Discussion
Getting back into AD since passing and observing 14yrs ago much in car technology has changed for the better. Im told the examiner doesn't like...
Auto-stop start - seems a top idea to me
Auto wipers - I can always add a wipe if necs
Auto lights - work pretty well except for fog
Auto main beam - fantastic
Auto handbrake - great in traffic
purely auto use of an auto box - will want a period of manual use during the test; bit difficult that as the box over-rides the selection if it dissagrees!
Parking sensors
Cruise control - use it a lot 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 them all
Auto-stop start - seems a top idea to me
Auto wipers - I can always add a wipe if necs
Auto lights - work pretty well except for fog
Auto main beam - fantastic
Auto handbrake - great in traffic
purely auto use of an auto box - will want a period of manual use during the test; bit difficult that as the box over-rides the selection if it dissagrees!
Parking sensors
Cruise control - use it a lot 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 them all
- rolls eyes* get with the present IAM
the observers are telling me if i don't do things manually id oddly get marked down. my view, not that it matters, is if its appropriate use the stuff.
re the gearbox and after some experimentation it seems the normal/comfort setting is fine for most stuff, the eco dulls the dynamics and is sluggish and for nsl country roads sport is pretty much perfectly set up. Ive occasionally had to select a lower gear but thats it. Pretty good programming thats suits my driving
re the gearbox and after some experimentation it seems the normal/comfort setting is fine for most stuff, the eco dulls the dynamics and is sluggish and for nsl country roads sport is pretty much perfectly set up. Ive occasionally had to select a lower gear but thats it. Pretty good programming thats suits my driving
Edited by ian in lancs on Tuesday 24th January 22:36
The cars I'm using are both BMW's with diesel 8-speed autos. One a 3.0d, the other a 2.5d. Both pretty responsive. The power band though is pretty narrow so most broad speed changes demand a load of gear changes. Why do that manually if it far better done by a well executed computer. I may drop a gear for a busy junction where the hazard / fact pattern would suggest the plan includes more a responsive vehicle. Roundabouts though it seems to get it bang on! It is as flat as a fluke round here so little chance of needing to transmission brake the car! Sport, as I said, is terrific on NSL.
Oh and of course I can do 30 without cruise *rolls eyes* - What I am thinking is there are some dual cabbage roads round here, over a mile long and with no traffic a lot of the time yet they are 30 - why not use cruise?
Oh and of course I can do 30 without cruise *rolls eyes* - What I am thinking is there are some dual cabbage roads round here, over a mile long and with no traffic a lot of the time yet they are 30 - why not use cruise?
Yep its a 2.0d 325. My typo.
Ive found that having the box in 'comfort' aka normal 8 speed and flapping down a gear or two in anticipation of an overtake has a couple of consequences. Firstly, the diesel power band is narrow and way too soon another gear is reqd. Or the box goes nah and changes back just as you go for the overtake. However, in 'Sport' mode it seems to adopt a 6 speed configuration and holds gears longer - so way better for the overtake.
Ive found that having the box in 'comfort' aka normal 8 speed and flapping down a gear or two in anticipation of an overtake has a couple of consequences. Firstly, the diesel power band is narrow and way too soon another gear is reqd. Or the box goes nah and changes back just as you go for the overtake. However, in 'Sport' mode it seems to adopt a 6 speed configuration and holds gears longer - so way better for the overtake.
you're not the first person to suggest RoSPA for less pedantry.
Anyway my plan is to finish the IAM Course and then pay Mr Local a visit or two as he seems to be the real deal. I don't actually need to pass the test again so I'll decide whether to go for it later. Just wanna improve and get to the point whereby reflective practice moves me forward and not be dogged by pedantry and shallow thinking. The automation is there to be used and the result of extensive testing so why not. After all I wouldn't switch of other driver aids such as the traction control or power steering jus so i can demonstrate skid control (I worked in Sweden for 6 years before traction control cars so got that to a fine art..) or I can turn a wheel with my puny muscles.
Anyway my plan is to finish the IAM Course and then pay Mr Local a visit or two as he seems to be the real deal. I don't actually need to pass the test again so I'll decide whether to go for it later. Just wanna improve and get to the point whereby reflective practice moves me forward and not be dogged by pedantry and shallow thinking. The automation is there to be used and the result of extensive testing so why not. After all I wouldn't switch of other driver aids such as the traction control or power steering jus so i can demonstrate skid control (I worked in Sweden for 6 years before traction control cars so got that to a fine art..) or I can turn a wheel with my puny muscles.
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