Electric Power Steering Adaptive Learning

[yomamma219]

I know I have seen posts on M6G of people noticing the various steering modes acting differently across similar cars. It seems like most people write it off as tire or surface differences. But given the fact that I have noticed minor differences in my own steering feel day to day I always felt there had to be a computer controlled aspect.

Well I was looking through the manual today an came across this blurb:

"The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems."

It made me think even more so that everyone's individual cars have some degree of "learned" steering feel. This combined with the minute mechanical differences between everyone's car, is a large contributing factor in what leads to the variation in steering feel for everyone. Something else I learned today (from the manual) which could also add to why I feel differences in my own steering feel day to day:

"Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation."

I would guess the adaptive learning is what causes most of my own steering feel differences but this was also something I found interesting and could probably also happen on occasion.

Just wanted to share a bit of my newfound knowledge since I had not seen it posted on M6G before but have seen people complain about things that could be partially explained by this.

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