Congratulations — you just signed on the dotted line and got to take home your first BMW. It’s so tempting to put the pedal to the metal and see what your new car can really do — but the last thing you want to do is crash your new car right after you pick it up! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you keep your new BMW on the road.
Know Your Car
Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you do some research on your new car. What is its top speed? How fast can it go from 0 to 60? What about stopping distance? If this is your first time owning something quick, you might be shocked at the difference between this and your old clucker.
While you probably won’t be trying to break that speed record, it’s still a good idea to know what your car’s capabilities are before you start driving it. It lets you know what to expect when you take off from a stoplight or have to slam on the brakes to avoid a distracted driver in front of you.
No Lead Feet
The BMW M5 30th anniversary edition can do 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 199 miles per hour. Even if this isn’t the model that’s sitting in your garage, chances are your BMW has more power than you’re used to in a car. Take off your lead boots and drive smart — you’re not going to hit that top speed on your daily commute or anywhere else unless you’re on a track, so stick to the posted speed limit when you’re on public roads. It can be tempting to push it on a straight highway, but remember you’re not the only one on the road.
No Distractions
It’s important to remember this anytime you’re driving, but it’s especially important if you’re behind the wheel of a powerful car like a BMW — be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let an accident on the side of the road, your favorite jam on the radio or a lovely sunrise distract you from driving. In this same vein, leave the cell phone in your pocket or your glove compartment. Distracted driving was responsible for 3,450 fatalities in 2016. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 83,000 accidents each year are the direct result of people driving while sleep-deprived. Driving without sleeping for 24 hours slows your reaction times — it’s roughly equal to a 0.10 blood alcohol level.
Don’t Show Off
Just search YouTube for “BMW Show Off Fail” and you’ll find hours of footage that is fun to watch but not so fun to be a part of. If this is your first time in a fast car, you might be surprised at how many people want to race you at a stoplight. It might seem like a fun challenge, but the pride you get from beating someone off the line isn’t worth the dozens of things that could go terribly wrong.
Getting your first BMW is an awesome experience, but you want to make sure you’re driving safely. The last thing you want to do is have to tow your BMW to the shop because you crashed it. Don’t speed, don’t get distracted and don’t open up that throttle unless you’re on the track. BMWs are powerful, but that power can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Other than that, enjoy your new BMW and the fantastic comfort and security it offers — you’ve earned it.