[e90driver]

Hopefully you get a new one. Glad to hear you're okay though. It is painful to watch those pics. I always hate seeing the aftermath of an accident.

[itznin]

Originally Posted by maq

It looks to be totalled. If Geico tries to fix it, don't let them. You do not want that car back.

agreed!

[TECENG]

Well, as everyone says it makes you realize your priorities. Thanks for posting the pics, perhaps it will make us all think twice about what we think our cars can do this winter.

[thd13]

Sorry about your loss. She was so young huh? Such a shame! But my senses say that you didn't do the Performance Center Delivery, did you?

[saalim]

Glad to know that you walked away fine. Thats what matters.

[xcalibr]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

Honestly, I am surprised you slid so easily(from your story, thats what it sounds like).
I thought E90 would have better control than that. Lost complete
control of the vehicle @ 35mph when its raining. Hmmm.
Doesn't sound any better than a ford focus. I know DSC/DTC
is not a bullet proof system, but come on.

Was it a really narrow turn? Almost a U-turn shaped curve?
and what was the speed limit in that road?

I didn't lose complete control exactly... i just slid out sideway enough to fall off the road. It was a pretty narrow road, and the turn was more than just a 90 degree turn... like it wasn't a straight 90 degree corner, but if you take the turn and line up entry and exit, it was over 90 degrees. The reason why I slid out was because it was dark and a I totally misjudged the turn and ended up understeering.

Originally Posted by Socom

Now why don't u tell us what REALLY happenned?...he he.

Was 35 mph more like 45 mph? Was the posted speed of the turn more like 25 mph? *joking*

Did u get that "everything was moving in slow motion" feeling?

Well, the turn was right after a stop sign, so I couldn't have been goign more than 35. I slid out in 2nd gear. I don't know what the posted speed limit was, and if I just slid into the ditch there probably wouldn't have been much damage. It was the pole that happened to be in the middle of the ditch that did the damage. I didn't really get the slow motion effect because it just happened really quickly --I started sliding, and then I hit, and then the car just stopped.

Originally Posted by BMW786

Gap insurance is a must-have if you are financing a brand new car. Basically, "gap" insurance covers the gap between the actual value of your car at the time of the accident and the amount you still owe the finance company.

I could not justify gap insurance because I put more than 25% down. I'd rather risk taking a loss than pay for something I might not need --apparently I did need it though. Hahah. But for most people, you should only get gap insurance if you're worried about not being able to pay off your loan or get another car in this situation.

[ON325i]

From the pictures, I think we are all glad that you seem to be safe and sound!

However, I seriously recommend you to do a check with a Chiropractor. I had a similar accident (but was T-boned by a 3-days new driver) and walked away appeared fine. When I check with a chiropractor, apparently some neck bones (they call them group 6-7) are a bit sore and out of shape and need therapy.

[RichP]

Glad to hear you are OK like the rest of the community here. I understand where you are coming from; seems like you visually misjudged the situation more than anything else. Rain, at night, on tight roads is very misleading (I used to live in CT and have had a few close calls) Also, as a warning to everyone..

WET LEAVES CAN HAVE ALMOST THE SAME COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION AS ICE!!!

[SilverE90Sport]

Good to see the airbags work. Glad you're fine. Next time opt for the all wheel drive ix. I hear they handle better in wet weather.

[BMW0]

As a fellow E90 owner I'm happy to see your alright. The car did its job, lets hope the damage is adjusted correctly so you can drive in your new Beamer soon.

Same set up? Or are you going to change the options and stuff on your new E90?

[ZenDriver]

Glad you're Ok...

Go to a driving school.

[Compos Mentis]

Funny thing about leaves. They are just like ice. No matter what you drive, you will slide on ice. ABS is slightly better on ice in a straight line brake. Sliding sideways, nothing helps -just some gentle stearing to try to get back in line.
Now I'm seriously considering the driving classes. It's probably worth more than all the traction control in the world.

[davinet78]

sorry to hear mate but at least im glad no one was injured

[3some]

By studying the pictures of the wreck closely, dont you guys also wonder why the dual front airbags also deployed allthough it was a side drift crash. The front of the car is vitually undamaged and there for shouldn't have deployed! Only the side airbags should have come out. It all just adds to the price of having the car repaired.

Just wondering, any comments from you would be appreciated.

Thanx

[ZenDriver]

dont you guys also wonder why the dual front airbags also deployed allthough it was a side drift crash.

No. I don't wonder.

While the impact was on the side, the impact load also clearly traveled down the vehicle lengthwise which is why you see the peal effect on the front door. Hence, blown front airbags.

The front of the car is vitually undamaged and there for shouldn't have deployed! Only the side airbags should have come out.

The BMW E90's onboard computer knows more about the accident loads they you or I do. It also knows more about automotive safety then you or I do. The drive walked away from what looked like a pretty significant wreck- I think there is very little to be concerned about in regards to the vehicle's passive safety system performance.

Only the side airbags should have come out. It all just adds to the price of having the car repaired.

This is why we have insurance and, while airbag "overdeployment" might raise one's rates theoretically, I think we would all prefer to have automakers tune the passive safety systems towards the cautionary side as opposed to tuning them for less expensive insurance rapair rates. Besides, airbags cost roughly $800 (according to realoem.com); you are not going to get out of an emergency room in the US for even the most MINOR checkup for less then that.

[ksfrogman]

I guess we all know what a bulging hood with cowl induction might look like now.

And yes, if you can walk away to talk and laugh about it, that's the most important thing. Glad you're not hurt.

[filmont]

Gap insurance covers the difference between what the insurance company says the car is worth and what you owe - it works very well when you are upside down in the value.

[DannyDeez]

Damn, sucks about the car but the good thing is youre ok.

[england1987]

Sorry about the wreck. Thats the issue when cars are designed to take the impact. My guess is that it could be repaired, depends on severity of a-pillar damage. But hey, as long as you get to walk away.

[Rally guy]

Originally Posted by MCS

All the traction control in the world can't beat the laws of physics.

That's left up to us rally drivers.

Rain, snow, sheet ice - it can all be driven on at unbelievable speeds with the right balance and knowledge. You have to learn how to actually EXCEED the maximum grip of the tire and balance the slide. Not for the faint of heart - not recommended for open roads - but the fastest way through any stretch of slippery road.

But in the hands of the inexperienced (and that means folks who haven't spent hours sliding sideways) even the lightest rain can spell disaster.

Rallying also teaches you to "read the road" a lot - and so things like wet leaves are both noticed and noted as the opportunity they really are, a chance to hang the tail out. (Helps when youir "ice crew" has updated the pace notes. )

The fact that xcaliber also curbed his Camry this year suggests he needs to spend some time undertanding "understeer" and how to avoid it. But I'm really glad he's okay and I hope the car gets written off.

RK

[E90330iS]

im glad you are ok! My E90 does not deal really well in the rain either. I have to feather my gas pedal or my car will slide. Are you gonna get another E90 if this one is totalled?

[DonnyGirl]

Originally Posted by Compos Mentis

Funny thing about leaves. They are just like ice. No matter what you drive, you will slide on ice. ABS is slightly better on ice in a straight line brake. Sliding sideways, nothing helps -just some gentle stearing to try to get back in line.
Now I'm seriously considering the driving classes. It's probably worth more than all the traction control in the world.

Yeah, from driving an old E30 without ABS or Tractions control, I must confess I am driving my new E90 with more 'confidence' and vigour. It seems that my confidence in the car is misplaced. With wider run flat tyres, the above advice scares me, about driving in the rain. In the UK it always seems to be raining, it seems my E90 is no better than any other standard ford car in such conditions. Some thing to remember - I have to be concious when the rain sensor comes on.