[jcarlilesiu]

So weird question. I own a '19 50i that is purchased (not leased.)

Does anybody else have fear, or better concern, about really pushing the car hard.

I like an exciting drive, and the luxury, or else I would have bought a Toyota. However, when I put it in sport and give it an "enthusiastic" drive, it also concerns me that I'm tearing the car up or doing undo harm/wear to the drive train.

I bought the car like all my others to keep a long time.

Are my concerns unwarranted figuring BMW engineered the car to be driven hard, or are my concerns and desire to drive easy logical and reasonable?

Just curious other people's thoughts.

[dmanb2b]

Turbo'd motors love to sing and the ZF8 trans is stout. Let her rip everyone in a while!

[cncmastr]

Release your fears.

I assume you have not driven a car on a track. If you have the opportunity to do the BMW Performance Center driving schools, they are phenomenal. Part of the experience is pushing your limits on what you can do, the car Is capable of much, much more. Which, is not apparent until you do a hot lap with an instructor who will make your perceived 8/10ths driving like 3/10ths.

Bottom line, if you feel uncomfortable pushing the car for fear of breaking it, invest in some driver classes and see what the car is cable of in a controlled environment. It will make you a better defensive driver and appreciate these machines that are road cars that can be driven on the track.

[Wild Blue]

I would draw a distinction between pushing the car hard, and abusing it.

As others here point out, the car is designed to perform. The engines come alive, and sing, at higher RPM's. Driving in sport mode is clearly within design. It won't damage the car, but will hurt your gas mileage. Braking hard (even max braking) won't damage the car, but will burn up your brake pads, and under certain conditions may warp the rotors.

In contrast, doing something like downhifting to push engine RPM's over redline, is outside of design and abuses the car. Something like that can blow a motor, and will cause damage. Same with not keeping up with required maintenance.

The kind of driving you're talking about, on road, not even the track, is just fine.

[jcarlilesiu]

Appreciate the input. Yes, I have done track driving, just never in my own cars.

I dont even drive that hard out of fear and desire for longevity. Haha. I need to relax I guess.

[Wild Blue]

I get it. I just take an approach to enjoy the cars I bought, while being careful not to be reckless or abusive. Good maintenance.

I also keep my cars long-term.

[jmciver]

I mean, it is an SUV - a big one at that. How hard are you really pushing it on the street anyway?

That said, when on a highway on/off ramp I have caught myself more than once driving my X7 (in Sport Plus mode) like my M3 - even had an almost "oh shit" moment once . Fun indeed, and very nimble compared to my previous SUV, but still not my M3 obviously .

But bottom line, as others have said, as long as you are not abusing the X7 (and remember it is still a large SUV), drive it like you stole it ...!

[weingarm]

I actually asked one of the instructors at the BMW Performance Center about this when I picked up my M5 there. Basically how far can you push these cars reasonably?

He said that all the cars they use at the Performance Center are standard spec factory cars - everything from a basic 3 series right up to M2/3/4/5/8 and X3/4/5/6M SUVs. He said they push the M3/5/8s especially hard at the driving schools. And I'm talking HARD. Like flat-out WOT, drifts, race-track speeds and cornering.
They retire the M cars after about 12 months of this use, not because they're "worn out" but rather because they constantly update their stock to have the latest model year. He said their service department then replaces the tires and brake pads/rotors - then they resell them with the disclaimer that they were used at the Performance center.
But here's the thing - he said typically the brake pads still have 50% of their life left and the rotors don't actually need to be replaced at all. They just do it because they need to in order to auction them.

So I'd say don't worry about "pushing" your X7 a bit on a spirited back road. This is how it was meant to be driven! BMWs (even the X7) are designed to be FUN to drive. Who else would put giant brakes like this on an SUV?

[Paultattoo]

I say drive it like you stole it and then trade it in right before the warranty expires!

[jsmonet]

send it.

It's just a shame the engine doesn't sound near as good as my old audi and akra wont make pipes for this thing.