Everyone loves pictures! My new ride...

[767jetz]

Just returned from ED of my 335xi sedan. Thought I'd post some pictures for those who don't visit the ED threads. It's Sparkling Graphite, Terra/Aluminum, Sport, 18" wheels, Nav, Ipod,Cold Weather, Steptronic w/paddles. The M-Aero package was not installed yet in these pics. It gets installed at the port when it arrives in the US. Pretty cool I think because it will look so much different when I take redelivery, it will be like picking up another new car. Plus any marks it may have acquired on the Autobahn will be gone with the old bumper!:thumbup:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145635&d=1209749835

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145843&d=1209932659

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145844&d=1209932659

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145845&d=1209932659

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145849&d=1209932946

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145983&d=1210017315

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=146218&d=1210253850

[Shrugged]

:thumbup:

Terra w/ aluminum is really starting to grow on me.

[767jetz]

I went back and forth on that decision for a while. There's a whole thread dedicated to it that I started before the car was built. I am 150% satisfied! Pictures really don't even do it justice. For some reason it looks a bit "orangey" in pictures. In real life it is a little darker and very rich looking. And the aluminum gives it great contrast, especially from the driver's seat.

[KAP8]

Very Sharp!!

[767jetz]

This is what the M-Aero kit looks like on the sedan.

[767jetz]

Actually, this side by side comparison is probably better.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=146338&d=1210338895

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145635&d=1209749835

[italianbimmer]

nice looking car:thumbup:
now just lower it:thumbup::thumbup:

[SonomaDriver]

The fact you were able to go 150 m.p.h. on the Autobahn makes me really want to do ED for my next BMW :)

[iamthewalrus]

The fact you were able to go 150 m.p.h. on the Autobahn makes me really want to do ED for my next BMW :)

Yes, ED was amazing! We had a great time. I was surprised to see you get up to 150 mph, though. Our 335xi coupe appeared to hit a speed limiter at 135mph. I wonder if you have a different tire/suspension package which results in a higher speed limiter setting.

http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/germany/files/page4-1001-full.jpg

The rest of the ED pics are here: http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/germany/germany.html

[Emission]

I went back and forth on that decision for a while. There's a whole thread dedicated to it that I started before the car was built. I am 150% satisfied! Pictures really don't even do it justice. For some reason it looks a bit "orangey" in pictures. In real life it is a little darker and very rich looking. And the aluminum gives it great contrast, especially from the driver's seat.

Terra rocks!

However, it doesn't photograph well. Here is my most accurate pic of my interior.

[ed2008]

[QUOTE=767jetz;3239615]Just returned from ED of my 335xi sedan. Thought I'd post some pictures for those who don't visit the ED threads. It's Sparkling Graphite, Terra/Aluminum, Sport, 18" wheels, Nav, Ipod,Cold Weather, Steptronic w/paddles. The M-Aero package was not installed yet in these pics. It gets installed at the port when it arrives in the US. Pretty cool I think because it will look so much different when I take redelivery, it will be like picking up another new car. Plus any marks it may have acquired on the Autobahn will be gone with the old bumper!:thumbup:

Beautiful car! We are doing ED next month on a sparkling graphite coupe (335). Nice shot of the speedo at 150. It appears the oil temp at that moment in under 250. Did you notice any issues with sustained higher temperatures? Also, was a hair under 6K rpm's acceptable to the recommended engine break-in schedule?

Again, sweet car, and nice photos. congrats!

[jwac]

Yes, ED was amazing! We had a great time. I was surprised to see you get up to 150 mph, though. Our 335xi coupe appeared to hit a speed limiter at 135mph. I wonder if you have a different tire/suspension package which results in a higher speed limiter setting.

On the xi, you have to order both ZSP and 18" wheels to get the 150 mph speed limiter, like 767jetz's car.


Beautiful car! We are doing ED next month on a sparkling graphite coupe (335). Nice shot of the speedo at 150. It appears the oil temp at that moment in under 250. Did you notice any issues with sustained higher temperatures? Also, was a hair under 6K rpm's acceptable to the recommended engine break-in schedule?

Again, sweet car, and nice photos. congrats!

I hit 150 mph on my ED a couple times (see avatar :D) and oil temp was never an issue. As a matter of fact, the temp actually dropped the faster I went. I cruised around 120-130 mph, varying my speed and trying to keep the revs under 4.5k. I'm sure a few stints to 6k even during break-in will not harm the engine in any way. Plus, you're in Germany... you HAVE to find an unlimited stretch of autobahn and hit it!

[Shrugged]

I went back and forth on that decision for a while. There's a whole thread dedicated to it that I started before the car was built. I am 150% satisfied! Pictures really don't even do it justice. For some reason it looks a bit "orangey" in pictures. In real life it is a little darker and very rich looking. And the aluminum gives it great contrast, especially from the driver's seat.

It's good you landed where you did -- looks great.

[767jetz]

The fact you were able to go 150 m.p.h. on the Autobahn makes me really want to do ED for my next BMW :)

Only once and for a short spurt, just long enough for my wife to snap the picture. We did cruise for some distance at speeds ranging from 100 to 130.

A word of caution, going 150, even on the Autobahn leaves little room for error as you are covering 2.5 miles every minute, 220 feet (over 2 thirds of a football field) every second. You must find an OPEN stretch of Autobahn to do it safely. Most of the time you will come up on slower clusters of cars doing 85-90 and passing them at over 60mph of closure is deadly. I know this first hand because last Sunday, the day before I took the "150" photo, we witnessed a fatal accident on the Autobahn at over 130mph, literally right before our eyes. I actually was dodging car parts and the accident vehicle was still flipping over as we passed it. It was THAT close!

The cause was not the speed itself but simply the driver driving too fast for traffic conditions. We saw the cluster of slower cars in the distance and backed off the speed. He did not. We lived to write about it. He (and unfortunately his 3 passengers) did not. Details to follow when I have more time...

[Moderato]

Only once and for a short spurt, just long enough for my wife to snap the picture. We did cruise for some distance at speeds ranging from 100 to 130.

A word of caution, going 150, even on the Autobahn leaves little room for error as you are covering 2.5 miles every minute, 220 feet (over 2 thirds of a football field) every second. You must find an OPEN stretch of Autobahn to do it safely. Most of the time you will come up on slower clusters of cars doing 85-90 and passing them at over 60mph of closure is deadly. I know this first hand because last Sunday, the day before I took the "150" photo, we witnessed a fatal accident on the Autobahn at over 130mph, literally right before our eyes. I actually was dodging car parts and the accident vehicle was still flipping over as we passed it. It was THAT close!

The cause was not the speed itself but simply the driver driving too fast for traffic conditions. We saw the cluster of slower cars in the distance and backed off the speed. He did not. We lived to write about it. He (and unfortunately his 3 passengers) did not. Details to follow when I have more time...I was just about to say that, I don't think I would do 150 mph in a non ///M car and even then it's still dangerous. Congrats, though. It looks like you had a great experience. I've already been to Europe but when my kids get older I'm going to take just the Missus and I on an ED trip but with a 911. :thumbs:

[767jetz]

Yes, ED was amazing! We had a great time. I was surprised to see you get up to 150 mph, though. Our 335xi coupe appeared to hit a speed limiter at 135mph. I wonder if you have a different tire/suspension package which results in a higher speed limiter setting.

Yes. Sport suspension on the xi sedan comes with 17inch wheels and all season tires with a lower speed rating (and I'm not sure about the oil cooler.) 18inch option with staggered rims, summer performance tires with a higher speed rating ensures the higher top speed limiter of 155. I made sure of this before ordering. I think it also ensured the oil cooler, which we definitely have.


It appears the oil temp at that moment in under 250. Did you notice any issues with sustained higher temperatures?


The oil temp was about 230 at the time. Outside it was about 70 degrees. With all that airflow over the oil cooler, temperature was not an issue. Even at sustained speeds of around 100mph I never saw over 230 degrees. One time while tooling around Ulm after getting off the highway I saw it hit 240. But most of our trip it was in the 220-230 range, even in the winding mountain roads south of Zugspitze at higher altitudes.


Also, was a hair under 6K rpm's acceptable to the recommended engine break-in schedule?


Not really acceptable. But what the heck.:D Once in a lifetime opportunity. Besides, the biggest break in issue is to vary the speed, and we made sure to do that throughout the trip. We combined Autobahn spurts with plenty of mountain and back road driving, and some city stop and go. Plus we avoided full throttle acceleration, even on the push to 150 mph. Didn't even have it floored. It felt like it would have easily pulled to 165.

[767jetz]

I was just about to say that, I don't think I would do 150 mph in a non ///M car and even then it's still dangerous. Congrats, though. It looks like you had a great experience. I've already been to Europe but when my kids get older I'm going to take just the Missus and I on an ED trip but with a 911. :thumbs:

That sounds like fun! I definitely want a Porsche in the garage one day. Just not an option right now with small kids. But eventually I can see myself doing an ED with Porsche.

As for doing 150 in the 335xi, I will say that high speed cruising was VERY comfortable. I could do 120 all day long without a bit of fatigue. At 120-135 it is also very comfortable but you must be alert for the other drivers. At 150 you really need an open road with very few cars, M car, non M, Porsche, whatever. What I'm getting at is that the speed never bothered me and the car itself was stable and planted. It's the other drivers. Even with their good lane discipline, when you are approaching a car at over 60mph of closure, you are betting your life on his judgment of time and distance not to pull out to pass. Any quick maneuver at that speed can be disastrous.

[jwac]

As for doing 150 in the 335xi, I will say that high speed cruising was VERY comfortable. I could do 120 all day long without a bit of fatigue. At 120-135 it is also very comfortable but you must be alert for the other drivers. At 150 you really need an open road with very few cars, M car, non M, Porsche, whatever. What I'm getting at is that the speed never bothered me and the car itself was stable and planted.

+1. 120-130 mph was no sweat in my 335i with ZSP. Cabin was hushed and the feeling of being planted to the road was fantastic. With no other cars around 125 mph honestly felt like 80 after awhile. Above 130 the wind noise begins to pick up dramatically and the rate that you whip by other cars (and tour buses, yow!) definitely keeps you on your toes, but the car just feels so connected and stable. I can't imagine an ///M car really being any better, as all BMWs are designed for autobahn travel. The brakes on the 335i are also simply eye-poppingly effective at those speeds.

One thing with the German autobahns is that they don't give you an unlimited speed limit unless you're in a rural area with little traffic. As soon as there is any congestion or interchanges the speed limits come back into effect. Lane discipline is extremely good so I felt quite comfortable driving at high speeds.

[Moderato]

I can't imagine an ///M car really being any better, as all BMWs are designed for autobahn travel. True but the ///M cars really are designed more for high speed. No doubt at that extreme they would be safer however it's still dangerous, like 767 said, at anytime some dolt can just pull out in front of you and then it doesn't matter. One thing I can tell you is that if I had to choose between doing 150 mph in an E92 M3 or 335i, I wouldn't hesitate to say I'd feel safer in the M3.

[Moderato]

That sounds like fun! I definitely want a Porsche in the garage one day. Just not an option right now with small kids. But eventually I can see myself doing an ED with Porsche.

Let's start planning it, I have small kids too. I'd say 40K properly invested now would pay for a good portion of our trip by then. :thumbup:

[767jetz]

One thing I can tell you is that if I had to choose between doing 150 mph in an E92 M3 or 335i, I wouldn't hesitate to say I'd feel safer in the M3.

I'll give you that. Let's face it, the M3 does have a higher limit of adhesion.

But when cruising along at that speed it's really more about the driver, the road conditions, and the other drivers, than the car. (When comparing the 335 and M3.) Besides, both cars are probably equal with regard to actual crash safety. (ie: same airbags, crumple zones, etc.)

[767jetz]

Let's start planning it, I have small kids too. I'd say 40K properly invested now would pay for a good portion of our trip by then. :thumbup:
+1! :thumbup:

[TGray5]

Only once and for a short spurt, just long enough for my wife to snap the picture. We did cruise for some distance at speeds ranging from 100 to 130.

A word of caution, going 150, even on the Autobahn leaves little room for error as you are covering 2.5 miles every minute, 220 feet (over 2 thirds of a football field) every second. You must find an OPEN stretch of Autobahn to do it safely. Most of the time you will come up on slower clusters of cars doing 85-90 and passing them at over 60mph of closure is deadly. I know this first hand because last Sunday, the day before I took the "150" photo, we witnessed a fatal accident on the Autobahn at over 130mph, literally right before our eyes. I actually was dodging car parts and the accident vehicle was still flipping over as we passed it. It was THAT close!

The cause was not the speed itself but simply the driver driving too fast for traffic conditions. We saw the cluster of slower cars in the distance and backed off the speed. He did not. We lived to write about it. He (and unfortunately his 3 passengers) did not. Details to follow when I have more time...

+1 just because there is no posted speed limit doesn't mean it's safe to go as fast as your car can go. The autobahns are a lot more crowded than they used to be, so wide open driving opportunities are more and more rare.

[767jetz]

The brakes on the 335i are also simply eye-poppingly effective at those speeds.

+1!

I'll vouch for that! During my experience last Sunday, in a split second I glanced in the mirror to check that it was clear, and then pushed hard but smooth into the brakes, being sure to threshold brake and not activate the ABS. The 335 hauled down from 130 to 40 like someone threw and anchor out the back! I dodged some cigarette boxes, car parts, clothing, and a few other things (I don't even want to know what they were, if you get my drift), and came to a stop at the side of the road. I guess if my brakes weren't broken in before, they were after that stop!

I have to say that our fate may not have been the same in a lesser car. It's a very sobering thought. Best $50,000 I ever spent.

[Moderato]

I'll give you that. Let's face it, the M3 does have a higher limit of adhesion.

But when cruising along at that speed it's really more about the driver, the road conditions, and the other drivers, than the car. (When comparing the 335 and M3.) Besides, both cars are probably equal with regard to actual crash safety. (ie: same airbags, crumple zones, etc.)I definitely agree with you there. I don't think the M3 will really give you an edge in a situation like that, however the M3 does have better brakes, more rubber on the road to take advantage of those brakes and a tighter suspension designed with high speeds in mind so if I had the choose I'd be much more comfortable in an M3 for that application. I'm not in anyway suggesting that the M3 would make those speeds safe per se, just that you would be safer in the M3 since it's designed for higher velocities then the 335i and would respond more competently to your inputs.

[bimmer_fam]

Oops, got to 150 Mph, but 5800 RPMs is considerably over recommended 4500 during break in period :D

Nice pics, enjoy the wait...:bigpimp:

[Larry Schloss]

[QUOTE=767jetz;3239615]Just returned from ED of my 335xi sedan. Thought I'd post some pictures for those who don't visit the ED threads. It's Sparkling Graphite, Terra/Aluminum, Sport, 18" wheels, Nav, Ipod,Cold Weather, Steptronic w/paddles. The M-Aero package was not installed yet in these pics. It gets installed at the port when it arrives in the US. Pretty cool I think because it will look so much different when I take redelivery, it will be like picking up another new car. Plus any marks it may have acquired on the Autobahn will be gone with the old bumper!:thumbup:

Beautiful car! We are doing ED next month on a sparkling graphite coupe (335). Nice shot of the speedo at 150. It appears the oil temp at that moment in under 250. Did you notice any issues with sustained higher temperatures? Also, was a hair under 6K rpm's acceptable to the recommended engine break-in schedule?

Again, sweet car, and nice photos. congrats!

I was told at my ED pick up not to exceed 120MPH or 4500 rpm's, so I took our car only to 105MPH. At these speeds we're all lucky that we're still here to talk about it.

[bimmer_fam]

[QUOTE=ed2008;3240096]

I was told at my ED pick up not to exceed 120MPH or 4500 rpm's, so I took our car only to 105MPH. At these speeds we're all lucky that we're still here to talk about it.

I dunno, Larry, in 328i I got up to 140 once and a few times to 135 mph in Germany, with RPMs around 5000, 5100. The car felt very stable and we felt comfortable. Autobahn experience is awesome!

I think the important part is to keep RPMs variable and not exceed too much during break in period (some consider break in a joke...).

[Emission]

I definitely agree with you there. I don't think the M3 will really give you an edge in a situation like that, however the M3 does have better brakes, more rubber on the road to take advantage of those brakes and a tighter suspension designed with high speeds in mind so if I had the choose I'd be much more comfortable in an M3 for that application. I'm not in anyway suggesting that the M3 would make those speeds safe per se, just that you would be safer in the M3 since it's designed for higher velocities then the 335i and would respond more competently to your inputs.

The M3 and 335i have nearly identical top speeds (within 5 mph, I believe).

I'd do 155 mph in either. :D

- Mike

[Moderato]

The M3 and 335i have nearly identical top speeds (within 5 mph, I believe).

I'd do 155 mph in either. :D

- MikeCan I buy you a beer? :beerchug:

[Emission]

Can I buy you a beer? :beerchug:

Of course... I'd do 155 mph in anything that can get going that fast. :p

Stability at speed is the most important to me. I've been in some cars that feel like they are going airborne at 110 mph!

[italianbimmer]

hey Mike

do you have any pictures of your 930? I would love to see them.

[Emission]

hey Mike

do you have any pictures of your 930? I would love to see them.

Yeah. I don't want to post them in this thread (complete hijack)... I'll put some up on a site later tonight and post the link for you.

- Mike

[italianbimmer]

Yeah. I don't want to post them in this thread (complete hijack)... I'll put some up on a site later tonight and post the link for you.

- Mike

sweet man I'm looking forward to seeing them.:thumbup:
favorite Porsche of all time 1989 930.:thumbup::thumbup:

[Papillo]

Wow very nice pics!!:thumbup:

[Emission]

sweet man I'm looking forward to seeing them.:thumbup:
favorite Porsche of all time 1989 930.:thumbup::thumbup:

Here you go, I just threw this together a few minutes ago:

http://www.schnellauto.com/930/index.htm

The yellow Porsche in one of the pics is "Yellowbird" (yes, the authentic RUF CTR that did 211 mph). The white Porsche is my friend's 997 GT3.

- Mike

[italianbimmer]

that ass on your beast is pure sex:thumbup::thumbup:
thanks for sharing these picture you made my day.:thumbup::thumbup:
do you have black int??? and with this steering wheel?
http://www.911pcar.com/Porsche_Parts/86_steering_wheel_in_car.jpg

or this one
http://www.v-zweeden.com/imagemagic.php?img=ztDJyNPalKaZl5aUop6TnZ2XlpGcmKm vk83YyA%3D%3D&w=180&h=135&page=

[Emission]

that ass on your beast is pure sex:thumbup::thumbup:
thanks for sharing these picture you made my day.:thumbup::thumbup:
do you have black int??? and with this steering wheel?
http://www.911pcar.com/Porsche_Parts/86_steering_wheel_in_car.jpg

or this one
http://www.v-zweeden.com/imagemagic.php?img=ztDJyNPalKaZl5aUop6TnZ2XlpGcmKm vk83YyA%3D%3D&w=180&h=135&page=

Yeah, I have a black interior. I need to take some pics of it tomorrow (the car is under a cover in the garage right now, and I am too lazy to uncover it).

My steering wheel is a Euro "930" wheel (I swapped it out just after I bought the car). It looks like the one in the pic I just attached, but mine has a Porsche crest on it.

[italianbimmer]

sweet
you the MAN:thumbup::thumbup:

[boltjames]

Here you go, I just threw this together a few minutes ago:

http://www.schnellauto.com/930/index.htm

The yellow Porsche in one of the pics is "Yellowbird" (yes, the authentic RUF CTR that did 211 mph). The white Porsche is my friend's 997 GT3.

- Mike

http://www.schnellauto.com/930/images/image0003.jpg

Cool photo. Is that the spot where James Dean died? Very cool.

BJ

[boltjames]

sweet
you the MAN:thumbup::thumbup:

You drive a rebadged VW Family SUV. Do not try to bond with Mike. He drives Porsches.

BJ

[italianbimmer]

BJ if you paid attention you would know that this is my driving the kid around truck and you would also know I have many more cars including a 997 C4S. :thumbup:

[italianbimmer]

You drive a rebadged VW Family SUV. Do not try to bond with Mike. He drives Porsches.

BJ

BTW my family SUV has a lot more status than your pathetic honda:rofl::rofl:
if you weren't so dense you would know that the cayenne v6 and T-reg are alike but as far as the GTS and Turbo they are not a VW...

Do you understand now?

[767jetz]

Holy Thread-Hijack, Batman!

[767jetz]

Rather than re-write the whole experience, I'm copying what I wrote in the Euro Delivery thread...

Update for Sunday. Sorry in advance for the long post, but you'll want to read this!:

Today I have a very serious warning to anyone hoping to experience the thrill of driving their new baby on the Autobahn… While speed does not kill, DRIVING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS DOES! And by “conditions” I do not only mean rain or darkness. I am talking about traffic conditions as well. Today we witnessed a fatal accident unfold in front of our very eyes, less than 100 yards, at over 130 MPH and almost became a part of it!

Here’s what happened… We were cruising on the Autobahn southwest of Munich heading toward Lake Constance. It was 9:30 am, sunny, dry roads and light traffic. Generally the few cars in the right lane were traveling from between 85 and 100MPH on the unrestricted sections, and some cars would pass on the left between 120 and 140 or so. Occasionally we took the opportunity to cruise along at 120. During one of those times, a teal colored sedan joined up on our rear. I don’t know what kind of car it was, but think mid-late 90’s Acura Legend. Could have been a Pugeot or Citroen. It was lowered, with a rather gaudy aero kit, and I could see the driver was younger, perhaps 20-ish with 3 passengers, and driving more aggressively than is normal on the Autobahn. He followed closer than comfortable, and came up on slower traffic very fast and aggressively before slowing. So I accelerated to around 145 and put some more distance between us.

Every once in a while we would come up on a pack of slower cars in the right lane, and this is where my warning comes into play. If you see 2 or 3 or more cars stacked up in the right lane, ALWAYS approach cautiously and assume one might unexpectedly move left to pass! Whenever I come up on a small cluster of cars like this, I always pass with no more than 20 MPH of closure. If you pass individual cars you can blast pass them as fast as you want because there is no reason for them to move left, and in general, lane discipline is very good. So I slowed to about 115 to pass a cluster of cars doing about 95-100, and the Teal sedan was riding my bumper. As soon as I could, I moved right and let him pass. He accelerated back to 130 -140 again and no more packs of cars were ahead. So we moved left and followed at a safe distance. I had my wife ready the camera for our “top speed shot” and she got it focused in and waited for my cue. But at this point the road curved a bit and 130 felt like the safe limit. Then ahead I saw another cluster of cars. So I backed off the throttle and my speed dropped to about 110, but Mr. Aggressive in front of me pressed on. That’s when we saw it happen.

He came up very aggressively on the pack, and sure enough a slower car in the right lane behind a van move left to pass and went right in front of him. To my best estimation the teal sedan was going over 130 and the slower car moved in front at about 85. In an instant I saw hard braking, then tire smoke coming off the rear tires, a swerve to the right, and his car started to spin! I’m sure he was still going over 100 MPH when he lost control. The car started to roll over as he exited the roadway to the right, scattering glass, car parts, and God knows what else over the road. They went into the slight embankment on the right and the car must have flipped a total of 3 or 4 times!

This all happened in a matter of seconds. After a quick check in my mirror to see all was clear behind, I laid into the brakes hard. I guess they are broken in now, because my speed scrubbed off fast and the car tracked straight and true. Aside from the carnage we saw through the windshield, I was never afraid for our safety. I avoided the worst of the debris that was in the right lane, and dodged what looked like cigarette boxes and CD’s in the left lane. Our 335’s driving dynamics saved the day. When we passed the car it was still flipping. In my mirror I saw it come to a stop on it’s roof in the dirt! We pulled off to the shoulder, and my biggest concern was having other cars bearing down on us from behind. I saw several cars swerve and many stopped to lend a hand at the sight. We were already further ahead, so I decided it was not safe to leave the car or go back. I did not see anyone get out of the accident vehicle. I can only say that if anyone survived it would be a miracle. I'm convinced there were fatalities

My wife was a bit traumatized by what she saw. Once she regained her composure we continued on. This whole scenario was rather sobering. I am the first to support the idea and benefits of efficient high-speed roadways, and I still do. But like flying airplanes, along with it comes a responsibility by everyone to use caution and do it responsibly. There is little room for error and it can be very unforgiving of those who push beyond the limits. For those doing ED and not familiar, just leave yourself and out and expect the unexpected.

My general observation is that cruising at 100MPH is very comfortable, stress free, and I could go indefinitely with no fatigue. 120 is also a breeze in light traffic. 130-150 should be saved for shorter spurts and only in perfect conditions with almost no traffic. Be careful approaching clusters of cars in the right lane.

[Emission]

http://www.schnellauto.com/930/images/image0003.jpg

Cool photo. Is that the spot where James Dean died? Very cool.

BJ

No, local mountains above Malibu. Funny thing, I took that shot for the cover of a regional Porsche Club magazine last February. I used to be the Editor. The cover is below.

- Mike

[vase330]

Only once and for a short spurt, just long enough for my wife to snap the picture. We did cruise for some distance at speeds ranging from 100 to 130.

A word of caution, going 150, even on the Autobahn leaves little room for error as you are covering 2.5 miles every minute, 220 feet (over 2 thirds of a football field) every second. You must find an OPEN stretch of Autobahn to do it safely. Most of the time you will come up on slower clusters of cars doing 85-90 and passing them at over 60mph of closure is deadly. I know this first hand because last Sunday, the day before I took the "150" photo, we witnessed a fatal accident on the Autobahn at over 130mph, literally right before our eyes. I actually was dodging car parts and the accident vehicle was still flipping over as we passed it. It was THAT close!

The cause was not the speed itself but simply the driver driving too fast for traffic conditions. We saw the cluster of slower cars in the distance and backed off the speed. He did not. We lived to write about it. He (and unfortunately his 3 passengers) did not. Details to follow when I have more time...

50% of my ED decision was based on wanting to go Max-Speed on the autobahn legally. I did it over and over (never mind the break-in, that went out the window by 500miles) no less than 10 - 15 times over my 3 weeks ED. It was a blast, but I found 140+ to be mentally exhausting. I had to have laser focus and concentration because no one needs to tell you a thing. At the rate at which things whip by you, you know one small mistake and it would be all over in a split second for you, your passengers and anyone in your path.

The brakes are awesome, but let me tell you you just can't cheat physics no matter how good you think the brakes are. Some tard decided to pull out to pass when I was approaching at maybe 140mph. I panic stood on the brakes and my ABS went into hyper-mode. It was very nearly disastrous. Some French (plates) in some bug like car. Not a VW maybe some kind of Citroen. I missed him by inches. The seat belts did their job but there was some white smoke coming from the tires. I felt like it was taking an eternity to slow the damn car down. I was all full-beams and full blaring horn too biting down hard on my teeth anticipating the impact that gladly never came. After that small incident I did one other 150+ run on my last night Stuttgart to Munich, but my GF was protesting the whole way even though there was little if any traffic at all and we had wide berths of road all to ourselves. That idiot took the fun out of it for me, so I wasn't very keen to cross 120 from there on, just one last safe glory ride even though GF was un-impressed.

M or no M, it all depends on when the stupid moment occurs, the M will kill you just as much as any non M would at anything approaching 100mph. On a side note I recently hit a dear at about 25mph in my RAV4. It tore a hole in the front bumper and I was totally shocked at how huge the impact was. It cat wheeled like crazy with fur fling all over. It sunk my heart. Just put that in perspective if I had hit an immovable or large heavy object, at the so called slow speed it might have been very nearly disastrous.

[ksing44]

Just returned from ED of my 335xi sedan. Thought I'd post some pictures...

To the OP,
I really like the way the orange on the Euro plate and orange on the headlight markers accent the terra interior. Nice little color touches, even though many go for clear everywhere.

[767jetz]

Just put that in perspective if I had hit an immovable or large heavy object, at the so called slow speed it might have been very nearly disastrous.


+1

Glad to hear you escaped unscathed. It's always the other bozos on the road you have to be careful of. Lucky for you you had ABS and stability control. The car I watched meet it's fate probably didn't.

Either way, I'm not one to claim that speed kills. I love going fast as much as the net guy. Heck, it's one of the reasons I fly jets! My only intention is to caution people that driving on the autobahn at those speeds requires good judgment, care, and alertness. Especially for those unaccustomed to driving at those speeds.

Be careful out there...

[767jetz]

To the OP,
I really like the way the orange on the Euro plate and orange on the headlight markers accent the terra interior. Nice little color touches, even though many go for clear everywhere.

Thanks. I never thought of that, but now that you point it out, I agree.

Only problem is that the Euro plates will be gone once the car arrives in SC.

I couldn't be happier with the color combo. I can't wait to see it with the M-Aero kit installed.

[johnnykuz@zoomi]

Only once and for a short spurt, just long enough for my wife to snap the picture. We did cruise for some distance at speeds ranging from 100 to 130.

A word of caution, going 150, even on the Autobahn leaves little room for error as you are covering 2.5 miles every minute, 220 feet (over 2 thirds of a football field) every second. You must find an OPEN stretch of Autobahn to do it safely. Most of the time you will come up on slower clusters of cars doing 85-90 and passing them at over 60mph of closure is deadly. I know this first hand because last Sunday, the day before I took the "150" photo, we witnessed a fatal accident on the Autobahn at over 130mph, literally right before our eyes. I actually was dodging car parts and the accident vehicle was still flipping over as we passed it. It was THAT close!

The cause was not the speed itself but simply the driver driving too fast for traffic conditions. We saw the cluster of slower cars in the distance and backed off the speed. He did not. We lived to write about it. He (and unfortunately his 3 passengers) did not. Details to follow when I have more time...

Yes, this is a very real danger. I drove the autobahn in 2000 with a rented e class car. I opened it up several times and from experience, I can say that the biggest danger faced is the existing traffic... especially trucks. The autobahn is just like the interstate highway system in the US. Large trucks and inattentive drivers can and do pull out in front of you creating very dangerous situations. In addition, the autobahns are not totally speed limit free. Only certain sections are unlimited in speed and as alway, the cautions about coming up fast on moving traffic apply. The rule of thumb that I always followed was to only open it up where 1) speed limit is lifted, 2) there are 3 lanes of travel, and 3) traffic was sparse or virtually non-existent. If you are patient and pay attention to these guidelines, you can have some fun. Just recognize that no matter what, it's still dangerous and must be done with much thought & care.

:thumbup:

[Moderato]

BJ if you paid attention you would know that this is my driving the kid around truck and you would also know I have many more cars including a 997 C4S. :thumbup:I take back all those bad things I said about you. :typing:

[PhilipWOT]

Extreme sexiness!
Nice choice.

[smolck]

+1. 120-130 mph was no sweat in my 335i with ZSP.

Without ZSP, you'd have been in real trouble...

[bimmer_fam]

Without ZSP, you'd have been in real trouble...

Not really, the OEM tires are H-rated (130 Mph) AFAIK, the speed limiter would just keep you at 130 Mph.

[jwac]

BJ if you paid attention you would know that this is my driving the kid around truck and you would also know I have many more cars including a 997 C4S. :thumbup:

By my count now you have 3... time to post some pics!

Not really, the OEM tires are H-rated (130 Mph) AFAIK, the speed limiter would just keep you at 130 Mph.

Correct, non-ZSP cars are limited to 130 mph. With properly rated tires though I'm sure a non-ZSP car would be fine at 130+.

[GarySL]

Just returned from ED of my 335xi sedan. Thought I'd post some pictures for those who don't visit the ED threads. It's Sparkling Graphite, Terra/Aluminum, Sport, 18" wheels, Nav, Ipod,Cold Weather, Steptronic w/paddles. The M-Aero package was not installed yet in these pics. It gets installed at the port when it arrives in the US. Pretty cool I think because it will look so much different when I take redelivery, it will be like picking up another new car. Plus any marks it may have acquired on the Autobahn will be gone with the old bumper!:thumbup:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145635&d=1209749835

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145843&d=1209932659

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145844&d=1209932659

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145845&d=1209932659

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145849&d=1209932946

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=145983&d=1210017315

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=146218&d=1210253850

Hey 767jetz,

Old news I know but just wanted to see the alps/cows/smashed bugs pics again. And your awesome ride (biased, BMHO).

Let us know if you install the xi sports suspension and your review (albeit likely sans 156 mph).

[767jetz]

:D I love it. It will forever after be now know as the "smashed bugs" picture. One of my favorite, I might add!

Will co on the suspension. But that won't happen for a while still. Probably early next year sometime. Right now just can't wait for my PCD and to see the new M-Aero kit once it's installed.

[767jetz]

Bump.

More pictures to come. Leaving tomorrow for PCD. After 9 1/2 long weeks from the day we dropped it off in Munich, the day is finally arriving. The car will look different with the M-Aero kit installed.

Stay tuned...

[guppyflyer]

Bump.

More pictures to come. Leaving tomorrow for PCD. After 9 1/2 long weeks from the day we dropped it off in Munich, the day is finally arriving. The car will look different with the M-Aero kit installed.

Stay tuned...

Seems like it was just the other day we were talking about your trip! Have a blast in Spartanburg.

Erik

[tjcee]

Very nice Pics.. Sounds like an awesome time. My daughter is almost 3. I'm giving her to 6 or 7 then hoping to do an ED on a new BMW.

[767jetz]

As promised, here are the new pictures of the car with the M-Aero kit installed.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153484&d=1215918212

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153534&d=1215950762

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153535&d=1215950762

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153536&d=1215950762

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153537&d=1215950762

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153538&d=1215950762

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=153539&d=1215950762

[Mk23]

Is that Floridas east coast? Looks like it...could be wrong though.

[767jetz]

Is that Floridas east coast? Looks like it...could be wrong though.

BINGO!

Daytona Beach to be exact. The only place I know of where you can actually cruise up and down the beach.

[SJAPoc]

Very nice... Just found the thread and love the pictures!

[riod007]

Great car... I love the terra int.

The break in period sucks.

As to The BJ's remark about italianbimmer's Cayenne GTS... it's an excellent car with epic performance for a sports car none the less an SUV. Considering the fact that his Cayenne is for driving his kid around... i'd say that far surpasses a Honda..But thats just my opinion.
:angel:
: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:

[doofness]

I see in your picture that you only had 4xx miles when you were going 150, I thought you were supposed to have a 1k mile break in for the seals and engine to get broken in?

I work at a dodge dealership and the new challengers have a thing on the sun visor that says you should not exceed i think 4k rpm until at least 1k miles.

[767jetz]

I see in your picture that you only had 4xx miles when you were going 150, I thought you were supposed to have a 1k mile break in for the seals and engine to get broken in?

I work at a dodge dealership and the new challengers have a thing on the sun visor that says you should not exceed i think 4k rpm until at least 1k miles.

The folks at ED in Munich said to go and have fun on the autobahn and not to worry about the RPM. Basically, the engine is already tested on a dyno all the way up to redline. They said to vary speed and avoid full throttle acceleration. Basically don't beat on the car. Driving hard - bad. Driving fast but gently - good.

On the 150 run we only touched that speed for a minute and slowed down again. And we gradually reached the speed without using full throttle.

[MikeMidd]

Great photos on the beach! Who needs a 4x4 when you've got a Bimmer?

[Phoenixx6]

When in Germany enjoy the open roads. Be aware of your conditions and if there are changes in traffic congestion.
If you're passing someone they're expected to stay in their lane until you're past them. Likewise, if someone is going faster than you get out of their way! (the flashing headlights usually signal "MOVE IT!")

Hopefully the speed bug is like a 24 hour cold and it doesn't follow you back home to the states. I think I've been driving in Germany too long and sometimes find myself driving German speeds on American interstate when I come home. It is not my fault I got comfortable going 90-100mph on German roadways but it is my responsibility to return to 65mph when indicated (pretty much everywhere in and around Illinois as far as I can tell).

[Mk23]

BINGO!

Daytona Beach to be exact. The only place I know of where you can actually cruise up and down the beach.

I knew it!

I like the fact that you can cruise on the beach at Daytona but most of the time it is jam packed with WAY too many people. You should try checking out Playalinda Beach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playalinda_Beach) near Titusville, much better in terms of the people, cleanliness and on top of all that the water is blue not brown like new smyrna and daytona. You cant drive on it but its a better beach all around.

We need a bimmerfest group up of all the Florida people and just go beach hopping. :D