In my OPINION not all cops are on power trips. I once stopped stopped a jaguar for 91/60mph. He told me that I stopped him becuase he had a Jaguar. The time of the stop was right around 5pm rush hour, heavy traffic. I advised him that the reason I stopped him was his speed not his jag. He insisted that it was because of his jag. He failed to see the danger of 91mph during rush hour. This sounds to me like someone with a "power trip".
Reference the types of vehicles that I stop, only the ones over the limit regardless of color or vehicle type.
Before anyone becomes offended, the above story does not mean that everyone that drives a jag thinks that way.
Safety first and if you get busted dont cry about it and blame the cop.
Congrats on the fix!! I just got back from a small road trip and the problem was quite annoying during the whole drive. I think my gas mileage was drastically affected by the constant up and down speeds caused by the stickiness. Did they have to order parts? I don't want to lose the car for a week waiting for them to arrive.
Braveheart - Thanks for the info on the surname. Are you a member of BMW CCA? Worth it?
Brave: don't take it the wrong way but why would anyone spend 400-1300 for a detection device to avoid a couple of tickets? I found that when I had radar, I would relax and as a result get many more tickets. Your awareness tips seem to work very well for me. Also, I only drive fast in "appropriate" situations.
Alpine- you may be somewhat correct in saying that certian professions attract certain personalities (generally accountants tend to be somewhat analytic) - Did you get a ticket recently. The majority of the times I got pulled over, the cops were steriotypical however there were times when they were very understanding. When I was younger, I got pulled over all the time and was ticketed ~ 25% of the time.
Add123: If you have a trap set up in a 70mph zone and I pass you at 80, would you pull me over? what cushion should I expect from the general cop population? (Assuming I'm not reckless)
What excuse can I use? "I had to go 100mph to get to the next exit so I could "drop the kids at the pool"" ; )
I highly recommend the V1. As braveheart says, the rear detection is very good, but what really sets the unit apart are the directional signals and counter. When I've had other radar detectors, I've found that without this information, I tended to ignore alarms--because I couldn't distinguish between real radar traps and other microwave sources. With the V1, I'm able to make intelligent decisisions about which alarms to heed and which to ignore.
Posted #7442 with the specs on the V-Kool. Found out that "total solar energy rejected" is 45% on the Huper film. The V-Kool rejects 55%. That is the reason for mixing the films, especially since they are the same color.
I asked why more places don't offer these films...and she simply said "sticker shock". Most "high-end" films run about $300'ish, so most people don't appreciate (or can't afford) to pay $575 for these products. She also said most people think "film is film", and are not educated on the differences between the different types, effectiveness, etc....Will let you know how it turns out.
BTW....you asked about the clears....I am only doing the front and side markers. The set was only like $80 at Circle. Seemed reasonable, and thought it might look good with blk/blk...we'll see. If not, I can change 'em back!
carpevino - I'm not a BMW CCA member, although I seriously considered it. They offer discounts at the F1 go-carts racing facility that I race at but they have their own league and I wanted to be in the Rookie league for my first season. Now that I think I'm ready for the bigger leagues, I may join them to get that discount. They also organize autocross events that seem like a lot of fun. I remember them also offering discount rates for driver school at the Lime Rock speedway in CT. Not to mention that it would be easy to make new friends with very similar interest. For a $30 annual fee, I figure you can't go wrong.
Driving at 10/10-ths - By that I mean using the car's full potential. Not necessarily driving it pedal to the metal - to me it's more like keeping the car in whatever gear it takes to keep the RPM's in their peak range from 3,500 to about 5,000-5,500. With the 330, you get plenty of torque at any range and you don't have to think about RPM's that much. I probably spend more than half the time driving at 3,500 RPM's. I love the way BMW designed the tach - the numbers are at least as big as the speedo's and the peak torque of 3,500 RPM's is visually dividing the tach in two halves. So it becomes second nature: leisurely pace - stay in the left half; having fun - stay in the right half of the tach.
Although you can be stopped and cited for any speed higher than the posted limit, most, not all officers will grant 10mph over the limit. I usually grant a 10mph over the posted limit. The reason for the 10 mph, as I understand it, is that there is less question of who the speeder is when everyone else is going 70 and you can see the target vehicle passing all others traveling at 80mph.
As for excuses, it really depends on the officer. I am quite understanding and will attempt to verify the excuse. I once stopped a vehicle for 75 in a 60mph. The driver stated that his father was dying and he needed to get home. I had him call a family member but did not let him speak. I spoke with sister and asked her if there was a family emergency happening. I further asked her if anyone was dying. She stated that everything was fine. The driver received a ticket.
If anyone is able to go on a ride-along with a traffic officer and see how it works, it may be beneficial. It really is not very difficult to pick out a speeder.
I have to say that speeding is definitely NOT the no.1 cause of accidents, lack of common sense is...
I was going back home from work last nite on a 2 lane back road, 1 lane each way. There was this "senior citizen" coming towards me, with half of his car on my side!!! The important note is, he was not going fast, only about 40mph (the limit). But I'd think it is more dangerous than speeding, because if somebody pulled out from a side street he would have hit it head on...
Common sense means you dont drive 70 in downtown boston, but it ALSO means you dont go 30 on MassPike when it is wide open. Going slow doesnt always mean it is safer.
Here are some of the rules that I follow: 1. After you stop, keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them. They'll be more relaxed if they can see you're not doing anything suspicious and are more likely to let you off. Roll down your windows, make sure there's light in the car. Yes, they hate tinted windows because they can't see what's going on inside the vehicle. 2. Have your license and registration ready. You may want to stick them out of the window so the officer would know that you are not a criminal but make sure to do that in a relaxed way so it wouldn't seem like you're rushing them. 3. Make sure to pull over safely. Don't go driving people off the road or braking like crazy. Put the emergency lights on and shut off the engine. 4. Admit you were at fault. 99% of the time, if you got pulled over, you deserved it and it's better to admit it. I typically say I'm sorry and that it was probably my fault. 5. Never argue with the officer. If you think they made a mistake, try to explain but if they don't want to hear it, you can't force them to. 6. Pleas work better than excuses. As long as you do it in a respectful way without making an idiot of yourself. 7. Don't call them 'Sir', they'd prefer 'Officer'.
I'm sure there are a lot more but if these don't work, you're out of luck. I too used to get pulled over more often when I was younger and they used to let me go more often. Now I don't get pulled over as often but it's much tougher to get out. I guess they consider me old enough to know better and I think that's fair.
Carpevino ; I dont think you have to part with your car more than 2 days. They have the parts at a couple of the parts depot already. The most time that they should need is to leave the car under the hot sun and then test drive the car to make sure. You could call BMW customer service to assist you. They could contact the dealer and explain the problem to them if they say they are not aware of this. Good Luck. Keep me posted.
Drcr, I bought the chrome tips last Friday when I picked up my car, one service advisor just popped them in for me with a stapler and a soft towel. When I got home I popped them in more, now they look great. The part number is 82-12-9-410-926. about $15.00@. Good luck
Just got a call from BMW and arranging to have my steering (new-tight) put in. Anyone had any problem or 'side effect" at all after this. Or is it just a simple task.
I signed up with CHUBB (sounds like insurance for large individuals). They insure "high-end" vehicles, of which the E46 qualifies at the lower end of the spectrum. I think it's a grade 15, where 15 is the lowest rank. I'm 31, single, with a clean driving record for the past 5 years. My monthly rate is $59.00 or $708/year premium. Unbelievable. I was paying over $1K a year on my 1999 Honda Accord through Travelers.
drcr and Brave1heart: No I didn't get a speeding ticket recently. But in the past I was stopped with my girlfriend in the corvette for running through a stop sign twice. BUT, BOTH TIMES I STOPPED FOR THE SIGN. Both of those cops were young with sunglasses on, each one said the same thing after they accused me of running the sign which I did not do. (cop smiling with "cool" glasses on): "I can argue better than you, do you think you will win in court? They will obviously take my side" What's funny is that the first time this happened the "joe cool" cop did'nt know that my girlfriend had her video camera on the floor STILL RUNNING!!! The audio of that video tape made him look like the biggest idiot in front of all his cop friends in court! The second time his friend pulled me over at 3 am 6 months later at the same stop sign that I again stopped for. I lost this battle obviously because they had to get back at me for making them look stupid the first time! Those $@$#%&*$! The rat picked 3 AM knowing that there would probably be no girlfriend and no camera! Now you know why I don't like cops!
dantlo - I have not heard of any problems with the steering retrofit - go for it. I called BMWNA yesterday and they told me that I should expect to be contacted within a week. I guess they just started the new round of retrofits and I should be in that group. When did you put your name on the list? I'm waiting for the call so I can get everything done at once: the retrofit, the fan recall, the safety belt tensioner, I also need to have my coin holder and brake buffers replaced. The last two are purely cosmetic and my car has been flawless mechanically for the first 3,500 miles.
deepdark - do you live in the suburbs? This is a phenomenal rate. Are you limiting on miles? What's your collision deductible and general coverage level?
If you decide to fight a ticket (and you really can't go wrong doing so) here's what you do:
1) mail in your ticket and check the "not guilty" box, or, depending on the jurisdiction simply do not send it in at all and it will be treated as a default not guilty plea.
2) Contact the clerk's office and inform them through whatever means necessary (if they require a formal motion, make one) that you need a continuance due to scheduling conflicts on that date. Make sure you have a good excuse, but DO NOT LIE TO THE COURT.
The continuance will result in having your hearing date postponed and moved to a new date -- one of the Court's choosing rather than the officer's. That way, your hearing will NOT be scheduled on the same day as every other ticket that cop has written in the past month.
3) When you get the new date, repeat step two. That is, request another continuance due to scheduling conflicts. Again, have a good excuse but DO NOT LIE TO THE COURT.
The purpose of this step is to foil the smart cops who will have set up an alternate date ahead of time. This is more common in some jurisdicitions than others.
4) Go to Court on the date of your hearing when it has finally been rescheduled.
First, cross your fingers that you have succeeded in making this so inconvenient that the cop doesn't show up. If he doesn't show up, you're home free.
Second, if the cop has actually shown up, inform the Court of any valid excuses you may have (including a mis-calibrated speedometer, if such can be demonstrated by an affidavit from a mechanic). I have seen tickets reduced and/or thrown out based on such affidavits.
Finally, if all else fails throw yourself on the mercy of the court and try to have the charges reduced. This usually will succeed in having the charges reduced, but may require you to attend a safe driving class.
Noto bene: I do not practice this sort of law, or any criminal law, for that matter. All my knowledge of this subject comes from my own tickets. I actually do financial litigation, so take my tips with an appropriate grain of salt.
I must admit, I have hardly ever known a cop who wasn't either: a) an unpopular kid basically taking out his youthful frustrations through a new position of power; or b) a half-wit for whom driving around pulling people over is the extent of his intellectual capabilities.
Of course, there are smart cops who got into the profession for the right reasons. There must be. But I haven't met any.
As an aside, I will tell you a funny story. A few months ago I got a call from the State Police Benevolent Association looking for handouts. I told them that I never see a state trooper except in my rear view mirror, and they've never done anything for me in my whole life. "So," I said, "I'm thinking no."
Keep in mind the that the PBA is essentially a union. The money you give to the union benefits the police in a very real way. I personally have no desire to give any more money to cops than I have to. Furthermore, I find the whole notion of those stickers that are supposed to let cops know you "support" them and thus get you out of tickets OFFENSIVE. They are evidence of corruption, no more no less. What else can you call a system that gets you out of tickets for giving money to the cops, directly or indirectly?
In any event, my wife and I were driving from DC to NYC later that day, with my wife driving the Grand Cherokee. Needless to say, we got pulled over by a MD State Trooper and my wife got a ticket for doing 80 in a 65. Man, life is SO FUNNY.
I don't want to come off sounding like i'm cop bashing, but did you ever see that 20/20 investigation about the cops that call you asking for money? They traced the money and found out that most of it went to their beef and beer parties and barbecues and such. I just feel sorry for the charities or the kids that get short changed from these supposed events. So when they call me, I just remind them of that investigation and they usually get real quiet and hang up. P.S. The story about my stop sign-video camera incident is true, every profession has it's idiots, it's just too scary when it shows up in the legal system where these idiots could change your life. :O)
With any charitable organization, ask for audited financial statements. If they don't have them, don't give them anything. Usually, they'll mail them to you right away.
You can be a not-for-profit organization and spend 95% of what comes in on yourself and the other 5% on the charitable cause.
I think I called them when I first saw people posting on this board about BMW willingly to fix this. I would guess that was around April maybe??
Anyway, thanks for the advise. I will go for it. I know it would make the car handle even better not that I got my gas pedal fixed too. I always like the steering on my wife 98 528i. She always said the 325i is too light everytime she drives it.
Thanks for sharing those tips. I do my best to cooperate and always admit I'm at fault if I am. I know what you mean about the tinted glass. I had to borrow my aunts car one day and it was totally blacked out with limosine tint. A state trooper pulled me over for doing 75 in a 55 zone. I left the window up just to see how he was going to react with the tint. He walked up to my window very slowly. He looked real nervous with his gun drawn. He pointed the gun at the window and shouted "roll down your window SLOWLY!" This car had power windows that were fast. The look on his face was priceless, but it was scary to think that I could've gotten killed because of an overly tinted window and an overly nervous cop. :O)
I have chubb right now at $1,500 for the 330i. That also includes multi-car discount I am switiching to Geico. Cost for 330i is $1,100. That is a great price you received from Chubb.
I'll have to check my coverage (I never remember the figures). My deductible is $500, and I do live in the suburbs. But I am in an uncovered lot at my apartment. I commute 22 miles each way to work, and my annual mileage is 15,000 on my policy. It's not really limited in any way, just an estimate.
I believe that some time ago you had strong words in connection with a comment I made that you took to be "anti-lawyer". To the contrary, and as an attorney myself, I try not to prejudge or generalize as to any group.
While I have had one exceptionally bad incident involving a wet behind the ears officer (who lied on the stand in connection with a minor traffic offense with which I was charged), for the most part law enforcement officers are like anyone else. Some are good and some are not. A few of my friends are cops, and I suspect that their "general" views of lawyers are not terribly positive. Mind you, I'm not trying to take up the cause, but I think for the most part they have a pretty tough and (for the most part) thankless job.
So, let's not bash cops, lawyers, or any other group.
Where is the list that I can look up tracking codes. My car is scheduled for production - 153 is the code I got from BMW national. I'm really excited I can't wait, they told me production started today.
My 330i (ordered on 5/22) is currently on a truck making it's way from Port Hueneme to my dealer in the Bay Area (BMW Concord). If the RYUJIN arrived as scheduled on 7/16, I cleared VPC in 1 day! My dealer said I should have the car within 48-72 hours. Can hardly wait! My wife and I are spending 4 days in Monterey/Carmel next weekend. Can't wait to drive the beautiful stretch of Hwy 1 from S.F. to Carmel in the new ride :-)
One question. My dealer wants $525 plus labor to install the BMW alarm system. This sounds like a complete ripoff. Isn't MSRP on the alarm system $300? I'm aware it's available for $225 from Circle BMW and is a pretty easy DIY project. If the dealer's price were fair, however, I'd probably just let them do it to avoid warranty hassles.
Alp - St. Martin was great. Some of the best white-sand beaches that I've seen; great water; excellent accommodation, and great food on the French side. If you ever visit, I strongly recommend any of the resorts along Orient Bay - it's by far the best beach on the island. We didn't do much - sleep late, have brunch by the pool next to our villa, go to the beach in the aft, a little lap swimming after the beach, nice relaxing dinner and a lot of reading. The most exercise I did was jet-skiing - nothing beats that for fun in the sun!
Don - we definitely want to find out the gender of the baby. We're doing the ultrasound at the next exam in 3-4 weeks. It was exciting to hear the baby's heart yesterday (first time for me).
Cops - I think being an officer is a very tough job, especially for what it pays. You work long shifts, have to deal with criminals, get paid very little for what you do and worst of all - your family never knows when you won't return home b/c you got shot by a criminal. I personally have seen more good than bad from them - they have helped me every time I got stuck with my $200 cars in college or ran out of gas. When I was younger, they even pulled me over a couple of times to tell me that I was driving too aggressively for my own sake w/o giving me a ticket and have treated me with respect for the most part. There have been a couple of officers that didn't want to hear me out and just wrote me up. Well, that's what they get paid to do - you can't rationalize with every driver out there. I have no hard feelings - it's a job like any other and somebody's gotta do it. They do protect all of us but we typically see the enforcement part a lot more than the protection side. That's b/c we don't hang out in places where criminals hang out late at night.
I've driven through MD (all I-95) 5-6 times and never got a ticket. I guess I got lucky. CT is a nightmare, though - especially the Hartford area. It's like the Twin Peaks series. So is the Masspike for the most part. VT has to be the most liberal state in that respect.
They got me with that overhead airplane timing vehicles passing the lines painted on the road which I had not noticed. I've talked my way out of several tickets in my life, but that was NOT one of them! It might have been I95, I'm not sure - it was a while back, and I think it cost me almost a hundred dollars for going just under 20 over the speed limit. Right after that I got a parking ticket in that state - FORTY bucks for parking too close to a corner - and I have no wish to drive in that state anymore. :-)
We have a vacation house on the Chesapeake bay (Elkton MD) I'm usually there on the weekends. I've never been stopped for any reason, but my cousin who lives in delaware was stopped numerous times on his way to the house. Each time they searched his car for drugs. There are alot of drug smugglers that pass thru maryland to get to Philly and New York, so I kind of understand.
I had the privalidge of going to college for 4 years in Md and was lucky enough never to get pulled over. You mean you guys can't see their maroon "unmarked" chevy's parked all over the 1-95 medians? Their speedtraps really are scary though, I've never seen cops before stand in the fast lane of a 4 lane highway, pointing for cars to get off the road for their ticket....
I didn't pay it the first time. I think that's how it turned into $40 (and this was a million years ago, maybe 20 or not quite that many). They sent me the scariest letter I've ever seen - I think they were going to take my first, second and third born children and all of my dogs - so I coughed it up.
Shoot, I wasn't even THAT close to the corner. Yeah I got suckered and let 'em do it to me, you can't fight it when you don't live there. All I know is that on the heels of that speeding ticket, as I said, I hope to never drive through that state again.
I have rethought what I posted earlier, and I do believe I was only cited for going about 10 mph over the speed limit - because as I recall THAT is what I was trying to politely argue with the little tiny woman who would not listen to me because SHE was right period. And that one cost me something like 94 bucks in the early 80's.
Never seen that in MD (though never really traveled much outside of Montgomery, PG, or Baltimore counties), but the first and only time I've seen that was in... yes CT. I think in all the trips between school (MA) and either DC or NY, my friends and I were always pulled over (if pulled over) in CT.
I guess it has to do with the way they sit in the car. My brother and dad both favor a more acute angle at the knee and hence sit closer to the steering wheel. (Comes from years of driving SUVs?) So they feel the driver space is tighter. I prefer a stretched leg position more suitable to the coupe, although I can drive comfortably in a higher seat config. (like an SUV/minivan).
I never got the phrase "put your foot down" as I've always had to press forward to brake and accelerate, rather than down into the floor. I started learning to drive in a 70s Delta 88 and with the seat all the way forward I was still too far away from the pedals. So I'd drive on my toes. What a riot. Sitting on a cushion and I still couldn't see over the steering. I'm so glad I went to a driving school instead.
Headroom was never an issue for me until I discovered seats that moved up.
So far my experience with BMW Concord has been good. I'll know for sure in a few days when I close the deal. I can update you at that point. My deal on my 330i was for $1900 over invoice with floor mats and wheel locks included. I know this is not as good as some people have done, but is pretty competitive for the Bay Area. My salesman is Hendrik Lesterhuis, and he has been very pleasant to deal with. I would definitely recommend him.
Comments
Reference the types of vehicles that I stop, only the ones over the limit regardless of color or vehicle type.
Before anyone becomes offended, the above story does not mean that everyone that drives a jag thinks that way.
Safety first and if you get busted dont cry about it and blame the cop.
add123
Braveheart - Thanks for the info on the surname. Are you a member of BMW CCA? Worth it?
Best Regards,
Shipo
Alpine- you may be somewhat correct in saying that certian professions attract certain personalities (generally accountants tend to be somewhat analytic) - Did you get a ticket recently. The majority of the times I got pulled over, the cops were steriotypical however there were times when they were very understanding. When I was younger, I got pulled over all the time and was ticketed ~ 25% of the time.
Add123: If you have a trap set up in a 70mph zone and I pass you at 80, would you pull me over? what cushion should I expect from the general cop population? (Assuming I'm not reckless)
What excuse can I use? "I had to go 100mph to get to the next exit so I could "drop the kids at the pool"" ; )
Anyone replace the 325 black front grill with the chrome from the 330? How much? part# install instructions?
drcr
I asked why more places don't offer these films...and she simply said "sticker shock". Most "high-end" films run about $300'ish, so most people don't appreciate (or can't afford) to pay $575 for these products. She also said most people think "film is film", and are not educated on the differences between the different types, effectiveness, etc....Will let you know how it turns out.
BTW....you asked about the clears....I am only doing the front and side markers. The set was only like $80 at Circle. Seemed reasonable, and thought it might look good with blk/blk...we'll see. If not, I can change 'em back!
Driving at 10/10-ths - By that I mean using the car's full potential. Not necessarily driving it pedal to the metal - to me it's more like keeping the car in whatever gear it takes to keep the RPM's in their peak range from 3,500 to about 5,000-5,500. With the 330, you get plenty of torque at any range and you don't have to think about RPM's that much. I probably spend more than half the time driving at 3,500 RPM's. I love the way BMW designed the tach - the numbers are at least as big as the speedo's and the peak torque of 3,500 RPM's is visually dividing the tach in two halves. So it becomes second nature: leisurely pace - stay in the left half; having fun - stay in the right half of the tach.
Although you can be stopped and cited for any speed higher than the posted limit, most, not all officers will grant 10mph over the limit. I usually grant a 10mph over the posted limit. The reason for the 10 mph, as I understand it, is that there is less question of who the speeder is when everyone else is going 70 and you can see the target vehicle passing all others traveling
at 80mph.
As for excuses, it really depends on the officer. I am quite understanding and will attempt to verify the excuse. I once stopped a vehicle for 75 in a 60mph. The driver stated that his father was dying and he needed to get home. I had him call a family member but did not let him speak. I spoke with sister and asked her if there was a family emergency happening. I further asked her if anyone was dying. She stated that everything was fine. The driver received a ticket.
If anyone is able to go on a ride-along with a traffic officer and see how it works, it may be beneficial. It really is not very difficult to pick out a speeder.
add123
I was going back home from work last nite on a 2 lane back road, 1 lane each way. There was this "senior citizen" coming towards me, with half of his car on my side!!! The important note is, he was not going fast, only about 40mph (the limit). But I'd think it is more dangerous than speeding, because if somebody pulled out from a side street he would have hit it head on...
Common sense means you dont drive 70 in downtown boston, but it ALSO means you dont go 30 on MassPike when it is wide open. Going slow doesnt always mean it is safer.
1. After you stop, keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them. They'll be more relaxed if they can see you're not doing anything suspicious and are more likely to let you off. Roll down your windows, make sure there's light in the car. Yes, they hate tinted windows because they can't see what's going on inside the vehicle.
2. Have your license and registration ready. You may want to stick them out of the window so the officer would know that you are not a criminal but make sure to do that in a relaxed way so it wouldn't seem like you're rushing them.
3. Make sure to pull over safely. Don't go driving people off the road or braking like crazy. Put the emergency lights on and shut off the engine.
4. Admit you were at fault. 99% of the time, if you got pulled over, you deserved it and it's better to admit it. I typically say I'm sorry and that it was probably my fault.
5. Never argue with the officer. If you think they made a mistake, try to explain but if they don't want to hear it, you can't force them to.
6. Pleas work better than excuses. As long as you do it in a respectful way without making an idiot of yourself.
7. Don't call them 'Sir', they'd prefer 'Officer'.
I'm sure there are a lot more but if these don't work, you're out of luck. I too used to get pulled over more often when I was younger and they used to let me go more often. Now I don't get pulled over as often but it's much tougher to get out. I guess they consider me old enough to know better and I think that's fair.
Drcr, I bought the chrome tips last Friday when I picked up my car, one service advisor just popped them in for me with a stapler and a soft towel. When I got home I popped them in more, now they look great. The part number is 82-12-9-410-926. about $15.00@. Good luck
Dan
Thanks
Dan
Are you hasppy with Geico?
deepdark - do you live in the suburbs? This is a phenomenal rate. Are you limiting on miles? What's your collision deductible and general coverage level?
1) mail in your ticket and check the "not guilty" box, or, depending on the jurisdiction simply do not send it in at all and it will be treated as a default not guilty plea.
2) Contact the clerk's office and inform them through whatever means necessary (if they require a formal motion, make one) that you need a continuance due to scheduling conflicts on that date. Make sure you have a good excuse, but DO NOT LIE TO THE COURT.
The continuance will result in having your hearing date postponed and moved to a new date -- one of the Court's choosing rather than the officer's. That way, your hearing will NOT be scheduled on the same day as every other ticket that cop has written in the past month.
3) When you get the new date, repeat step two. That is, request another continuance due to scheduling conflicts. Again, have a good excuse but DO NOT LIE TO THE COURT.
The purpose of this step is to foil the smart cops who will have set up an alternate date ahead of time. This is more common in some jurisdicitions than others.
4) Go to Court on the date of your hearing when it has finally been rescheduled.
First, cross your fingers that you have succeeded in making this so inconvenient that the cop doesn't show up. If he doesn't show up, you're home free.
Second, if the cop has actually shown up, inform the Court of any valid excuses you may have (including a mis-calibrated speedometer, if such can be demonstrated by an affidavit from a mechanic). I have seen tickets reduced and/or thrown out based on such affidavits.
Finally, if all else fails throw yourself on the mercy of the court and try to have the charges reduced. This usually will succeed in having the charges reduced, but may require you to attend a safe driving class.
Noto bene: I do not practice this sort of law, or any criminal law, for that matter. All my knowledge of this subject comes from my own tickets. I actually do financial litigation, so take my tips with an appropriate grain of salt.
Of course, there are smart cops who got into the profession for the right reasons. There must be. But I haven't met any.
As an aside, I will tell you a funny story. A few months ago I got a call from the State Police Benevolent Association looking for handouts. I told them that I never see a state trooper except in my rear view mirror, and they've never done anything for me in my whole life. "So," I said, "I'm thinking no."
Keep in mind the that the PBA is essentially a union. The money you give to the union benefits the police in a very real way. I personally have no desire to give any more money to cops than I have to. Furthermore, I find the whole notion of those stickers that are supposed to let cops know you "support" them and thus get you out of tickets OFFENSIVE. They are evidence of corruption, no more no less. What else can you call a system that gets you out of tickets for giving money to the cops, directly or indirectly?
In any event, my wife and I were driving from DC to NYC later that day, with my wife driving the Grand Cherokee. Needless to say, we got pulled over by a MD State Trooper and my wife got a ticket for doing 80 in a 65. Man, life is SO FUNNY.
You can be a not-for-profit organization and spend 95% of what comes in on yourself and the other 5% on the charitable cause.
Anyway, thanks for the advise. I will go for it. I know it would make the car handle even better not that I got my gas pedal fixed too. I always like the steering on my wife 98 528i. She always said the 325i is too light everytime she drives it.
P.S Are you gonna find out the baby's gender?
Dan
That also includes multi-car discount
I am switiching to Geico. Cost for 330i is $1,100.
That is a great price you received from Chubb.
I believe that some time ago you had strong words in connection with a comment I made that you took to be "anti-lawyer". To the contrary, and as an attorney myself, I try not to prejudge or generalize as to any group.
While I have had one exceptionally bad incident involving a wet behind the ears officer (who lied on the stand in connection with a minor traffic offense with which I was charged), for the most part law enforcement officers are like anyone else. Some are good and some are not. A few of my friends are cops, and I suspect that their "general" views of lawyers are not terribly positive. Mind you, I'm not trying to take up the cause, but I think for the most part they have a pretty tough and (for the most part) thankless job.
So, let's not bash cops, lawyers, or any other group.
Just my nickel's worth....
I'm really excited I can't wait, they told me production started today.
Thanks
Josh
Thx.
Dan
One question. My dealer wants $525 plus labor to install the BMW alarm system. This sounds like a complete ripoff. Isn't MSRP on the alarm system $300? I'm aware it's available for $225 from Circle BMW and is a pretty easy DIY project. If the dealer's price were fair, however, I'd probably just let them do it to avoid warranty hassles.
Tom
Don - we definitely want to find out the gender of the baby. We're doing the ultrasound at the next exam in 3-4 weeks. It was exciting to hear the baby's heart yesterday (first time for me).
Cops - I think being an officer is a very tough job, especially for what it pays. You work long shifts, have to deal with criminals, get paid very little for what you do and worst of all - your family never knows when you won't return home b/c you got shot by a criminal. I personally have seen more good than bad from them - they have helped me every time I got stuck with my $200 cars in college or ran out of gas. When I was younger, they even pulled me over a couple of times to tell me that I was driving too aggressively for my own sake w/o giving me a ticket and have treated me with respect for the most part. There have been a couple of officers that didn't want to hear me out and just wrote me up. Well, that's what they get paid to do - you can't rationalize with every driver out there. I have no hard feelings - it's a job like any other and somebody's gotta do it. They do protect all of us but we typically see the enforcement part a lot more than the protection side. That's b/c we don't hang out in places where criminals hang out late at night.
They got me good once, since then I know to be verrry careful. :-)
Pat
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Shoot, I wasn't even THAT close to the corner. Yeah I got suckered and let 'em do it to me, you can't fight it when you don't live there. All I know is that on the heels of that speeding ticket, as I said, I hope to never drive through that state again.
I have rethought what I posted earlier, and I do believe I was only cited for going about 10 mph over the speed limit - because as I recall THAT is what I was trying to politely argue with the little tiny woman who would not listen to me because SHE was right period. And that one cost me something like 94 bucks in the early 80's.
I guess it has to do with the way they sit in the car. My brother and dad both favor a more acute angle at the knee and hence sit closer to the steering wheel. (Comes from years of driving SUVs?) So they feel the driver space is tighter. I prefer a stretched leg position more suitable to the coupe, although I can drive comfortably in a higher seat config. (like an SUV/minivan).
I never got the phrase "put your foot down" as I've always had to press forward to brake and accelerate, rather than down into the floor. I started learning to drive in a 70s Delta 88 and with the seat all the way forward I was still too far away from the pedals. So I'd drive on my toes. What a riot. Sitting on a cushion and I still couldn't see over the steering. I'm so glad I went to a driving school instead.
Headroom was never an issue for me until I discovered seats that moved up.
Tom