Hey guys maybe you can help me out,

I talked to the dealer this afternoon about pricing out my 135i and since I wanted to get the sports package he strongly recomended I get the Active Steering as well. Since the price is already getting a bit steep I was wondering if i really need it. Does anyone have any information about what exactly this does, and is it really neccesary for the car in your opinion? Not sure if its worth the extra $1400 on an already light car.

Also, BMW Assist = BMW's version of OnStar right? And is it a one time fee or is there a subscription involved?

Thanks a bunch I hope to get my 135 locked up by the end of the month.

Active steering changes the steering ratio of the wheel when the car is at different speeds. So like when you are stopped you don't have to spin your steering all the way around to get the tires to turn all the way around...

bmw assist is like onstar, I think it is a yearly subscription.

Skip the active steering. It's not worth it at all and takes away too much feedback. Try it for yourself and decide.

BMW Assist is like OnStar, but BMW includes 4yrs. free with the price. After the 4yrs. are up there is a monthly/yearly fee. I have no idea what this fee is. BMW Assist is also the only way to get Bluetooth support. If your cell phone is bluetooth capable, you will be able to voice dial contacts with a simple button push on the steering wheel. It's too bad BMW won't let us order Bluetooth ala cart since I have no plans on ever using BMW Assist.

Active steering is crap.

Active steering is great, especially on the larger BMWs. It might not be necessary on a 1-series. Drive them with and without and see which one you like. It does take some getting used to, though.

Thanks a lot guys for the help. I didnt really think I would need the active steering but wanted to make sure.

Active steering on larger cars can be useful - my Audi A6 has that. My girlfriend's X3 steering felt very heavy to her when she got it - worse than in the steering "enhanced" X3 - now that she is used to it she doesn't mind.

My e36 has very light steering as it is and it feels fantastic. I would lean against "active steering" without a test drive - I think this is a comfort feature like an automatic transmission that might decrease your enjoyment of the car.

Peter

active steering as experience makes me feel less like I'm in control of the car. If you have driven a car without active steering for so many years is it really necessary to have something assist you that would take away the feel of the car? Power steering is good enough for me what about you?