Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
32 Steering And Wheel Alignment: Introduction
Active Steering is the most recent BMW development in the innovative steering systems sector.
Active Steering varies the steering gear ratio from direct to indirect and vice versa as a function of the vehicle's speed.
The benefits of Active Front Steering are:
- direct steering with no more than minimal movements of the steering wheel at the low end of the speed range
- More indirect steering at higher speeds in conjunction with yaw-rate control
Active Steering, including Servotronic, is available as an option (option 217)
Active Steering gives the vehicle an even sportier character.
New for the E70 is the 3rd generation Active Steering:
- Yawing moment compensation has been fully integrated as a function in the Active Steering control unit
- Cumulative steering angle sensor discontinued
- Digital motor-position sensor
- Commissioning exclusively via service function in BMW diagnosis system
On the X5, Active Steering is available for the first time on an all-wheel drive vehicle.
In 03/2007 the actions described for the E70 will also be implemented on the BMW 5-Series. Other model series will follow later.
Option 216 "Servotronic" is not available without Active Steering.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.