfort is a tad too soft for me personally but sport is pretty good.

But, as you will see here, opinions on steering feel vary widely... Chris Harris loved the F8X more than the E9X relative to steering, others will disagree.
Not saying you're wrong; just looking for a reference here: Where did Chris Harris A-B comparison the F8X EPS vs the E9X HPS and say he loved the F8X steering better?

I remember reading his review notes, and he said he had no issue with the steering of the F8X. Something akin to it not feeling like HPS, but it was very, very accurate. Then I remember he said fanboys have all forgotten their history if they think the E46 and E9X steering were flawless (pointing out the lightness of E46 steering and the off-center deadspot of the E9X steering).
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      09-28-2014, 07:16 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3OW
I don't agree with your generalization. Not all eps systems are lacking, try driving a new cayman, you wouldn't even know it has eps. Steering feel is better than almost any hydraulic steering I've ever driven.
+1

I drove a 991, and I was very impressed with the steering feel and feedback. It honestly wasn't until afterwards that I learned it has EPS.

I haven't driven the new F8X M3/M4 yet, so I can't comment on its steering, but I'm not terribly worried about the future. If Porsche cracked the code, other companies will catch on if they haven't already.
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      09-28-2014, 07:21 PM   #15
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I agree that my M4 is a win, but that doesn't mean that it can't be significantly improved.

My annoying visor labels are beyond the control of BMW as they are federally mandated. I was just venting, and hoping for some proven solutions, which were forthcoming. I appreciate that.

However, if Porsche can make their electric steering system feel as natural as the hydraulic type that preceded it, proving that it is possible, then BMW didn't do enough developmental work on theirs. I'm wondering if tuners could perform coding modifications that might improve the feel and bring the driver and car into closer communication, much like they do for engine ECUs. In fact, maybe BWM can make software improvements that can be downloaded in the future.

The ideal driving experience for me is one that makes me feel as if I am one with the car, and that it will do exactly what I want it to do naturally. My M4 has the power, braking, stability, and all the other quantifiable attributes that I want (I don't track cars) but there is an annoying disconnect between the steering and me. I intend to keep this car so I will have to adjust for the car, but it would be a lot more fulfilling and rewarding if I could adjust the car to fit me.
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      09-28-2014, 07:24 PM   #16
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Did Chris Harris comment on the F8x steering overall and including daily driving or just in a track day test?

I have yet to drive the new M car but hearing about a dead spot gives me a flashback to my 1968 Mustang; the steering wheel would float back and forth an inch or two at anything over 60 mph. I know it is nothing like that but hopefully BMW can dial it in a bit better.
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      09-28-2014, 07:28 PM   #17
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I think that you can remove the airbag warning label. Search the threads for instructions.
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      09-28-2014, 07:42 PM   #18
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I have no dead spot. I would suggest getting the alignment checked. I have had 2 991s and I have a 981 Boxster S as well. The Porsches' steering is not better from a feel perspective...
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      09-28-2014, 07:57 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IB M View Post
Did Chris Harris comment on the F8x steering overall and including daily driving or just in a track day test?

I have yet to drive the new M car but hearing about a dead spot gives me a flashback to my 1968 Mustang; the steering wheel would float back and forth an inch or two at anything over 60 mph. I know it is nothing like that but hopefully BMW can dial it in a bit better.
Here is what Chris Harris said:

"Steering
Leave it in comfort. The other two settings simply add weight, and I disliked them both. The 3 Series electric steering rack has been comprehensively re-engineered for this car, at vast expense. Does it feel like a conventional hydraulic rack? Nope. Is it exceedingly accurate? Yes. And the world really does have a short memory if it cites the last two M3s as being steering paragons. The E46 was light but accurate, the E92 lacked initial response off-centre. Neither were great.

This is not steering to savour, but it gives the driver instant confidence, and that is a brilliant trick when allied to all that front axle grip. For a big car, you can place the M3 with uncanny accuracy."
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      09-28-2014, 08:19 PM   #20
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Isopropyl alcohol will remove the airbag warning stickers on vinyl visors (can't vouch for leather if you have full leather). You can either remove the visors (couple of T20 Torx screws) or lay an isopropyl alcohol-soaked paper towel on top of the visors for a few minutes. Then start peeling off. Goo Gone or Goof Off should remove any residue. It may leave an outline where the sticker is, but far less noticeable than the warning stickers.

This worked on my wife's 2011 335is Coupe when it was brand new.
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      09-28-2014, 08:52 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sapper_M3 View Post
+1

I drove a 991, and I was very impressed with the steering feel and feedback. It honestly wasn't until afterwards that I learned it has EPS.

I haven't driven the new F8X M3/M4 yet, so I can't comment on its steering, but I'm not terribly worried about the future. If Porsche cracked the code, other companies will catch on if they haven't already.
If you liked the 991 steering, you will be blown away with the caymans which is much better in every measurable way. Try test driving a 2015 cayman s or better yet a GTS. The steering is sooooo sweet. You can feel every pebble on the road, very precise and accurate. In fact I would have to say it's more precise that my old 2010 gt3 and almost on the same level in terms of feedback coming through the rim.
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      09-28-2014, 09:02 PM   #22
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I drive in sport+ not heavy enough. At all.
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