I almost got into an accident yesterday on freeway 60. I was doing 60 MPH on a cloverleaf ramp into freeway 60 when a Carmry suddenly overtook me. Not to be out done by a Camry and let my ego hide in shame, I immediately punched the gas and caught up with the Carmry. We both entered the freeway at about 110 MPH with him following, but had to slow down aggressively due to traffic ahead. I looked at the rearview mirror and saw the Camry plowing in on me, nose down due to braking. Knowing that he can't stop in time without making my 545i into 545ti he suddenly swirved to the right and into the ditches off road. No tumble or anything. I immediately saw a motorcycle cop moving in to help the guy.
I don't know what happen to him and I was as scared as chicken shit to find out.

I came to realize that I used to be a very layback driver when I drove the Civic. Nothing upsets me because I know I can't do anything about it. I then moved on to an Acura Integra. Now, there are lesser cars that I can pick. I drove a bit faster, took turns more aggressively, and passed other cars more often. Then came the 328i, I progressively drove more aggressively due to its better dynamics and power. I would make a right turn at the light when before, I'd wait for bigger space to merge. I would follow the car a bit closer and hope they get out of my way.

Now I have a 545i and you can predict how I must drive. I have come to realize just now that I've become a worse driver albeit in a better car. I hope you guys can reflect back and see if you can relate. I will, from now on, drive less aggressively and learn to let provocations go. I don't need the risk. I am older now.

 

Looks like you missed a click, speed. We don't have a choice in the poll.

 

This poll thing is complicated. I can't go back and edit. but the choices are

1. better
2. worse
3. the same

you can just type in.

 

We'll my other car is a Z06--which predated my 545i. So, my experience is not yours. But, I think my 545i makes me a worse driver some of the time--because of the advanced state of its electronics. Having not memorized my manual, sometimes I find myself not paying enough attention to my driving while trying to figure out how to set/use this, that, or the other. This process results in one of those times when I wonder how I survived the last 5 minutes. I find this process worse for my driving attention than a hands-on cell phone would be. And, I'm pretty good with technological/electronic gadgets.

 

Can i add?

When I drive one of those -- small jap cars..from the renting company ... i feel like the king of the jungle..Maybe because i have in mind (i hope that britney spears does not see me) so i drive as crazzy as i can be. Going thru any small corner or in between car to -- maybe to hide from the crow

....when i drive my b'mer, i feel different. maybe more carefully? or maybe thinking too much..... about....hope britney spears sees me now?

i dont know..but it is strange.

 

More aggressive - find myself pushing the limits more now

 

When I first got my 530i I put on the speed limit chime at 80 mph (wait, let me finish) then it was chime city, then to 85, and then to 90. Then completely turned it off (I never had it in any other car so I wanted to give it a try). I've noticed that I am more aggressive now but with the new found power comes the responsibility. Like, donv, I've had my moments on how I survived the last 5 mins. and it usually slows me down just like speeding tickets do. But I guess, it's like anything else, I won't learn unless it happens to me. Sorry for a downer post but I'm also getting older now too and don't need the risk. I can relate where you're coming from though.

 

Poll fixed.

 

...im sure most if not all of us have felt at some point that we have an image to uphold and wont let what we'd feel is a lesser car get the best of us, and sometimes, the smoothness of BMWs allow us to make mistakes without consequences...as long as we get to a point where we realize we dont need to prove anything to anyone and just enjoy our own experiences, the better we will be
...power does corrupt! as in all other parts of life, and the sheer power of your car got the best of your psyche on this occasion...but you have learned from it, and will take away this experience and im sure you will be a better driver for it...i know i'll have a tuff time for a while as i push my new car and as im sure there will be those out on the street and highway who will try to tempt me into a situation i can say right now i wouldnt want to be in and hopefully i will make the right decision not to engage

...its ok to let it loose when the situation presents itself, but its not in my mind anymore to have to prove myself or car on the road against anyone else and will try to avoid these situations as i too am older now...

 

how about the choice of both better and worse, since i think it applies most of all...