I remember the Audi 5000 incidents from the '70s. A very telling bit of testimony came when a mother, who was driving an Audi 5000 when an unintended acceleration accident killed her daughter, could not accept that she had been at fault. She testified that it was impossible because she simply couldn't be responsible for killing her daughter. Humans are programmed like that. However, there was evidence in that case that she had been pressing the accelerator and not the pedal. It was very difficult to watch the case unfold. When Audi installed the shift locks (foot on brake pedal before you can put it in drive) the incidence of crashes was greatly reduced.

The problem at the moment is that many owners, lawyers, and legislators, are on a 'bash Toyota' campaign. I certainly can accept that there may be an electronic problem that causes some incidents in Toyotas and other makes of vehcicles. However, the hysteria that is blaming Toyota and others for every bump is ridiculous.

The other day there was a news story whereby an owner drove for miles, apparently unable to slow down. He phoned several people from his cell phone while driving. The highway patrol pulled up beside him at speed, and told him over the megaphone to shut the car off. He did. Situation resolved. In what strange warped world is that a nationally newsworthy story? Why does he have a driver's license?

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue