All. I've posted very infrequently since picking up my new (to me) Beast in July, but I've been fascinated and perused the forums nearly daily. I'm posting now partly out of hope this information can help others stay out of my situation, and part out of pure frustration. Please be aware, I'm not seeking sympathy, while at the same time I'm not seeking any "serve's you right" / holier than thou type soundbytes either, so thank you in advance.
I'm still younger than many on this board (under 30), but like all of us, I have a love of cars. I go through them frequently. I've had 11 cars since I've been old enough to drive. When servicing my previous car at my local dealer, I came across an immaculate, super low mileage beast with the colors and options I've always wanted. Some quick calls to the local BMW dealer to verify service history, and I was out the door at closing time on the last day of the month with an absolute steal on a car I never actually thought I would be able to own! To say I felt like a make a wish kid is an understatement!
Fast forward 3 weeks. It was a gorgeous night out. I live in the "entertainment district" of my town, with lots of activity nightly. I went out with some friends for some drinks, went back home for around an hour (all is within walking distance), and after not eating for nearly 15 hours, was craving some pizza from a local place approximately 2 miles from my home. I jumped in the car, avoided the same potholes I avoid daily....
Unfortunately the police officer hiding did not see my actions as me protecting my new pride and joy, rather he saw it as an exotic car traveling over the center line of a narrow city street around closing time for the bars. I had been drinking and do not deny it. Was it right? Of course not. Was I fully aware of the pothole I was avoiding, yes. However, given the time of night, I knew as soon as I was pulled over, there was no talking my way out of this one. At this time, after I was out of the car, all I could do was to ensure I did everything I could on the video tape to ensure a defense attorney would have the best chance of fighting on my behalf in court. Conveniently, the camera in the patrol car was "malfunctioning", only capturing part of the stop. I even stood on one foot with no issue for more than the alotted time I was asked. However, out of an abundance of caution for my career, I knew I would be close to the legal limit, so I refused the breath test, deciding this would be the best protection for both my career, and my chances to beat this.
I hired a very good lawyer that specializes in long term litigation. Everyone agreed that other than being distraught, I looked very good on the tape, and clearly passed the "stand on one leg for 30 seconds" test. Long story short, with regard to the criminal complaint, all charges other than the DWI were dropped, and I received the minimum penalty for a first time DWI in my state under a plea agreement. Unfortunately, in order to secure federal highway funds, my state is one of few that require mandatory interlock devices for all DWI cases and / or refusals. It is a 6 month statute that must be met in order to get a full license reinstated. The local company that handles these devices is literally a man resembling Larry the Cable Guy working out of a $399 rusted shed similar to the type for sale in many Home Depot parking lots. He was unsure how to install, and could not even locate a wiring diagram for an E60. I had seen enough.....
I solved the problem by purchasing a Grand Cherokee, and parking the Beast in the garage of my second home during this painful time. So that's where I am, not to mention insurance that increased 141%. I went from a super prime customer with every discount imaginable, no accidents, tickets, claims, etc to the bottom of the insurance barrel praying progressive would take me after State Farm dumped me for refusing the breath test. The reason I'm writing now is because yesterday marked three months of essentially being unable to take my E60 out of my driveway. I've managed to get it out and up to operating temperature approximately once a month, and it has remained on a battery tender the rest of the time. It's just been a painful time as I don't consider myself a bad person, and the interlock law is a terribly regressive and somewhat draconian penalty based on the application of the law amongst first offenders in my opinion. Hell, it basically required me to spend $30k on a new car that was still presentable enough to drive to work, or risk ruining the electrical system in my Beast during the install!
I've resisted posting until now, but I'm officially on the downhill slide toward having this horrendous experience put behind me. In the interim I've enjoyed the forum, and it has served as a really great light at the end of the tunnel as I am continuing to look forward to the day I can apply all of the learnings I've picked up from everyone on the forum. Ironically enough...I get to drive my Beast again on my birthday! Sorry for the venting, but I truly hope that my story will help at least one person on the forum stay out of this situation, praticularly with new year's coming up! Thank you for listening!
