How Well Do You Know Your Car in Adverse Weather Conditions?

Oops....

Sometimes all of the technological gadgetry in our newer vehicles may lull us into a false sense of security. Sadly, all-wheel drive, traction control, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) will only go so far. They are in place to protect you in case of a boo-boo, but can only do so much if you are pushing them beyond their limit. The BMW 5 series that died here on this video has been pushed beyond that threshold to the point of no return.

History
We are a multiple BMW household with vehicles ranging from the 1970's 2002, the 1984 e28, the 1998 540i (like what is in the video), and the newer e60. I can tell you that they are quite forgiving if you make a mistake -- you don't realize just how large of a car they are until you remove any of the electronic nannies (in BMW's case, ASC or DSC). As for the older ones (which I prefer to drive), you just have to know how to drive the car, especially in the case of severe weather conditions.

e28 533i at 502 MotorSports HQ in 2009

Decisions, decisions....
While leaving our house in Louisville, KY, one particularly heavily snowy morning, I had a choice:  drive the e39 540i, the e34 525i or the e46 325Xi. My first thought was to take out the 525i, as the other two BMWs were lowered, had plus-sized aftermarket wheels and low-profile all-season tires, while the 525i was pretty much stock. There was a good 5" of snow on the ground and the snow plow had yet to make its way to our cul-de-sac.

the e34 525i - pretty much stock

First up, the 525i. This automatic car lacked traction control gadgetry to limit wheel spin. As our house was located at the base of a long hill, you can imagine the "fun" we had driving this car in snow. But I knew it would take forever to gently modulate the throttle and try to push its way to the top of the hill. I made it, though. Drove about another 1/2 mile, and decided to head back. I felt like I was in Tokyo drift - not enough torque or  the proper rubber to make it happen effectively.

Next was the 540i. This car was such a joy to drive in the rain and dry climates, I figured, why not? When I first came to visit Kentucky from Atlanta, a huge snow storm hit me on I-65 and I made it to Louisville just fine - rims and all! This car handled the snow pretty well. I went to the top of the street, modulating the power, and at the same time, having more of it on tap made it easier to get it up the hill.

e46 and e39 - both lowered on 19" and 18" wheels, respectively

I got to the same spot, turned around, and for bits and giggles decided to pull out the 325Xi. Since this car was the all-wheel drive car in the house, this would be interesting. Let me tell you, not only did it have more than enough power to get us up the hill and around the corner, it did this effortlessly. Even with the low-profile tires and lowered suspension. In fact, this car was a lifesaver, as it made short work of the commute to the office, whereas the other cars could have made it with more effort.

e60 530i with 19" and Bilstein PSS9 coilovers

Now, that was just one day. There were many other days that I had to deal with large amounts of snow, and the other BMW vehicles handled just fine. The point I want to make is that you must know how to drive your car in the weather conditions like we are facing today. Unfortunately, the gentleman in the video lost his car  due to a fire started by his ignorance, and how not to get into trouble. What would you have done? I can tell you this is not BMW's fault. It is not a fault of rear-wheel drive. The same can happen to a 4x4, AWD or FWD car if handled incorrectly. I know from  my experience of driving these cars for almost 20 years that you have to listen to what the car is telling you, and adapt accordingly.

Next move...
Spinning your wheels either literally or figuratively is hardly ever a good thing. I think my next blog will speak on what to do in these situations. Please stay tuned, and tell a friend!

Thanks for reading!
Leon Millette

Calling All Cars!

Hello 502 Family!


We are looking for a few vehicles for an upcoming photo shoot, as well as an opportunity for the owners to gain some notoriety, and the possibility to be showcased in different venues. Maybe not all cars, but we are looking for a few special vehicles to make some wheel prototypes and photo shoots for.

The vehicles that we need include the following:

• 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
• 2011 Porsche Panamera
• 20xx Audi R8
• 2010 BMW X6 ///M

Chevrolet Camaro with ADV.1 wheels

Porsche Panamera

Audi R8 with Modular Concept 03 Carbon Fiber

BMW X6 ///M

Serious owners will be compensated, and a reward will be provided for referrals. If you know someone that owns one of these vehicles, and they agree to this special program, you will receive a special gratuity for your time and efforts. Contact us via email or call us at 404-806-0245. Please let us know how you found us - we look forward to working with you!

Get Your Windows Tinted by 502 MotorSports for FREE!

Southern Heat

In the south, everyone knows that the summers have gotten hotter, and for the most part, there are two seasons: Summer and Winter. Autumn and Spring are desired climates, but ones that show their faces ever so briefly, and warm or hot temperatures make up the majority of the year.

Protect Your Investment

This small investment in your vehicle, as you can see, reduces heat, protects your dashboard and seating surfaces, and as an added bonus, provides you with a layer of privacy and safety. Men, we do not need our ladies driving around, looking beautiful and sexy (or not, when they don't feel like it :p), and being exposed to the criminal elements. Even if you think that you are not running the risk of having that kind of exposure, your privacy is heightened, and you can rest assured that your family and belongings are safe.

e60 BMW with 19" Staggered Modular Performance 19

Solution

With that being the case, maybe it is time that you consider a small investment in your vehicle - one that will increase its value and practicality. That, my friends, is window tinting! You see, if your vehicle is not tinted, and sits in the sun for long periods of time, you run the risk of your leather seats splitting in the rear, and cracks in your dashboard. Let's not forget the simple fact that you will get into a car that has been secured while you are at the mall, school or work, and require an oxygen tank to catch your breath because it is so hot in the car when you open the door and sit down.

G35 with 20" Staggered Lexani LX15

Make it Happen

502 MotorSports uses only the best tint, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. No more worries of being in a vehicle that has the purple-blue stuff, nor the risk of those notorious air bubbles dancing across the back windows in cars that have were tinted by the boys at the High School Automotive Shop class (no offense if this is you). You will receive only the best quality. We can pick up your car and return it to you in many cases if you are in the metropolitan area, or have our friendly staff come to you if conditions are feasible for that type of work.

What does No-Color-Change mean?
No-Color-Change means that over the life of the film the color will remain the same. A Manufacturer’s Nationwide Lifetime Warranty insuring that no matter where you take your automobile - you are under warranty for life nationwide.

Prices for a car (coupe or sedan) start at $219 and $249 for sport utility vehicles. Call us today at (404) 806-0245 to schedule your appointment.

Want Free Tint?

With your purchase of  select three-piece wheels from 502 MotorSports, you are eligible for a completely free window tint for your car, truck or SUV. This coupon must be presented at the time of purchase, limit 3 per customer per wheel set purchase. Save money, look good and increase performance all at the same time! So elevate your standards, get 502tuned!

C6 Corvette Z06 with Modular Concept 03 19"/20" Staggered

  Cancel the fishbowl look - tint your car with 502 MotorSports today!

Print This Coupon

Just in time for the holidays: 3-Piece Forged Wheel Discounts

For a limited time, 502 MotorSports is offering up to $500 off of select 3-piece forged wheels.

These wheels are built specifically for YOUR vehicle. This ensures the proper fitment so that there are no rubbing issues, correct overall diameter, and at the same time providing you with the deepest lip possible (based on brake caliper clearance, rotor size and appropriate backspacing).

Major benefits on using three-piece wheels for your vehicle include the following:

1. 3-piece forged wheels are usually much lighter than your comparable plus-sized wheels, which means better acceleration and handling, less unsprung weight means better performance and gas mileage.
2. 3-piece forged wheels are like a tailored suit. You wouldn't just put on a untailored suit or dress to go to an event that means a lot to you (i.e. your wedding or black-tie event). The same applies here...except the event is your life, which honestly should be celebrated each and every day.
3. 3-piece forged wheels can actually be disassembled. This can prove helpful in so many ways. Examples of this are: a) custom color matching any part of the wheel at a later date, b) replacing a damaged component instead of the ENTIRE wheel, which is usually what happens to folks who have wheels that are discontinued (NEVER a problem with a 3-piece wheel, as you just change what your friend/spouse/significant other scratched or broke vs. the entire wheel) and c) if you decide to change the face to something different, you can usually just swap those out and keep the inner and outer lips. In similar manner, if you decided you wanted to get a larger lip or have extra ones, you can always upgrade the lip instead of the entire wheel!

So, with these bonuses available to you as a 3-piece wheel owner - you can see the benefits to these upgrades. If you like what you see, give us a call - a friendly consultant will be glad to assist you at (404) 806-0245. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to serving you!

You have the right car...now what?

Well, some people think that you can't make a good thing any better than it is.

If you look at this new BMW e92 M3 that we have here with AutoArt Forged wheels (Model VYC), you can see it did not take much to get that look we were going for.

At 502 MotorSports, we have a slightly different view. You see, you can sip wine out of a plastic red cup, or you can sip it out of a beautiful, crystal glass. the contents are the same, but the experience is much different.

It is the same thing with modifying your car...sure, you can keep it stock. But then, when more people on the Hwy 111 in Palm Springs, CA or Lenox Road in Buckhead look exactly like you do...then what?

Or worse yet, you are in a nice, high-end mall, such as Phipps Plaza, and walk up to the wrong Bentley Coupe. You know you pressed the "unlock" button on your key fob, but it is not opening the door. OH! That's right. You backed in. This is pulled in. So where in bloody hell is your car??
Ok, you may say "I do not have a Bentley or Maserati". But I bet dollars-to-donuts that you have attempted to unlock your car at the local grocer and it was the wrong one.

Let's fix that. From the 502 MotorSports sense of the word..."Fixing" does not mean making "ghetto" or obnoxious. It means bringing about balance. That means, you have a great car...maybe something domestic.

The Pontiac G8 GT comes to mind. Great STRAIGHT LINE power. Get in the twisties, and you have issues...or just a curvy road...you feel like you are in a Toyota Camry with 800HP. Not a good look.

A car like that would do good with an upgraded suspension from 502 MotorSports to lower the center of gravity, (either lowering springs/matched struts/shocks) and some sway bars/strut tower bars to bring it back to neutral. Add a nice set of lightweight, forged three-piece wheels, a Big Brake Kit for additional stopping power, and you have the beginning of music on wheels. Now, if you want to make it faster, we can always do a supercharger for instant acceleration and fun, and a nice custom catback exhaust to get the belches out . See? That is why I said add those three-piece wheels...we are going to need something to get the power down to the ground and prevent glazing the tires every time we hit the "Go" pedal.

All this talk of modifying a domestic car is making me feel like grabbing one of your cars right now. What are you looking to do? Give us a call...we would be glad to help! 404-806-0245, or shoot us an email: sales at 502motorsports.com.

Happy Motoring. And remember...friends don't let friend ride stock. Come on over to the light side...the stock is actually the "dark" side.

Cheers!

Stepping Up Your Shoe Game

Automotive Ecstasy

There are so many ways to enhance the looks, quality and feel of your automobile. We have plenty of options for you - surely, you have considered restoring your old car, or modifying your latest version. In either case, we know what it takes to make it right. Give us a call: 404-806-0245, and we can kick some ideas with you...may be one of the best things you have ever done!

doing it wrong = FAIL.

Have you ever seen a vehicle on the road that looked absolutely atrocious?

Meaning, you were wondering what on earth they were thinking? Or, in the sense of the VW Rabbit to our left, WTF were they thinking?

There is a time to make a statement, and customize your vehicle....and then there is just craziness...if you look at the picture below...you can see how this guy decided to add negative camber to his vehicle.

This serves absolutely no purpose at all...unless you count being "different".

He basically added longer threaded bolts to the lower control arm, and loosened up who knows what else...and got what we see above. Well, the police did not find it humorous....they impounded said vehicle. At least they did something good for us...that would have been a bad

look, on sooo many levels.

360 Forged Wheels from 502 MotorSports

502 MotorSports has picked up a hot new wheel vendor: 360 Forged Wheels. Please feel free to contact us for pricing. As you can see on the Corvette here - there are no limits on what you can do: carbon fiber, color matching, staggered fitments, etc.
Let us know if we can help you in any way. If you are ready to order a set, we can get you going ASAP. Call or email us.

Follow us on Twitter

Well, we have not been posting an awful lot here, but we plan on turning up the volume for sure.
Follow us on Twitter - surely you will enjoy our random thoughts and things that we discuss each day. Happy Sunday!

Happy Holidays!

Hello there,


This is a friendly note to wish you a Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year!

Also, I wanted to show you a picture I received from a client in Louisville, KY a few weeks ago.

This is a 2006 BMW 325i (e90). We did the following:

-20" ASA JH8 Wheels/ Kumho Tires
-European Headlight Upgrade (labor intensive: requires removal of front end of car)
-Wash/Wax Detail in/out

Not bad for her first modified vehicle!

She was so thrilled that she had some pics taken and sent them our way.

This car came out quite well, and to her surprise, performed as good as her car did with the factory wheels on it (16").

More pictures of this car and many other current/past projects can be found here:

www.502motorsports.shutterfly.com

Our wheel catalog can show you what your car looks like with many different wheel selections:

www.502motorsports.com/wheelrack.html

More wheels are coming your way for 2009! Stay tuned...much more to come!

Remember, if you have some dreams or visions for your car/truck/SUV, send us a note - we can help you in these needs, big or small.

Happy Holidays!!



Best Regards,

Leon D. Millette
502 MotorSports, LLC
CEO/Sr. Automotive Consultant

- Sent from my 502 MotorSports Powered Blackberry -

Good Morning LA

WHY?

	LOL. You must watch last night's "the Soup"

When is the last time....

That you took a look at 502 Motorsports dot com?

If it has been more than 24 hours, you should treat yourself...

Come on down...things are happening :)

PS - There will be a contest to win one of these: Maserati Quattroporte. Stay tuned!

Dealing with the Issues: Obama

DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama called his acceptance speech on Thursday "the American Promise." It included a list of promises for change that he said, "We need right now."

Sen. Barack Obama addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Here is a look at what Obama said he would do, if elected, about a variety of topics:

Taxes

Obama said he would:
• Cut taxes "for 95 percent of all working families."
• "Eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses" and start-ups "that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow."
• Advocate "a tax code that doesn't reward the lobbyists who wrote it, but the American workers and small businesses who deserve it."
• "Stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas" and "start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America."

Energy

Obama said he would:
• Set a goal that "in 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East."
• "Tap natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology and find ways to safely harness nuclear power."
• "Help our auto companies retool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America."
• Make it easier for Americans to afford U.S.-built, fuel-efficient cars.
• Have the federal government "invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy -- wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels." Doing so, he said, would "lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced."

Education

Obama said he would:
• "Finally meet our moral obligation to provide every child a world-class education."
• Find more money for early childhood education and recruit teachers with better pay while also pushing "higher standards and more accountability."
• Make sure young Americans can afford college if they serve their community or country.

Health care

Obama said he would:
• "Finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American."
• Lower premiums for those who have health care and let those without coverage "get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves."
• Make sure insurance companies "stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most."

Labor law

Obama said he would:
• Provide paid sick days and "better family leave" for workers.
• Close the pay gap between the sexes.

Bankruptcy law

Obama said he would:
• Change bankruptcy law "so that your pensions are protected ahead of CEO bonuses."

Federal spending

Obama said he would:
• Pay for "every dime" of his plans' costs "by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens that don't help America grow."
• Cut federal programs that don't work and improve those that do while reducing their costs.

National defense

Obama said he would:
• "End this war in Iraq responsibly and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan."
• "Only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home."
• "Rebuild our military to meet future conflicts."

Foreign relations

Obama said he would:
• "Restore our moral standing" in the world.
• Provide "tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression."
• "Build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation, poverty and genocide, climate change and disease."

Abortion

Obama said he would:
• Work with people on all sides of the issue to reduce unwanted pregnancies.

Gun control

Obama said he would:
• Uphold the Second Amendment but also keep "AK-47s out of the hands of criminals."

Gay rights

Obama said he would:
• Help ensure that gays and lesbians have the right "to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination."

Illegal immigration

Obama said he would:
• Pursue policies that don't result in separated families.
• Discourage companies from undercutting American wages by hiring illegal workers.

The clock is ticking...

Moment of Silence

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the attacks against our country. 9/11/2008 may serve as a reminder of where we were early that morning seven years ago, but it should also remind us to continue in the same manner (not frightful, not scared, not defeated - but patriotic, loving, respectful, endearing, Pro-USA, anti-hate)....you know, like we were from 9/12/01 to 5/26/02.

Let's get back to loving one another - and bond together as one. Frankly, the hate and division spewing out of this presidential election is beyond old, not to mention the old mud-slinging tactics. Let's wake up, and beat the REAL enemy.

Dealing with the issues: McCain

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain gave his acceptance speech as the Republican presidential nominee Thursday night. Here is a look at what McCain said he would do, if elected, about a variety of topics:

Sen. John McCain says he'll reduce government spending and get rid of failed programs.

Taxes

McCain said he would:

• Keep taxes low and cut them where he could.
• Double the child tax exemption from $3,500 to $7,000.
• Cut the business tax rate to help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas.

Foreign trade

McCain said he would:

• Open new markets to American goods and services.
• Prepare workers to compete in the world economy.

Unemployment assistance

McCain said he would:

• Help workers who've lost a job that won't come back and find a new one that won't go away.
• Use community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities.
• Retrain workers in industries that have been hard hit and cover the pay difference during retraining.

Economy

McCain said he would:
• Create millions of new jobs, "jobs that will be there when your children enter the work force."

Energy

McCain said he would have the United States:

• Produce more energy at home.
• Drill new wells offshore.
• Build more nuclear power plants.
• Develop clean coal technology.
• Increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas.
• Encourage the development and use of flex fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.

Education

McCain said he would:

• Make schools answer to parents and students.

Health care

McCain said he would:
• Make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance.

Federal spending

McCain said he would:

• Reduce government spending and get rid of failed programs to "let you keep more of your own money to save, spend and invest as you see fit."

Foreign relations

McCain said:

• A serious blow has been dealt to al Qaeda, but the terror network has not been defeated and will strike again if able.
• Iran is the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons.
• Russia's leaders have rejected democratic ideals, invaded a small, democratic neighbor, Georgia, to gain more control over the world's oil supply, intimidated other neighbors and have ambitions of reassembling the Russian empire.

The clock is ticking....

MarkM49UK's iPhone

This gent from Britain received an iPhone with a personal touch....pictures from a young lady flashing the peace sign, which no doubt was indicative of her approval that the phone works according to spec. Take a look at his post:

iPhone 3G - already with pictures !

" Hi,Not sure if this is or is not the 'norm' but I just received my brand new iPhone here in the UK and once it had been activated on iTunes I found that the home screen (the screen you can personalise with a photo) already had a photo set against it !!!!It would appear that someone on the production line was having a bit of fun - has anyone else found this?"

She does not face any disciplinary action, however there has been talk that others wanted to return their iPhones for the "autographed" ones by these factory workers. They feel it is a nice touch to know that your phone is up to snuff, and to see who did the work.

Thoughts?





Best Regards,

Leon D. Millette
502 MotorSports, LLC
CEO/Sr. Automotive Consultant