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      05-22-2023, 07:00 PM   #1
Tyga11
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Why doesn't BMW use a flat bottom steering wheel?

Mercedes AMG does and so does Audi...why doesn't BMW? Makes no sense
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      05-22-2023, 07:41 PM   #2
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Not sure, but it would be nice if they did offer one at least. I know not everyone is a fan of them.
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      05-22-2023, 08:49 PM   #3
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I have one in my Golf R. Yawn. I’m glad that BMW doesn’t copy VAG here. It’s a gimmick.
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      05-22-2023, 09:02 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinC View Post
I have one in my Golf R. Yawn. I’m glad that BMW doesn’t copy VAG here. It’s a gimmick.
Future M models will have one.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/10/26/b...teering-wheel/

https://uk.motor1.com/news/618779/20...ior-spied/amp/
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      05-22-2023, 09:17 PM   #5
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Because benz drivers are fat and the bottom of the steering wheel reduces leg space. specially when you want to spread your legs and smoke your cigar on cruise control doing 65 on the highway.

BMW drivers on the other hand are slim and perfectly round steering wheel makes it easier to take corners on the track... aka faster lap times.
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      05-22-2023, 09:18 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PYE46M3 View Post
Because benz drivers are fat and the bottom of the steering wheel reduces leg space. specially when you want to spread your legs and smoke your cigar on cruise control doing 65 on the highway.

BMW drivers on the other hand are slim and perfectly round steering wheel makes it easier to take corners on the track... aka faster lap times.
100% correct answer.
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      05-22-2023, 09:20 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PYE46M3 View Post
Because benz drivers are fat and the bottom of the steering wheel reduces leg space. specially when you want to spread your legs and smoke your cigar on cruise control doing 65 on the highway.

BMW drivers on the other hand are slim and perfectly round steering wheel makes it easier to take corners on the track... aka faster lap times.
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      05-22-2023, 10:19 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyga11 View Post
Mercedes AMG does and so does Audi...why doesn't BMW? Makes no sense
As was said, those are for fatties.
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      05-23-2023, 02:39 AM   #9
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Previous car had flat bottom steering wheel (not a bmw). When I jumped into other cars I would notice it straight away. In the bmw I don’t notice it. Maybe down to seating position, car handling etc. or I’m too distracted by other stuff in the car that I don’t notice?

What I will say is in city driving a flat bottom steering wheel is brilliant.
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      05-23-2023, 05:07 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NOSSY View Post

What I will say is in city driving a flat bottom steering wheel is brilliant.
If you're fat
Sorry, couldn't resist.
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      05-23-2023, 06:40 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grannyknot View Post
If you're fat
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Lol I am very over weight

But driving, you grab the flat bit and turn in tighter when doing a 3 point turn. UK roads I imagine are different to over the pond.
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      05-23-2023, 08:37 AM   #12
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I actually didn't think I would like it, but I test drove a SQ5 once that just happened to have it and after I adjusted, I got use to it fast. I liked hooking my thumbs in it when turning around town. I'm not sure I would look for one with or without it - but I'd take it. Flat bottom on the SQ5 means no heated though - which does not matter to me, but does to some.
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      05-23-2023, 08:40 AM   #13
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Just picked up a 2023 760i loaner with this M steering wheel:
Name:  2023-bmw-760i-xdrive-107-1650340311.jpg
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      05-23-2023, 01:26 PM   #14
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Mostly because BMW owners like to go around corners and having something the same shape all the way around is surprisingly useful.

The whole concept is just a stupid gimmick and exists only because in race cars the wheels sit lower and are shaped to allow drivers to get in and out. The shape isn't relevant to race cars because they don't use enough lock to ever need to move their hands around the wheel.

Its kind of like how everyone bought 355s with an F1 gearbox because it was similar to what Schumacher had in his F1 car. But it just didn't work in the real world.
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      05-23-2023, 02:07 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brad850csi View Post
Mostly because BMW owners like to go around corners and having something the same shape all the way around is surprisingly useful.

The whole concept is just a stupid gimmick and exists only because in race cars the wheels sit lower and are shaped to allow drivers to get in and out. The shape isn't relevant to race cars because they don't use enough lock to ever need to move their hands around the wheel.

Its kind of like how everyone bought 355s with an F1 gearbox because it was similar to what Schumacher had in his F1 car. But it just didn't work in the real world.
Ferraris do have flat bottom steering wheels.
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      05-23-2023, 02:32 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyga11 View Post
Ferraris do have flat bottom steering wheels.
Not to mention future BMW M models will have them as well. I guess everyone is fat and only likes to go straight now? Hah
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      05-23-2023, 03:19 PM   #17
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So, this doesn't contribute directly to OPs question, but I bought my mom a new VW Taos recently that has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, the first I've ever driven with. I have to say, I really like the way it feels when turning. Fat/big people aren't necessarily the only ones benefiting from flat-bottomed wheels, seating position can make a difference to the utility derived from that type of wheel design as well: I drive all my cars with a higher seating position for a better view, but my steering positioning is always the lowest possible since that's what is most comfortable for my arms (I'm a fairly average physical specimen at 5ft 11", 215 lbs) and I immediately noticed that the steering wheel just felt more comfortable. While turning, I got used to grabbing the flat part with my right hand and found it easier/better for one-hand driving.
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Last edited by Rocket455; 05-23-2023 at 03:28 PM..
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      05-23-2023, 06:48 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ren View Post
Just picked up a 2023 760i loaner with this M steering wheel:
Attachment 3187906
How do you get a 760 loaner?
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      05-23-2023, 11:15 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NOSSY View Post
Previous car had flat bottom steering wheel (not a bmw). When I jumped into other cars I would notice it straight away. In the bmw I don’t notice it. Maybe down to seating position, car handling etc. or I’m too distracted by other stuff in the car that I don’t notice?

What I will say is in city driving a fat bottom steering wheel is brilliant.
THERE, FIXED for you........
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      05-24-2023, 09:08 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyga11 View Post
How do you get a 760 loaner?
I'm assuming it was a canceled special order that they kept as a loaner.
I will have to return it very soon though.

The flat steering wheel feels nice.
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      05-24-2023, 10:19 AM   #21
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They do… but it’s more subtle.
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      05-24-2023, 10:40 AM   #22
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I just returned from a 2 week vacation in Europe where we rented a 2023 740D "M" version; it had the flat bottomed steering wheel. And no, I'm not fat.
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