My BMW earned its keep yesterday.

E61Silver · #1 12-11-2009, 03:21 PM

I make a monthly drive to Maryland from NYC and this Wednesday it was pouring rain the whole way. I was passing every car on NJ Turnpike it seemed that others had traction problems and yet I had no problem going along at 74. The quality of the traction and the wipers was amazing! In addtion the trip computer showed an average MPG of 25.

cmyX6go · #2 12-11-2009, 05:42 PM

Why would you be doing 74 in the pouring rain? Ever hear of hydroplaning?

E61Silver · #3 12-11-2009, 06:57 PM

I was on the Turnpike which has very good drainage. The only point the car felt lose was at the PA Turnpike exit and I just took my foot off the gas for a moment. It was day time so I could see standing water and I was keeping a large distance between me and any cars in front of me.. The BMW and the tires did a fantastic job with no hydroplaning expect for the brief moment at the PA Turnpike exit. That is my point the BMW seemed to handle the rain/water better than any other car on the road.

cmyX6go · #4 12-12-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E61Silver

I was on the Turnpike which has very good drainage. The only point the car felt lose was at the PA Turnpike exit and I just took my foot off the gas for a moment. It was day time so I could see standing water and I was keeping a large distance between me and any cars in front of me.. The BMW and the tires did a fantastic job with no hydroplaning expect for the brief moment at the PA Turnpike exit. That is my point the BMW seemed to handle the rain/water better than any other car on the road.

I know it handles well. I still behave in down pours. I can't control the other guy.

E61Silver · #5 12-12-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyX6go

I know it handles well. I still behave in down pours. I can't control the other guy.

74 with lots of space in front of me is "behaving" yes I am focused and ready to lift my foot but it not like I am running at 80. With regard to the other guy it seems that cars tend run together as a group by running faster I get ahead of the pack and probably safer. Now you can't do this in heavy traffic but in light traffic conditions I would much rather be out in front.

blondboinsd · #6 12-12-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyX6go

I know it handles well. I still behave in down pours. I can't control the other guy.

This past monday the rain was insane. During my 1.5 hour drive I saw at least a dozen car accidents. While the VW drove fantastic I chose to play it safe. No need to risk my life to get there 5 seconds quicker

motordavid · #7 12-11-2009, 07:40 PM

I agree and, have exclaimed many times: it is a helluva road car in almost
any conditions. I realize one can't cheat physics, but it really, really runs
down any road/any situ and never shakes its head. The CEO, not a motor
head, says it's the safest feeling, best car she has ever owned.
GL,mD

E61Silver · #8 12-11-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

I agree and, have exclaimed many times: it is a helluva road car in almost
any conditions. I realize one can't cheat physics, but it really, really runs
down any road/any situ and never shakes its head. The CEO, not a motor
head, says it's the safest feeling, best car she has ever owned.
GL,mD

Yes I was driving the Rav 4 with the wife and she was bitching about my driving. In the BMW she does not even notice how fast I am going.

wallyx5 · #9 12-11-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E61Silver

In the BMW she does not even notice how fast I am going.

That's so true. My wife doesn't really pay attention when we are driving because it's quiet and smooth in the cabin. Even at 80.

AzNMpower32 · #10 12-11-2009, 07:49 PM

BMWs (perhaps all German cars) just have that sure-footed feel regardless of conditions. Of course this is dependent on the tires that you're running (don't me started on the Bridgestone Potenza RFTs....) and on road conditions, but generally BMWs have excellent stability, and if the driver is attentive, one can *feel* the vehicle beginning to lose traction and take appropriate action before it gets too far out of hand.

When it rains and traffic conditions permit, I still do 120-130km/h (81mph) on the highways here

. In strong summer thunderstorms, 100km/h is manageable. Fog is the biggest problem here, since it occurs almost anytime it rains given the elevation. With the reduction in visibility I reduce speed to about 60-80km/h if things get really bad (under 200m of visibility) and switch on the rear foglights.

My dad was pulled over once in Québec for doing 128 km/h in a 90 zone......while it was snowing.........with a snow covered highway.