What power steering system does BMW use?
BMW, as a world-renowned luxury car manufacturer, is famous for its excellent handling and driving experience. BMW's vehicle design and engineering technology have always been at the forefront of the industry. Among them, the power steering system, as an important component that affects driving handling, also reflects BMW's high attention to driving pleasure. So, what kind of power steering system does BMW use to ensure the excellent handling of its vehicles?
This article will explore in depth the types of power steering systems used by BMW, their working principles, and their applications in different models.
What is a power steering system?
The power steering system is a key component of a car. Its main function is to convert the force applied by the driver through the steering wheel into the steering movement of the wheels. A good power steering system not only provides accurate control, but also provides appropriate feedback when the driver operates, allowing the driver to feel the road conditions and the dynamics of the vehicle.
What are the main types of power steering systems?
In modern cars, there are mainly the following types of power steering systems:
● Mechanical steering system: The most traditional steering system, which relies on physical connections to transmit the driver's input to the wheels.
● Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Reduces the driver's effort to turn the steering wheel through hydraulic power assistance.
● Electric Power Steering (EPS): Uses electric motors to provide steering assistance without the need for a hydraulic system.
● Variable Ratio Steering (VRS): Adjusts the steering ratio according to speed and driving conditions, making steering more sensitive at low speeds and more stable at high speeds.
● Active Steering (ASS): Integrates variable steering ratio and electric power assistance, actively adjusting the steering angle through a complex electronic control system.
BMW uses a variety of power steering systems in its different models according to positioning and needs to meet the different needs of its drivers.
BMW's traditional hydraulic power steering system
How the hydraulic power steering system works
Hydraulic power steering is a technology that BMW has traditionally adopted on a large scale. This system generates hydraulic pressure through a hydraulic pump driven by the engine belt, which then delivers hydraulic oil to the steering rack and pinion system through an oil pipe. Hydraulic power assistance reduces the driver's effort to turn the steering wheel, making it easier to steer the vehicle at low speeds or when parking.
Advantages of Hydraulic Power Steering System
● High reliability: After years of development and improvement, the hydraulic power steering system has mature technology and high stability.
● Good road feel feedback: The hydraulic system can feedback the road conditions to the driver through the steering system, so that the driver can get a more realistic road feel.
● Low cost: Compared with the new electric power steering system, the manufacturing cost of the hydraulic system is relatively low.
Application in BMW models
Hydraulic power steering system is widely used in BMW's early models and some models that pursue sports handling, such as 3 Series (E46) and 5 Series (E39). These models are deeply loved by driving enthusiasts for their precise handling and good driving feedback.
BMW's Electric Power Steering System (EPS)
How Electric Power Steering System Works
With the development of technology, BMW gradually introduced electric power steering system into its new models. The EPS system provides steering assistance through an electric motor, eliminating the traditional hydraulic pump and oil pipe. The core components of this system include:
● Electric motor: directly connected to the steering rack to provide assistance
● Electronic Control Unit (ECU): monitors vehicle speed, steering wheel angle and other data, and adjusts the power assist in real time.
● Sensor: senses vehicle dynamic information and transmits it to ECU for analysis.
Advantages of Electric Power Steering System
● Energy saving and environmental protection: Since the hydraulic system is eliminated, EPS consumes almost no energy when power assist is not needed, which helps to improve the fuel economy of the vehicle.
● Variable power assist: The EPS system can adjust the power assist according to the vehicle speed and driving conditions, providing more power assist at low speeds and reducing power assist at high speeds to enhance vehicle stability.
● Flexible electronic control: Through software updates, the EPS system can provide more driving mode options, such as comfort mode and sports mode.
Application in BMW models
BMW has introduced EPS systems in some models since the end of the 20th century, such as the new 3 Series (F30) and 5 Series (F10). These models provide a more diverse driving experience through the EPS system, while also further reducing fuel consumption.
BMW's Active Steering System
Working Principle of Active Steering System
BMW's Active Steering System combines EPS system and variable steering ratio technology. Through the cooperation of electronic control unit and electric motor, the steering ratio is automatically adjusted according to vehicle speed and driving conditions. This means that at low speeds, the steering wheel will be more sensitive, thereby reducing the number of turning circles, facilitating parking and low-speed driving; at high speeds, the steering ratio will become larger, making the vehicle more stable.
Advantages of Active Steering System
● Enhanced controllability: The active steering system can adjust the steering sensitivity in real time according to the driving environment, so that the vehicle can maintain optimal controllability at all speeds.
● Improved safety: At high speeds, the increase in steering ratio makes the vehicle more stable and reduces the danger caused by excessive steering wheel rotation.
● Comfortable driving experience: By adjusting the steering ratio, the active steering system reduces the driver's operating burden at low speeds and improves the stability of the vehicle at high speeds.
Application in BMW models
The active steering system was first used in BMW's 7 Series (E65), and then gradually became popular in the 5 Series and some high-end 3 Series models. While maintaining BMW's traditional driving pleasure, these models further improve driving comfort and safety through active steering systems.
Diversity and options of BMW steering systems
Different options for different models
BMW provides a variety of configurations in the selection of steering systems based on the positioning of different models and the needs of target customer groups. For example, M series models that focus on sports performance are usually equipped with more sensitive power steering systems, while in luxury models such as the 7 Series, active steering systems are more common.
Personalized options
BMW also allows customers to personalize the power steering system when purchasing a new car. For example, in some models, customers can choose whether to equip the active steering system, or choose different driving modes to suit their personal driving style.
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