[andrewX3M40d]

Hi all,

So due to collect my first BMW and first RWD car on Saturday morning and wondered if you have any driving tips or hints for me.

Thanks,
Andrew.

[ahero4eternity]

For what? Daily driving? Gas pedal = go, brake pedal = stop.

[andrewX3M40d]

Originally Posted by ahero4eternity

For what? Daily driving? Gas pedal = go, brake pedal = stop.

What the hell is a "Gas Pedal" is something to help me fart?

[Broncho]

Originally Posted by andrew2101

Hi all,

So due to collect my first BMW and first RWD car on Saturday morning and wondered if you have any driving tips or hints for me.

Thanks,
Andrew.

You need to learn the car quickly so turn off all on the traction systems go to some roundabouts and see if you can find the limits of grip.

Then post results here.

[siross]

Just take it easy as you're getting used to the car, especially if the weather is bad, this advice would go for any car regardless of how the wheels are powered.

Don't drive like an idiot and it won't make a difference whether the car is RWD/FWD/AWD

The biggest risk, in my opinion, of driving a new car (especially me coming from a Vectra), is the sheer array of buttons at hand. I'd spend some time parked up at the dealers getting to know where everything is; hazards, demister, radio/phone buttons etc. Last thing you want to be doing is messing with buttons doing 70mph on a motorway home.

[andrewX3M40d]

Originally Posted by Broncho

You need to learn the car quickly so turn off all on the traction systems go to some roundabouts and see if you can find the limits of grip.

Then post results here.

I am guessing you would like the pictures of the results if I am still able to take them

[JustChris]

Manual or Auto OP?

Your SA should talk you through all your controls starting stopping (things like Auto Hold on a 5 series catch people out if using for the first time but you wont have that).

Any questions or concerns is what the SA is there for on the day.

As it first beemer some tips:-

Need to press brake pedal or clutch in when starting
One you've unlocked the car put the key in your pocket
At traffic lights etc Auto Start Stop will kick in, don't panic, just press let the clutch out or foot off the brake if an Auto to start the enginer again, its supposed to do it
As winter approaches be careful with a powerful, light (ish) RWD car in inclement weather, take time getting used to grip levels etc

Some others
The outside lane on Mways is yours and yours alone, should you see 'lesser' models in the BMW lane let them know their mistake with hand gestures and lights.
You have right of way at all junctions now.

Have fun and enjoy that new Beemer

[....,,,,..,,..]

Get the train

[Rukka]

Indicators won't work as soon as you drive off the forecourt.

You will need to have them re-coded if you want them to work during normal driving.

Most BMW drivers don't bother with this option . . . . .

[andrewX3M40d]

Originally Posted by Rukka

Indicators won't work as soon as you drive off the forecourt.

You will need to have them re-coded if you want them to work during normal driving.

Most BMW drivers don't bother with this option . . . . .

I assumed as soon as I get in that all other drivers will move out of the way so won't need them.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by andrew2101

I assumed as soon as I get in that all other drivers will move out of the way so won't need them.

If you take the corners as Broncho advises, they will all move out of your way.

With the modern ESC, driving a RWD BMW is like driving any other car, you'd hardly know it was RWD.

But in general if coming from a FWD, you have most likely 'learned' the instinct to lift off the throttle when you start sliding. That works perfectly on a FWD car, but can be hazardous on a RWD, as oversteer feeds on application of both excessive power and excessive retardation, meaning a 'lift off' mid corner could actually continue the slide. A slight lift, coupled with the necessary steering angle change works better.

Welcome to the best drive format vehicle available

[Andrewthefirst]

Keep it out of sport + until the roads dry up, then drive in nothing but!

Don't touch the traction-off button no matter how much of a stig you think you are

Pray for no snow, unless you have winters

Enjoy the twitchy back end but respect it. After nearly a year in my first RWD I got badly caught out at a right turn in traffic last week (with my 6 yr old in the car). Wet/greasy road, car in comfort, turning right, spotted tight gap in oncoming traffic and floored it. I went sideways but kept on going, the traction control kept me going, but also made me look like I knew what I was doing, and therefore made me look like a major twat outside my sons school