Don't you think traffic officers get to drive nice cars - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Business edition · 07-31-2012, 06:24 PM

I live 5 mins away from the central motorway police group station. Tonight I have seen a BMW come out of there. I saw a 5 series f10 and a X5 lci both of the bmw were on a 12 plate.

Normally I see the coppers driver around in unmarked e90 lci's or a marked one.
The other unmarked cars I have seen are a BMW X3, 5 series, 1 series, Audi a4, a6, s3 and jaguar xf. These are all unmarked police cars they drive around in birmingham. I think the birmingham police officers are very lucky. I wish I was a copper at times.

Loads of them are out tonight so if your in birmingham stick to the limit.

They damage there cars a lot too. There a body shop near that station where they have a contract to repair all them police cars

I think thats ones awesome job

chris_s1 · 08-01-2012, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Business edition

I live 5 mins away from the central motorway police group station. Tonight I have seen a BMW come out of there. I saw a 5 series f10 and a X5 lci both of the bmw were on a 12 plate.

Normally I see the coppers driver around in unmarked e90 lci's or a marked one.
The other unmarked cars I have seen are a BMW X3, 5 series, 1 series, Audi a4, a6, s3 and jaguar xf. These are all unmarked police cars they drive around in birmingham. I think the birmingham police officers are very lucky. I wish I was a copper at times.

Loads of them are out tonight so if your in birmingham stick to the limit.

They damage there cars a lot too. There a body shop near that station where they have a contract to repair all them police cars

I think thats ones awesome job

Yep, if you go to the BMW dealer in Swindon, there is always 330d E91s and X5s there both marked up and unmarked either getting serviced or repaired.

I'm sure that cruising round in an 4.4 X5 is absolutely essential to their work in Swindon

And if you ever go to West Oxford Motor Auctions in Witney, you can see the peanuts they sell for second hand, great use of my tax £s....

briers · 08-01-2012, 04:22 AM

Yes and they get to take them to their top speed on "training exercises" and pursuits without fear of being bummed in prison.

davyk31 · 08-01-2012, 04:43 AM

There are a couple of fully marked up Range Rovers in our local traffic force, what a daft vehicle to choose for that use and a serious waste of cash. There is no need for a 4 wheel drive in the local area and a smaller more nimble and faster car which just happens to cost a fraction of the price would make a load more sense.

Business edition · 08-01-2012, 05:22 AM

Some car they have are pointless lol.

rich1068 · 08-01-2012, 05:43 AM

It's balanced by the poor buggers in Hull who drive Protons.

Masterplan · 08-01-2012, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1068

It's balanced by the poor buggers in Hull who drive Protons.

Or in Edinburgh where they occasionally drive Smart cars

Billyray911 · 08-01-2012, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyk31

There are a couple of fully marked up Range Rovers in our local traffic force, what a daft vehicle to choose for that use and a serious waste of cash. There is no need for a 4 wheel drive in the local area and a smaller more nimble and faster car which just happens to cost a fraction of the price would make a load more sense.

Depends on what their remit is.A lot of traffic departments will also be required to attend incidents on the motorway,where a 4x4 is very much needed to drag and tow vehicles out of the carriageway-Warwickshire for example,who aren't,as yet,part of the CMPG.
The highways agency,due to their remit,are not provided with the capability to drag heavier vehicles-therefore,there sometimes is the need for a full function 4x4.

davyk31 · 08-01-2012, 07:25 AM

No motorway on the patch for these Rangies, and even if a 4x4 is needed there are much cheaper versions available.

sheps · 08-01-2012, 07:25 AM

It's also worth remembering that, whilst they are nice cars, the police aren't paying showroom money for them; many manufacturers massively subsidise the cars that go to the inidvidual police forces. They also tend to be peculiar spec, which is why they often fetch less money come sale time; I remember when I first started driving the Cambs constabulary ran a couple of Cavalier Turbos, which were L spec inside.

Guvernator · 08-01-2012, 07:29 AM

I have to say that I find the Police using BMW's and other top end motors a bit off if I'm honest. It's not their money, it's the taxpayers and with the UK economy down the crapper they should

1) Stop buying premium cars and buy something cheaper.

2) Buy British, I know there aren't any mainstream British car manufacurers left but at least buy cars which are still built in this country. It will at least mean more jobs\investment for the UK automotive industry and a better investment of the tax payers money. Either that or the BIB should buy all their cars from Lotus or Mclaren :-)

Most other countries do this, sometimes we are our own worst enemy in the UK.

Kerr · 08-01-2012, 07:49 AM

I don't have much of an issue with most cars they use.

I've heard people complain in the past about the usage of Evos and Subarus, but those types of cars are hugely effective on UK roads with our climate.

What would you replace the BMWs with?

A Ford Mondeo where it will not be as effective in a pursuit?

Guvernator · 08-01-2012, 08:09 AM

While I agree they would need to keep a few specialist cars for vehicle pursuit or motorway work etc, most of the cars in the big cities spend the majority of their time pootling around on patrol or stuck in traffic.

Even when they are flashing the blues and two's, the speed of the pursuit is often limited by how busy it is and safey considerations so no need for a big 5 series which can do 150mph when a smaller, cheaper car would be just as useful. I know they use Astra's too but the majority of cars I see in London seem to be 5 series Beemers.

alzieboy · 08-01-2012, 08:39 AM

In Norfolk its Hoop & Stick

dobsy · 08-01-2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guvernator

2) Buy British, I know there aren't any mainstream British car manufacurers left but at least buy cars which are still built in this country. It will at least mean more jobs\investment for the UK automotive industry and a better investment of the tax payers money. Either that or the BIB should buy all their cars from Lotus or Mclaren :-)

Most other countries do this, sometimes we are our own worst enemy in the UK.

Spot on.......North Wales & Wirral's panda cars are mostly Hyundai now. I believe they offered a much better package with the warranty etc so the Vauxhalls were binned. Not good.

davyk31 · 08-01-2012, 08:55 AM

I appreciate they often get decent discounts but still a Range Rover or an X5 are going to cost the taxpayer pretty heavily. I don't have an issue with them having some Subs and Evos as they need some performance motors but why so many 5 Series when a smaller car would do just fine, either a smaller BMW or why not a cheaper brand.

Many of the local plod cars here are now Skodas and they are reported to be some of the best and most reliable cars they ever had, much better than the previous standard issue Mondeos.

SO8 · 08-01-2012, 09:16 AM

I am a traffic officer and last night was driving a 2004 Ford Focus TDCI operationally ... as for my particular role that is all I need ... so I don't get a 530d or the like ...

Just because you are in traffic doesn't mean you always get flash cars !!

davyk31 · 08-01-2012, 10:29 AM

Can't see a 2004 TDCI Focus being the greatest Traffic car, tell them you need an upgrade. Was it a marked or undercover car?

SO8 · 08-01-2012, 10:56 AM

Unmarked call out car for my role to attend fatal road traffic collisions after the initial response ... we had a BMW 530d but the engine imploded and they couldn't afford another ... so we got a cast off .... from some squad somewhere I guess ...

It is actually OK for what I need ... just a little embarassing

mowflow · 08-01-2012, 11:50 AM

I remember reading an article when the new style marking were unveiled for the police cars. They interviewed a high ranking officer who said that they bought heavily discounted premium cars as it meant the force lost less money on depreciation..... It should also be noted that this expert said that they had changed from white cars to silver ones as they would be better for resale. This was just as white became THE most popular colour.

Danny.B. · 08-01-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1068

It's balanced by the poor buggers in Hull who drive Protons.

I noticed that a few weeks down whilst visiting the area for work!!!

Poor buggers!

Business edition · 08-01-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SO8

I am a traffic officer and last night was driving a 2004 Ford Focus TDCI operationally ... as for my particular role that is all I need ... so I don't get a 530d or the like ...

Just because you are in traffic doesn't mean you always get flash cars !!

In Birmingham they do mate

07-31-2012, 06:24 PM	#1
Business edition OBD Port Disabled Drives: 2010 BMW E90 M Sport Business Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Birmingham Posts: 577 iTrader: (1)	Don't you think traffic officers get to drive nice cars I live 5 mins away from the central motorway police group station. Tonight I have seen a BMW come out of there. I saw a 5 series f10 and a X5 lci both of the bmw were on a 12 plate. Normally I see the coppers driver around in unmarked e90 lci's or a marked one. The other unmarked cars I have seen are a BMW X3, 5 series, 1 series, Audi a4, a6, s3 and jaguar xf. These are all unmarked police cars they drive around in birmingham. I think the birmingham police officers are very lucky. I wish I was a copper at times. Loads of them are out tonight so if your in birmingham stick to the limit. They damage there cars a lot too. There a body shop near that station where they have a contract to repair all them police cars I think thats ones awesome job __________________ E90 LCI M SPORT BUSINESS EDITION - STAY SAFE & HAPPY MOTORING
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08-01-2012, 05:22 AM	#5
Business edition OBD Port Disabled Drives: 2010 BMW E90 M Sport Business Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Birmingham Posts: 577 iTrader: (1)	Some car they have are pointless lol. __________________ E90 LCI M SPORT BUSINESS EDITION - STAY SAFE & HAPPY MOTORING

08-01-2012, 07:25 AM	#10
sheps Colonel Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cambs, UK Posts: 2,381 iTrader: (2)	It's also worth remembering that, whilst they are nice cars, the police aren't paying showroom money for them; many manufacturers massively subsidise the cars that go to the inidvidual police forces. They also tend to be peculiar spec, which is why they often fetch less money come sale time; I remember when I first started driving the Cambs constabulary ran a couple of Cavalier Turbos, which were L spec inside. __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 325i M Sport (E92), Black Sapphire, Coral Red Dakota, 19" 225's, Seat Heating, 6FL and de-badge Replaced by 6.2 litres of AMG powered C class.

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08-01-2012, 04:22 AM	#3
briers Ben Drives: XFR Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midlands,UK Posts: 1,889 iTrader: (0)	Yes and they get to take them to their top speed on "training exercises" and pursuits without fear of being bummed in prison.

08-01-2012, 04:43 AM	#4
davyk31 Brigadier General Drives: BMW 335d SE Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 3,278 iTrader: (0)	There are a couple of fully marked up Range Rovers in our local traffic force, what a daft vehicle to choose for that use and a serious waste of cash. There is no need for a 4 wheel drive in the local area and a smaller more nimble and faster car which just happens to cost a fraction of the price would make a load more sense.

08-01-2012, 05:43 AM	#6
rich1068 Colonel Drives: F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK Posts: 2,914 iTrader: (0)	It's balanced by the poor buggers in Hull who drive Protons.

08-01-2012, 07:29 AM	#11
Guvernator Lieutenant Drives: BMW 335i SE Cabriolet Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: LONDON Posts: 550 iTrader: (0)	I have to say that I find the Police using BMW's and other top end motors a bit off if I'm honest. It's not their money, it's the taxpayers and with the UK economy down the crapper they should 1) Stop buying premium cars and buy something cheaper. 2) Buy British, I know there aren't any mainstream British car manufacurers left but at least buy cars which are still built in this country. It will at least mean more jobs\investment for the UK automotive industry and a better investment of the tax payers money. Either that or the BIB should buy all their cars from Lotus or Mclaren :-) Most other countries do this, sometimes we are our own worst enemy in the UK.

08-01-2012, 07:49 AM	#12
Kerr Colonel Drives: 08' 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 2,761 iTrader: (0)	I don't have much of an issue with most cars they use. I've heard people complain in the past about the usage of Evos and Subarus, but those types of cars are hugely effective on UK roads with our climate. What would you replace the BMWs with? A Ford Mondeo where it will not be as effective in a pursuit?

08-01-2012, 08:09 AM	#13
Guvernator Lieutenant Drives: BMW 335i SE Cabriolet Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: LONDON Posts: 550 iTrader: (0)	While I agree they would need to keep a few specialist cars for vehicle pursuit or motorway work etc, most of the cars in the big cities spend the majority of their time pootling around on patrol or stuck in traffic. Even when they are flashing the blues and two's, the speed of the pursuit is often limited by how busy it is and safey considerations so no need for a big 5 series which can do 150mph when a smaller, cheaper car would be just as useful. I know they use Astra's too but the majority of cars I see in London seem to be 5 series Beemers.

08-01-2012, 08:39 AM	#14
alzieboy Second Lieutenant Drives: 318d LCI exclusive edition Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Norfolk Posts: 253 iTrader: (0)	In Norfolk its Hoop & Stick

08-01-2012, 08:55 AM	#16
davyk31 Brigadier General Drives: BMW 335d SE Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 3,278 iTrader: (0)	I appreciate they often get decent discounts but still a Range Rover or an X5 are going to cost the taxpayer pretty heavily. I don't have an issue with them having some Subs and Evos as they need some performance motors but why so many 5 Series when a smaller car would do just fine, either a smaller BMW or why not a cheaper brand. Many of the local plod cars here are now Skodas and they are reported to be some of the best and most reliable cars they ever had, much better than the previous standard issue Mondeos.

08-01-2012, 09:16 AM	#17
SO8 First Lieutenant Drives: 330d M Sport Coupe Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: UK Posts: 334 iTrader: (0)	I am a traffic officer and last night was driving a 2004 Ford Focus TDCI operationally ... as for my particular role that is all I need ... so I don't get a 530d or the like ... Just because you are in traffic doesn't mean you always get flash cars !!

08-01-2012, 10:29 AM	#18
davyk31 Brigadier General Drives: BMW 335d SE Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 3,278 iTrader: (0)	Can't see a 2004 TDCI Focus being the greatest Traffic car, tell them you need an upgrade. Was it a marked or undercover car?

08-01-2012, 10:56 AM	#19
SO8 First Lieutenant Drives: 330d M Sport Coupe Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: UK Posts: 334 iTrader: (0)	Unmarked call out car for my role to attend fatal road traffic collisions after the initial response ... we had a BMW 530d but the engine imploded and they couldn't afford another ... so we got a cast off .... from some squad somewhere I guess ... It is actually OK for what I need ... just a little embarassing

08-01-2012, 11:50 AM	#20
mowflow Lieutenant Colonel Drives: F20 125d Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow Posts: 1,947 iTrader: (2)	I remember reading an article when the new style marking were unveiled for the police cars. They interviewed a high ranking officer who said that they bought heavily discounted premium cars as it meant the force lost less money on depreciation..... It should also be noted that this expert said that they had changed from white cars to silver ones as they would be better for resale. This was just as white became THE most popular colour.