The BMW E60, a model produced from 2003 to 2010, is known for its innovative technologies and, as we well know, is quite common in our country. Now we will tell you about one of the most remarkable, but unknown by many extras in this model. This is the so-called active steering, also known as active drive.
How does active steering work? Unlike the traditional steering system, in which the angle of rotation of the wheels is directly related to the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, active drive uses a planetary reducer built into the steering column. This mechanism, controlled by an electric motor and special software, changes the steering gear ratio depending on the speed of the car.
Greater maneuverability at low speeds: when driving in the city and parking, the system increases the steering angle of the wheels, which allows you to make sharper turns with less effort and steering. This makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
Greater stability at high speeds: when driving at high speeds, the system reduces the steering angle, which makes steering more precise and stable. This helps to react better when changing lanes suddenly or avoiding obstacles, reducing the risk of losing control.
The Active Drive system consists of several main components. The heart of the system is the planetary gearbox, built into the steering column, where it is located between the steering wheel and the steering box. This mechanism is locked and unlocked by an electronically controlled electric motor. The entire process is controlled by a separate control module (DME/DSC), which receives data from various sensors.
The control module analyzes information such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering angle and slip sensors in real time. Based on this data, the module calculates the required steering angle of the front wheels. When the vehicle is moving at low speed, the system adds up to 10 degrees to the steering angle. At high speeds, the system takes degrees to achieve greater stability and precision.
The system is integrated with the stability program (dsc) and in the event of a skid or loss of control, it can apply steering angle corrections to help restore stability before the driver has even reacted. This technology significantly reduces the need for small steering wheel adjustments and provides smoother and more precise driving.
Although extremely useful, active drive is an optional extra that is ordered less often. Moreover, its operation is so intuitive that many BMW E60 owners who have it may not even realize that their car is equipped with this complex system.