Just Missed Bambi (and her mother)

[rob328xi]

We had two deer jump in front of us tonight while traveling about 60 mph. I did a full lockup, missing the darlings by inches. My gosh did this car stop fast and straight. Felt like I dropped an anchor. This is one of the reasons I am willing to pay a premium price to own a BMW. A lesser car and we would have been eating raw deerburgers. I will never again complain about the brake dust.

[philsu]

Kudos to the blinding fast reaction! Do you think the X-Drive has anything to do with the braking behavior or do you think it's just the braking system?

[skierman64]

X drive has nothing to do with braking in a straight line.

I'm assuming when the OP says "did a full lockup" he means he got into the ABS. No 2009 BMW should allow for brake lockup due to ABS.

[mryakan]

Weird, is it mating season? Same happened to me today too. It was very dark and raining hard and I was the only car on a usually busy road and I saw the deer cross the road very late. I was doing around 60mph and slammed the brakes, fortunately I saw it a bit early and had some distance, ABS kicked it and I slowed down and had a bit of romm to spare, but that was the closest call I ever had with wildlife. Simpsons come to mind: "Homer: Do'h, Marge: a Deer, Lisa: a female Deer" .

[mdiesel]

It's that time of year. All the deer are trying to make baby deer, I believe. I have seen so many on the road driving around for work I've lost count and my wife just hit one with our beater car coming home from work Tuesday night. She's fine, but the beater is no more.

Glad everyone is dodging those deer!

Matt

[GunnerNell]

Yep, it's the rutt, and the deer get a little crazy this time of year. I saw dead deer all along the highway on my trip from Pennsylvania to Florida, at least three or four in most states. It's a shame both for the deer and for the unfortunate motorists who hit them; it can be fatal to both. BTW, OP, Bambi was a boy deer. Remember how he grew up to be the deer with the biggest rack in the woods? Oh wait.... .

[ccaarmerciill]

Originally Posted by philsu

Kudos to the blinding fast reaction! Do you think the X-Drive has anything to do with the braking behavior or do you think it's just the braking system?

It's this concept that makes people in their 4WD cars/ trucks think they are invincible in the snow.

AWD does not help you stop... it only helps you get going.

[kevinsbmw]

I wish that I had my 135i a few years ago when I hit a deer with my Subaru. The good new is that I had planed of driving my motorcycle that day but changed my mind at the last minute.

[ss109]

Originally Posted by ccaarmerciill

It's this concept that makes people in their 4WD cars/ trucks think they are invincible in the snow.

AWD does not help you stop... it only helps you get going.

+1 quadrillion

[E36BMW3series]

Yeah these cars stop like nothing. When you have to use it you it's good to know it is there.

[SilverBeam]

Bambi was a boy

just saying

[skierman64]

In fact if anything AWD actually hurts your braking performance because it adds weight to the vehicles.

[cmoody]

Originally Posted by skierman64

In fact if anything AWD actually hurts your braking performance because it adds weight to the vehicles.

Yes. AWD/4WD only gets you up to speed faster so you can run off the road faster. Skill and snow tires make the most and the best difference.

[rob328xi]

Yes, I slammed the brakes on as hard as I could and the anti-lock did its job. I am used to quick stopping with my K1300GT (also with anti-lock) and I'd say that despite its extra weight (but 4 wheels of contact area), the 328xi stoppoed nearly as short. Just amazing.

Coincidentally, today I did a panic stop in my 09 Malibu company car when the driver ahead jammed on his brakes to miss some road debris. I wasn't going very fast (maybe 45), but let's just say the stopping was not as impressive as the BMW with the Malibu taking a firm pull to the right. Fortunately I did not hit him.

And, thanks for reminding me that Bambi was a boy -- I guess time erased that fact from my failing memory.

[rob328xi]

Yes, I slammed the brakes on as hard as I could and the anti-lock did its job. I am used to quick stopping with my K1300GT (also with anti-lock) and I'd say that despite its extra weight (but 4 wheels of contact area), the 328xi stoppoed nearly as short. Just amazing.

Coincidentally, today I did a panic stop in my 09 Malibu company car when the driver ahead jammed on his brakes to miss some road debris. I wasn't going very fast (maybe 45), but let's just say the stopping was not as impressive as the BMW with the Malibu taking a firm pull to the right. Fortunately I did not hit him.

And, thanks for reminding me that Bambi was a boy -- I guess time erased that fact from my failing memory.

[rob328xi]

Yes, I slammed the brakes on as hard as I could and the anti-lock did its job. I am used to quick stopping with my K1300GT (also with anti-lock) and I'd say that despite its extra weight (but 4 wheels of contact area), the 328xi stoppoed nearly as short. Just amazing.

Coincidentally, today I did a panic stop in my 09 Malibu company car when the driver ahead jammed on his brakes to miss some road debris. I wasn't going very fast (maybe 45), but let's just say the stopping was not as impressive as the BMW with the Malibu taking a firm pull to the right. Fortunately I did not hit him.

And, thanks for reminding me that Bambi was a boy -- I guess time erased that fact from my failing memory.

[GunnerNell]

Wow rob, a triple play! I have to say that my Alfa had some of the best brakes I've ever driven. This was back in the day before ABS, and get this -- they were drums. Finned aluminum with steel linings. 11 inches in the front; 9 in the reat (AFAIR). Damn things looked like deep-dish pie plates. I stood it on its nose one day when some woman pulled out in front of me. Very impressive stopping power. Thankfully, I haven't had occasion to compare my 325 Ci's brakes to those yet. Heading back to Pennsylvania today. I hope the deer stay home.

[Hunter1911]

I had the same thing happen to me coming home from a concert.
I had a friend with me and as we rounded a corner a doe (I believe it was a doe) jumped out right in front of my 550.
I was running about 45 mph and I got on the binders as hard as I could.
I was very impressed with being able to control the car and how fast it stopped.
I am glad I had my seat belt on though we missed the deer I would of did a face plant into the steering wheel.
Right then and there I knew the car was worth having because I am sure it saved me from an accident and possible injury.
My father owned a bodyshop and he told me many folks who hit deer sustain injury themselves due to the animal coming through the windshield.

I am glad you or the deer were not hurt

[dawgeatdawg]

just drove a 2009 328xi for the first time last night..it was snowing heavily and the thing felt great with snow tires and x drive.

[abcd123]

wow

[joey v]

glad you missed em