The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com) - View Single Post - My experience while driving the Beast at 168mph (indicated)...

OC M5 · 21st August 2008, 04:46

I had an interesting experience last week on a trip down through San Diego to El Centro, CA on Hwy 8.

I had previously been able to get my car up to 165mph (indicated) on an open road before having to slow down.

I had read on the forum about the speed limiter kicking in at 168 (155 actual) and wanted to see for myself. Deep down I had hoped that they had forgotten to program my car with a limit. I realize I can have the ECU reprogrammed, but am afraid of the constant temptation to go faster.

After reaching the flat at the base of the mountains separating the coast from the desert, the road runs relatively straight and flat. You can see for several miles and traffic was scattered and light. With the onboard protection of my V1, I finally had an opening of a few miles and decided to make a run.

Indeed, the limiter prevented me from getting to an indicated 170. I kept it there for 10 seconds or so. Very stable. The rush of adrenaline was incredible. I can’t imagine the rush of going 200+… Well, actually I can, because what happened next nearly gave me a heart attack. I noticed the shadow of propeller blades washing over the front of my car. I have previously had the experience of receiving a speeding ticket paced from a CHP aircraft several years back, but at a more reasonable speed in the 80’s.

I had heard that they have a few helicopters in addition to the small airplanes. Surely the thought of being arrested for speeding and having my vehicle impounded would compare with the rush of driving near 200. I let off the throttle and tried not to hammer the brakes, all the while scanning the horizon for any awaiting CHP vehicles. Nothing. I was well behind the helicopter above and could now see it. To my relief it was not a CHP helicopter, but rather a low flying Apache helicopter. He quickly made an abrupt turn to the north and disappeared.
I am absolutely convinced he was screwing with me. I was dripping sweat and decided to slow down.

Being arrested is never a good excuse to miss a business meeting.

21st August 2008, 04:46	#1 (permalink)
OC M5 Junior Member, warming up (<31 posts) Join Date: May 2008 Location: OC, CA Posts: 29 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	My experience while driving the Beast at 168mph (indicated)... I had an interesting experience last week on a trip down through San Diego to El Centro, CA on Hwy 8. I had previously been able to get my car up to 165mph (indicated) on an open road before having to slow down. I had read on the forum about the speed limiter kicking in at 168 (155 actual) and wanted to see for myself. Deep down I had hoped that they had forgotten to program my car with a limit. I realize I can have the ECU reprogrammed, but am afraid of the constant temptation to go faster. After reaching the flat at the base of the mountains separating the coast from the desert, the road runs relatively straight and flat. You can see for several miles and traffic was scattered and light. With the onboard protection of my V1, I finally had an opening of a few miles and decided to make a run. Indeed, the limiter prevented me from getting to an indicated 170. I kept it there for 10 seconds or so. Very stable. The rush of adrenaline was incredible. I can’t imagine the rush of going 200+… Well, actually I can, because what happened next nearly gave me a heart attack. I noticed the shadow of propeller blades washing over the front of my car. I have previously had the experience of receiving a speeding ticket paced from a CHP aircraft several years back, but at a more reasonable speed in the 80’s. I had heard that they have a few helicopters in addition to the small airplanes. Surely the thought of being arrested for speeding and having my vehicle impounded would compare with the rush of driving near 200. I let off the throttle and tried not to hammer the brakes, all the while scanning the horizon for any awaiting CHP vehicles. Nothing. I was well behind the helicopter above and could now see it. To my relief it was not a CHP helicopter, but rather a low flying Apache helicopter. He quickly made an abrupt turn to the north and disappeared. I am absolutely convinced he was screwing with me. I was dripping sweat and decided to slow down. Being arrested is never a good excuse to miss a business meeting.