What's up with the power steering?

I'm considering purchasing the 330i or xi, but am starting to hear conflicting reports about the handling. Supposedly BMW went to a power steering system rather than the assisted rack and pinion? Anyone have opinions on how their vehicle handles. I'm also considering the Audi S4. How do they compare to you. I haven't had the chance to drive either yet. I'm researching every aspect first. Thanks for your imput...

[MarvelPhx]

There is a lot of talk in the bimmer.org boards about the steering retrofit.

I am on the list to get the retrofit and am not sure if I am going to do it or not.

They basically drop a different rack into the car. Back to a 328-style rack.

The steering should be back to the "original" heavy feel by now. Check out the article on bmwnation.com

S4 vs. 330i??? I was in the same boat a few months ago. I test drove about every car in the book. My first impression of the S4 was really good.

There is a particular road near me that I tested each car on. It is a very smooth winding strip. One section of it is a long easy sweeping turn that you can accelerate all the way through. As I planted my foot to the floor I was really impressed with how well the car stuck. However just toward the end of the turn a car was starting to pull out about a half mile ahead of me. As I rolled my foot out of the gas, in the blink of an eye, that car went into a 4 wheel slide. Scared the crap out of me!!!! So out of curiosity I went immediatly back to my BMW dealer and jumped in the 330 (w/o sport package)to try the same thing. As I took my foot off the gas the car did exactly as it was supposed to do.....slow down. I was immediatly sold, and 10 minutes later was filling out the order form for my Steel Blue 330i with sport, premium, and cold weather pkgs.

If you can I would highly recommend test driving both cars in the same environment back to back. I think when you're done you will make the same decision I did.

Dave
Daved@lmcins.com