Help me pick a Daily Driver :)
07-06-2010, 12:34 PM
#16
I have some experience in the armored car world... go with the larger/heavier car and make sure the suspension, brakes, and cooling system have been upgraded to handle the extra weight of the armor. You want a car that can push and shove if needed, not just stop bullets. An armored E46 is sort of funny to me - like hardening a Miata.
My favorite armored cars are the old W140 Mercedes S class. They were big, tough, and relatively simple. A tank. Unfortunately those are getting old now. The W220 S class that replaced it is not bad, but more complex. The newest cars from MB and BMW scare me as they are so complex - too many electronic systems to fail at a 'bad time.' If I was going new these days I'd probably go with a Tahoe.
And don't choose this car for looks. It is a tool, not a toy. Low key and boring is good. No fancy rims, no loud exhaust. Quiet and anonymous. Keep the nice car in San Diego and carry a picture of it in your pocket.
My favorite armored cars are the old W140 Mercedes S class. They were big, tough, and relatively simple. A tank. Unfortunately those are getting old now. The W220 S class that replaced it is not bad, but more complex. The newest cars from MB and BMW scare me as they are so complex - too many electronic systems to fail at a 'bad time.' If I was going new these days I'd probably go with a Tahoe.
And don't choose this car for looks. It is a tool, not a toy. Low key and boring is good. No fancy rims, no loud exhaust. Quiet and anonymous. Keep the nice car in San Diego and carry a picture of it in your pocket.
07-06-2010, 01:54 PM
#19
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07-06-2010, 02:11 PM
#20
Three Wheelin'
Actually there's a school out in Guadalajara called ITM (Institute of Technology - Monterrey) - it's one of the finest engineering schools in the world when it comes to mining, oil and gas, etc industry. Instantly recognized if you plan to work in that sector in any spanish speaking country.
07-06-2010, 02:25 PM
#21
Drifting
2000 E39 528i. Fantastic, if underpowered engine. Reliable as the day is long. Good MPG. Looks nice. Cheap to fix. Takes 87 octane. I've had three... love them. They do 200k easily. Just never drive it overheated.
07-06-2010, 02:42 PM
#22
I have some experience in the armored car world... go with the larger/heavier car and make sure the suspension, brakes, and cooling system have been upgraded to handle the extra weight of the armor. You want a car that can push and shove if needed, not just stop bullets. An armored E46 is sort of funny to me - like hardening a Miata.
My favorite armored cars are the old W140 Mercedes S class. They were big, tough, and relatively simple. A tank. Unfortunately those are getting old now. The W220 S class that replaced it is not bad, but more complex. The newest cars from MB and BMW scare me as they are so complex - too many electronic systems to fail at a 'bad time.' If I was going new these days I'd probably go with a Tahoe.
And don't choose this car for looks. It is a tool, not a toy. Low key and boring is good. No fancy rims, no loud exhaust. Quiet and anonymous. Keep the nice car in San Diego and carry a picture of it in your pocket.
My favorite armored cars are the old W140 Mercedes S class. They were big, tough, and relatively simple. A tank. Unfortunately those are getting old now. The W220 S class that replaced it is not bad, but more complex. The newest cars from MB and BMW scare me as they are so complex - too many electronic systems to fail at a 'bad time.' If I was going new these days I'd probably go with a Tahoe.
And don't choose this car for looks. It is a tool, not a toy. Low key and boring is good. No fancy rims, no loud exhaust. Quiet and anonymous. Keep the nice car in San Diego and carry a picture of it in your pocket.
I think it depends on thickness, manufacturer, &/or how much the original owner wanted to spend. :P
Look at this 5 series: http://beta.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/B...A13316120.aspx
The front windows roll down.
Actually there's a school out in Guadalajara called ITM (Institute of Technology - Monterrey) - it's one of the finest engineering schools in the world when it comes to mining, oil and gas, etc industry. Instantly recognized if you plan to work in that sector in any spanish speaking country.
Someone who knows. ... This is exactly where I am studying.I can see from your sig that you speak from experience. I might have to listen to your advice on that.
07-06-2010, 02:55 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
i had an E39 530i - it had the LED tailights from the factory with NAV and bixenons - (looks better than the first generation E39 528i) - it was an absolute blast to drive and withstood unbelievable amounts of beating. I was sad to sell it - and still think it looks better - cleaner - than the E60 530xi I replaced it with. So if you can find an armored E39 530i or 540i - i would go with that over an E46. It is a 'tougher' car, and I feel like in an emergency it will be more of a tank than the lighter E46. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=103
Oh btw yes - about 10 years ago I visited the ITESM campus where I was invited to lecture. VERY beautiful campus.
Oh btw yes - about 10 years ago I visited the ITESM campus where I was invited to lecture. VERY beautiful campus.
07-06-2010, 03:33 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
Actually there's a school out in Guadalajara called ITM (Institute of Technology - Monterrey) - it's one of the finest engineering schools in the world when it comes to mining, oil and gas, etc industry. Instantly recognized if you plan to work in that sector in any spanish speaking country.
I am not going to argue which country's schools offer the best education. It is the knowledge you acquire from your time there that is important. USA offers the finest education for business administration in both quality and quantity compared to the rest of the world money can buy if you can get in.
07-06-2010, 03:38 PM
#25
Three Wheelin'
Noted..
But he is getting a BA or an international Business degree. Not a BS or MS.
I am not going to argue which country's schools offer the best education. It is the knowledge you acquire from your time there that is important. USA offers the finest education for business administration in both quality and quantity compared to the rest of the world money can buy if you can get in.
But he is getting a BA or an international Business degree. Not a BS or MS.
I am not going to argue which country's schools offer the best education. It is the knowledge you acquire from your time there that is important. USA offers the finest education for business administration in both quality and quantity compared to the rest of the world money can buy if you can get in.
07-06-2010, 03:56 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
07-07-2010, 11:35 AM
#28
Three Wheelin'
We've owned all those cars at some point, none of them have the correct characteristics for level 3 or 4 protection. You want vehicles with a already substantial platform, which can accommodate large resistant tires and can easily be supercharged. Armor will only protect you momentarily, you nee to be able to MOVE, especially if boxed in by other vehicles. Size matters, and you need torque.
Disclosure: I'm an investor in a protection company, which provides these types of vehicles in Asia. I am not an engineer. I'm not a lawyer. There's no such thing as bulletproof.
The A6 is too heavy to begin with, unless extensive suspension mods were made and the motor is the 2.7TT with majorly upgraded boost or the 4.2L with the RS6 turbo kit I wouldn't go there. If you can find an RS6 to armor that will be a good, big torque (500 ft-lbs easily) low key platform with an already solid suspension. Be prepared to go through CV joints in the front though.
the E46 is a bad idea, for too many reasons to list
I recommend an X5 , LX470 or Landcruiser if you want modern and imported, Tahoe with SC is good choice as well, but if you must go with a sedan and can't find an RS6, select a previous generation W140 S 500 (dime a dozen) and SC it, or turbo/supercharge the e39 540i and roll the fenders as necessary for the protection wheels/tires. The key is low end torque, don't mod for high range power, and don't forget to increase the size or number of your fuel injectors. The LS430 is also a good choice and is nearly invisible. Again you will need to supercharge or turbo charge any of these vehicles.
Don't worry about fuel, modern cars all detune for lower octane, and detonation is the least of your worries. Your best bet is to run a turbo kit with a boost controller in the car. run low to no boost unless you are in an encounter, at which point turn up the juice and get out of there, pinging be damned.
Disclosure: I'm an investor in a protection company, which provides these types of vehicles in Asia. I am not an engineer. I'm not a lawyer. There's no such thing as bulletproof.
The A6 is too heavy to begin with, unless extensive suspension mods were made and the motor is the 2.7TT with majorly upgraded boost or the 4.2L with the RS6 turbo kit I wouldn't go there. If you can find an RS6 to armor that will be a good, big torque (500 ft-lbs easily) low key platform with an already solid suspension. Be prepared to go through CV joints in the front though.
the E46 is a bad idea, for too many reasons to list
I recommend an X5 , LX470 or Landcruiser if you want modern and imported, Tahoe with SC is good choice as well, but if you must go with a sedan and can't find an RS6, select a previous generation W140 S 500 (dime a dozen) and SC it, or turbo/supercharge the e39 540i and roll the fenders as necessary for the protection wheels/tires. The key is low end torque, don't mod for high range power, and don't forget to increase the size or number of your fuel injectors. The LS430 is also a good choice and is nearly invisible. Again you will need to supercharge or turbo charge any of these vehicles.
Don't worry about fuel, modern cars all detune for lower octane, and detonation is the least of your worries. Your best bet is to run a turbo kit with a boost controller in the car. run low to no boost unless you are in an encounter, at which point turn up the juice and get out of there, pinging be damned.
07-07-2010, 01:08 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by htny;
We've owned all those cars at some point, none of them have the correct characteristics for level 3 or 4 protection. You want vehicles with a already substantial platform, which can accommodate large resistant tires and can easily be supercharged. Armor will only protect you momentarily, you nee to be able to MOVE, especially if boxed in by other vehicles. Size matters, and you need torque.
Disclosure: I'm an investor in a protection company, which provides these types of vehicles in Asia. I am not an engineer. I'm not a lawyer. There's no such thing as bulletproof.
The A6 is too heavy to begin with, unless extensive suspension mods were made and the motor is the 2.7TT with majorly upgraded boost or the 4.2L with the RS6 turbo kit I wouldn't go there. If you can find an RS6 to armor that will be a good, big torque (500 ft-lbs easily) low key platform with an already solid suspension. Be prepared to go through CV joints in the front though.
the E46 is a bad idea, for too many reasons to list
I recommend an X5 , LX470 or Landcruiser if you want modern and imported, Tahoe with SC is good choice as well, but if you must go with a sedan and can't find an RS6, select a previous generation W140 S 500 (dime a dozen) and SC it, or turbo/supercharge the e39 540i and roll the fenders as necessary for the protection wheels/tires. The key is low end torque, don't mod for high range power, and don't forget to increase the size or number of your fuel injectors. The LS430 is also a good choice and is nearly invisible. Again you will need to supercharge or turbo charge any of these vehicles.
Don't worry about fuel, modern cars all detune for lower octane, and detonation is the least of your worries. Your best bet is to run a turbo kit with a boost controller in the car. run low to no boost unless you are in an encounter, at which point turn up the juice and get out of there, pinging be damned.
Disclosure: I'm an investor in a protection company, which provides these types of vehicles in Asia. I am not an engineer. I'm not a lawyer. There's no such thing as bulletproof.
The A6 is too heavy to begin with, unless extensive suspension mods were made and the motor is the 2.7TT with majorly upgraded boost or the 4.2L with the RS6 turbo kit I wouldn't go there. If you can find an RS6 to armor that will be a good, big torque (500 ft-lbs easily) low key platform with an already solid suspension. Be prepared to go through CV joints in the front though.
the E46 is a bad idea, for too many reasons to list
I recommend an X5 , LX470 or Landcruiser if you want modern and imported, Tahoe with SC is good choice as well, but if you must go with a sedan and can't find an RS6, select a previous generation W140 S 500 (dime a dozen) and SC it, or turbo/supercharge the e39 540i and roll the fenders as necessary for the protection wheels/tires. The key is low end torque, don't mod for high range power, and don't forget to increase the size or number of your fuel injectors. The LS430 is also a good choice and is nearly invisible. Again you will need to supercharge or turbo charge any of these vehicles.
Don't worry about fuel, modern cars all detune for lower octane, and detonation is the least of your worries. Your best bet is to run a turbo kit with a boost controller in the car. run low to no boost unless you are in an encounter, at which point turn up the juice and get out of there, pinging be damned.
The key is to be able to keep moving in an emergency situation. The "bullet resistant" car is only that for a few moments and the bad guys know this. Also, the car is only as good as the tactics of the driver. If you are investing in armored cars out of necessity, then the best money you can spend is on a professional driving class from a respected training company(PM me if you want recommendations. I don't have any affiliations, but I can point you to a couple for you to check out further).
Remember that ordinary driving actually becomes more dangerous(typically) in an armored car. The bullet resistant glass is very unforgiving to a human body hitting it at speed, and the braking distance is generally much longer for one of these vehicles.
I also agree that boring and understated is the best choice. The best protection is to be an unattractive target. I'd choose a Tahoe, but there's better qualified people to help you make that decision.
Hope this helps. Stay safe!
