steering hand positions, & is 3-spoke sportier? (archive)

It's too bad they don't let you choose the steering wheel independent of the sport suspension option. I like the 4-spoke steering wheel better for ergonomic reasons. I drive at 9-3 positions (or just 9, especially while shifting) and I don't like my hands at the same positions as the spokes since this (a) feels less comfortable and (b) encourages tilting the hand back at the wrist much like resting a palm on a desk in front of a keyboard while typing does.

Note that in cars with airbags, driving at 11-1 or even 10-2 and definitely at just 12 is less safe than 9-3 since the airbag deploying can break your arm/wrist/hand and if you are holding at just 12 can cause you to punch yourself in the face. This may be less of a problem with advanced BMW airbags than other makes, but 9-3 also feels sportier to me.

Is there some reason they associate the 3-spoke with being sportier? Is it just an aestetic thing or does it really aid sportier driving?

Unfortunately, I can't offer any direct long-term knowledge as I don't own an X5 yet (still saving), and I haven't test driven a sport yet, but I liked the non-sport wheel when I test drove it.

-Karl

PS Also seems like the steering wheel controls would be easier to reach with the 4-spoke wheel than the 3-spoke based on their positioning.

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