Why the red line on the speedo?

[YAN-3]

ok on my 89 us spec 325i on the speedometer at about 55 MPH there is a red line what is that mean and whats it for? :?

[randomtask37]

its the same thing for me.

i always assumed it was because alot of highways are 55mph (well, they used to be) and that was supposed to remind u not to go over the speed limit.

every car ive ever drivin (that i can remember) was like that also.

[Jordan]

Back when these cars were in production the national speed limit was 55MPH.

Now its state and county regulated. and not 55MPH

[diegom6]

agree with you, also maybe cuz 55MPH it's a good or fast speed but safely, so you can stop or make moves easier than runing in higher speeds....just my .02

[natorious]

55 is the limit on alot of highways in MA still

[e30Matt]

Yeah, I wish there were more "drive at your own risk" highways around here :roll:

[bimmerphile]

Yeah, I wish there were more "drive at your own risk" highways around here :roll:

I don't. There's too many stupid motherfuckers that would increase the risk for others.

However, a designated cross-country autobahn....

[golde30]

umm, on some cars the red on 50 or 55 is where you are supposed to engage the overdrive button or function...where applicable..

[BS87]

Yeah, I wish there were more "drive at your own risk" highways around here :roll:

I don't. There's too many stupid motherfuckers that would increase the risk for others.

However, a designated cross-country autobahn....

in NY some interstate highways had their speed limits raised from 55 to 65, and accident rates dropped a fair bit...

[bimmerphile]

Yeah, I wish there were more "drive at your own risk" highways around here :roll:

I don't. There's too many stupid motherfuckers that would increase the risk for others.

However, a designated cross-country autobahn....

in NY some interstate highways had their speed limits raised from 55 to 65, and accident rates dropped a fair bit...

It is a tough call, truly.

The problem is, many, many cars sold to US customers were not designed for this. At all.

1. Legislation passes.

2. DOT places signs similar to these on multi-lane freeways:



3. Cletus McHick decides to top out his 89 LeSaber/77 Bronco/etc/etc/

4. People Die.

:?

In order for this to happen, serious measures would need to be taken to limit the type of cars on the road, change regulations so in-production cars could handle it, beef up raodway maintenance, increase lighting, do large-scale repairs, etc, etc, etc.

I'm all for it, so long as it's done right.

[Bill 84 318i]

My car doesn't have it.

And it is that much better.

[Ryan Stewart]

Dispite my propensity to speed I am going to have to agree with Bimmerphile.

Reason #1: women, they are oblivious of what is going on outside of the vehicle (i dont say cars because all women drive 6ton SUVs here)

Reason #2: old people. They drive slow (as they should, just in the slow lane) but the problem is they are unpredictable and stuff comes up fast then you are doing twice thier speed.

I wish there was a thrid lane where you could buy a pass if you were able to pass a driving test and your car passed an inspection (similar to the cleantech) to make sure your car isnt going to fall apart. Then let us speed.

[BS87]

Nah, just a two lane mini-autobahn that runs about 20 feet alongside existing highway...

most drivers would not be able to pass the autobahn tests anyway

[Erick]

I wish there was a thrid lane where you could buy a pass if you were able to pass a driving test and your car passed an inspection (similar to the cleantech) to make sure your car isnt going to fall apart. Then let us speed.

I'll look back on the "whats wrong with your car" thread and see a million reasons that the DOT would annoy our ass to not allow our e30s to get such highway lane. :?

[Digitalwave]

Bill likes to point out ways in that his car is superior :)