Combat proven? Absolutely!
Hello CarDomain members. I too am a member, but a new and enthusiastic one. I am an Independent Contractor working for the DOD in support of nation building initiatives in Iraq. As you know this place is full of activity, unfortunate death, but shows promise. Most mission oriented organizations move & scoot within the hard-shell of Chevy Suburbans and other white SUVs, but they tend to pose a high-visibility signature that states �hey � we are Americans.� Although we do travel in them from time to time, we elect to travel more inconspicuously with Bimmers & Benz�s�. They project a much lower profile since many of the driving public owns them.
For the most part, I have been able to subject the BMW to the ultimate test drive. It is, without a doubt, an awesome piece of machinery. Here, SPEED is SECURITY. There is no speed limit so driving 160kph plus is normal, and for hours, continuously and consistently. Pot holes, unimproved highways and unmapped roads are common. Thank goodness for GPS. Additionally, improvised explosives along the road, grenade threats under overpasses and bridges, and high speed vehicle ambushes and chases are the order of the day.
Under these conditions, the BMW has proven itself to effectively bob & weave with speed, and ultimately break physical contact with would be adversaries. Of course, anti-terrorism driving skills and a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School contribute to our survivability.
It is because of this that I am now an owner of a 2001 740i Sport. Purchased in March 04 during my 3-week RR back in the US of A. I was sold the first time I had to put a 740iL to test. Since then, I have driven variants of the 300, 500 and 700 series. This includes M3s, 530i equipped with V8s and 750s� that are fully armored. Whew! That V12 will hall @$$ even with the additional weight! We also have a smattering of Benz�s� in the S-500 and 600 series, fully armored as well.
The �kicker� is, you can purchase a 500 series for under $10,000. Some as little as $5000. Can you believe a 2WD Toyota PU will cost you more? Damn, this place IS backward!
Pics are provided. Enjoy!
One of my favorites. A 530i with a fire breathing V8. This particular one has seen more off-road than pavement. Ignore the clown in the background.
On a protection detail somewhere in Iraq. The Limo is a 740iL, smooth, sweet and swift!
A 2003 S 500, fully armored. The black V12 S 600 is in the background. What is nice about these Benzs' is that you can raise and stiffen the suspension when negotiating uneven terrain. Very practical.
2003 S 500 passenger door. Notice the thickness of the bullet resistant glass.
My new pride and joy in black lace. I call her "Beauty."
My other pride. "The Beast." A 2001 Dodge 1500 4x4 in 5.9 caliber. Aggressive stance is supported by a 5.5" Fabtech Suspension with Dual Fox's up front, Bilsteins in the rear.
Close Quarter view of the suspension meticulously installed by my friends at Off Road Warehouse in San Diego.
Wanted ya'll to get a view of my truck's interior, but my daughter got in the way.
