The time has come... moving out of SoCal and off to DC

[RPiM5]

Friends, gentlemens, and fanatics,

This may be the second most sadest post I will ever have to make, the first being if I ever have to post that I'm giving up my F10 M5; but I am moving from San Diego to Washington DC within the next month and I need your help. I am in the military and I just got orders to move to DC. It's a bitter/sweet deal for me, as I am not stoked about leaving San Diego, but I have incredible career opportunities awaiting me in DC.

Anyways, since I have been living in San Diego I have enjoyed massive support from fellow ///M owners, my special long time relationship with my personal BMW Service Advisor, as well as heavy hook ups at Independent BMW shops in the area. I am about to lose all of my support now.

So what I am asking for is the "gouge" on where to go and who to see when I get to DC concerning my heavily modded BMW M5. Here's what I'm looking for info on:

1. A good BMW dealer where I can take my M5 in for warranty repairs and service and the SA will look the other way when they see mods on my car. I know this may be a VERY tall order, but I will just need to get the name of any good dealership in the area where I can start to establish a great SA/client relationship with. Honestly part of me almost wants to sell my M5 now that I can't take it to my own SA anymore who is also one of my very best friends. I really don't know how things are on the East Coast, but here in Socal I can name many dealerships off the top of my head who are mod friendly.

2. Any Independent BMW shops in the area who will give great service with great discounts. To give you an example, I have an Indy shop here that has been working on BMW's for over 45 years. I like to do mid cycle oil changes on my own and when I got my oil changed and brake fluid change on my F10 M5 last month, my total cost out the door was $175 bucks at my local Indy Shop. Now I know that is a tall order on the East Coast, especially when I haven't established relationships with any shop yet, but there has to be someone over there who won't try to rape me with a $500 oil change just because I drive a 2013 M5.

3. Locations for great driving experiences. I know the DC area is no SoCal, but there has got to be some good roads out there. I am also scared to even ask this as I have an idea of how bad the state troopers out there can be. Luckily I'm keeping my M5 registered out of state, so at least they can't kill me with no front plate tickets, loud exhaust tickets, and dark window tint tickets. However, I have been enjoying speeding ticket immunity since I've been stationed here in San Diego for the last 7 years. I am a Florida resident and because California is not part of the NRVC, any speeding ticket I got here never showed up on my Florida driving record. I could only do this because I am active duty military though because there is no requirement for me to establish residency where I am stationed. Now that I'm moving back east, I am about to lose that immunity as VA, DC, and MD will all report any moving violation to Florida. So I don't plan on driving out there like I am used to driving out here.

4. Any hook ups or inside info on racetracks around the area. Being that there are no good mountains around DC, if I get the time (and this is a big IF, because my new job in DC could have me working 60-70hr weeks), I may be looking at purchasing some track memberships like at VIR. I know the F10 M5 is 4,387lbs, but I'd still like to track it if I can. It will at least be better than keeping it 5mph under the speed limit at all times, because every cop in the area has Laser guns.

This is what I am afraid of. I am wrong to think this?

In SoCal you rarely ever see a CHP trying to actively catch speeders, if they pull someone over, it's usually a stupid Prius (at least I'll be moving out of the land of the G-Damn Priuses though!)

All in all I am excited for new career opportunities but feeling like I will never again get to drive my M5 to it's max potential on a daily basis ever again. Not unless I achieve my dream and get to move to Germany or Luxembourg with my M5 and live less than 60 miles to the Nurburgring.
Then again, the DC area traffic congestion will probably kill any thought I have of even breaking 60mph anywhere. Oye!

Anyways, I appreciate any help or advice you may have for me. I'll start another thread soon about my trek across the country in my M5. It's about 2,700 miles from SD to DC, and I'm thinking of taking a northern route though the Dakota territories for fun. Feel free to PM me also.

[alexey21]

All I can say is that If you ever Visit PA, remember that local police are not allowed to use radars or lasers, only speed traps, making speeding a lot easier. But I am actually looking forward to see what people reply. I also want to find a nice track and find a place to meet other M owners.

[stealth.pilot]

As a car enthusiast this is going to suck. I'm sorry.

But congratulations on the career opportunity. There are times in life when you have to roll up your sleeves!

The one consolation is you will be within driving distance of the North Carolina mountains and the M School!

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

As a car enthusiast this is going to suck. I'm sorry.

Thank you Stealth. I appreciate your sympathy. Your a good guy, I don't care what URBAN says about you. I almost feel like crying every day until I leave though.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Thank you Stealth. I appreciate your sympathy. Your a good guy, I don't care what URBAN says about you. I almost feel like crying every day until I leave though.

NO! You should be driving the Canyons and the Mexican Autobahn every day till you leave!

[B-1Pilot]

OK, so I just came from spending two years there.... the only reason I wasn't in on the initial M5 EDs with you guys last year was because I didn't think the M5 would be best in DC. However, I did have two different 3-series and my bike which went plenty fast in and around the area while I was there; never got pulled over.

First, where are you going to work -- Bolling? Navy Yard? P-Gon? Ft. Mead? Elsewhere? just give me a general location if you want, but you need to work your commute backwards and make an early decision on whether you are driving or taking public transportation. I *highly* suggest living in VA somewhere; Maryland is horrible, and the District is a parking nightmare -- unless you are independently wealthy, getting a place with a good garage is nigh impossible unless you are willing to drop a $700K+ (or put out at least $1200 over your BAH) on it. I ended up buying a place Alexandria with a 2 car garage -- i could metro, drive, or cycle anywhere no problem.. PM me if you want more info.

BMW dealers -- I've bought cars from both BMW of Alexandria and shortly, BMW of Fairfax (their doing my ED). The other two in the area, Passport and Sterling were too far out of my way and didn't have the greatest reputations.
BMW Alexandria actually has fantastic service -- loaners, shuttles to metro, free metro cards, etc. I bought my wife's 3 series below invoice from them on a whim and was out the door with the car in 2 hours. They are the #7 dealership in the nation and a BMW center of excellence.
BMW of Fairfax -- lot bigger sales of M cars as far as I could tell... they had about 12 in their backlot. I clicked with my CA since he was a military brat, and he's giving me what seems to be a good deal relative to other buying 2014s, especially given its my first transaction with this dealership. My CA is also a track enthusiast and instructor, and I can put him in touch with you if you want. Cant speak to the service as I didn't need anything done.

DC has speed cameras galore and they purposely slow down speed limits to trap people. Also, remember that VA is one A-hole state that bans Radar detectors. Get trapster or Waze on your phone and use it. I like Waze better because of the dynamic traffic, rerouting, and updates for road construction... it also shows pretty much every speed camera/cop/etc.
DC traffic can be a pain at certain times and minimal at others -- having grown up in LA and the OC, I'll tell you DC is nothing like how the bad the 405 can get.
There are plenty of places to practice your lead foot -- my favorite areas to go drive are out west of DC -- in VA wine country/ Shenandoah valley. Lots of really fun twisty roads with minimal traffic.

[Tom C]

The MD state trooper incident is just one isolated incident, there are more horror stories with VA state troopers.

Depending on where you settle in the DC metro area, Summit Point, WV may be a closer option than VIR.

I can't wait to see your beast up close... So I am happy for you to come east.

There are plenty of great driving roads that aren't too far away from DC, in MD and VA....but DC itself sucks....

[Vic55]

Yes Dave.... this is like leaving Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. Say it isnt so!!!

Oh mexico is gonna have one less compadre on its calle.

Dave, the force is everywhere- even in DC

[greentrbo95gst]

Dave, are you planning to be in OC any time soon? Would love to catch a lunch with you and check out the insane exhaust setup since I am still messing with my setup.
Re the career opportunity, take it and don't look back. Great things will come your way and you will be able to make friends anywhere you go. PM me and we can set something up.

[RPiM5]

Thanks for the good advice already guys.

I'm actually looking for an abode to rent somewhere in the Ballston area in Arlington. I think that area is the one best suits me. Plus I like the fact that the area has a lot of urbanization to it with tall high rise condo buildings so I can hear my straightpipes reverberate off of the city walls. I have made it a point to never buy a property for all of my life until I'm maybe 65 years old. I'm planning on entering the Foreign Service within the next 4 years so I will be living all over the world for at least 20 years, therefore buying a place makes no sense to me.

Yes Vic, it's true. I'm very sad to say. I guess SoCal will be losing me but the East Coast will be gaining me. Trying to stay positive about all of this, but can't help feeling overwhelmed with sadness. I knew this was coming for quite some time though.

This pretty much sums up how I feel right now. Sad to go, but I know adventure and greatness awaits me. A desire to be purposeful, the urge to see beyond the horizon, a feeling of split identity and a somber longing for change. You've been a good friend Vic, the Force is strong with you too.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst

Dave, are you planning to be in OC any time soon? Would love to catch a lunch with you and check out the insane exhaust setup since I am still messing with my setup.
Re the career opportunity, take it and don't look back. Great things will come your way and you will be able to make friends anywhere you go. PM me and we can set something up.

I actually have to run up to RPi in Torrance either this Friday or next Monday real quick. I can swing by if you are free.

[wisesoul]

Avoid the trees near George Washington University You may be across the country, but you better still be here posting on the forums and making those assault videos

[pochesq]

We are losing a very strong #M5Army trooper; however, I take comfort in knowing that you will recruit more troops and start the WDC Platoon. FTW!

[greentrbo95gst]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I actually have to run up to RPi in Torrance either this Friday or next Monday real quick. I can swing by if you are free.

Pm'd ya

[dhirm5]

Welcome, Dave!

Ballston is a great choice - as is Clarendon (just a bit closer in (towards DC) and better developed).

My office is just east of Clarendon in Rosslyn where there are also several new buildings - high rises, etc but not as well developed as Clarendon/Ballston and not as many restaurants etc.

Looking forward to meeting you and your M in person.

[Boss330]

Congratulations on your career move

If you end up driving thorigh the "Dakota territories" as you were planning, here are my thoughts on that

I have family in the "Dakota territories" (South Dakota) and have been there on visits a few times.

If possible make sure you go to the Black Hills (where Mount Rushmore is and where Dancing with wolves was filmed). Some nice driving roads there and beautiful scenerey. Also drive via the Badlands area along I-90. That is a fantastic landscape and some very nice driving roads around the Badlands National Park

It's interesting while driving through South dakota how the landscape changes from west of the Missouri to east of the Missouri. Ranch land to farm land.

Oh, and make sure to stop at Wall Drug: http://www.walldrug.com/

[positiveions]

It sucks that you have to move, but priorities are a must. G/L on your new endeavor.

[Poleposition]

Good Luck Dave. Think of this, you'll be just 4 hours from NY and we can probably help you out in terms of M5 brotherhood. Plenty of us here to give you an M hug.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Good Luck Dave. Think of this, you'll be just 4 hours from NY and we can probably help you out in terms of M5 brotherhood. Plenty of us here to give you an M hug.

Thanks man, I'm gonna need a lot of M hugs. It's like I'm leaving a huge family here.

[DrKevM5]

Awesome. I'll get to hear your Beast in person.

[Niko1414]

First congrats on career opportunity and so glad we got a chance to connect and roll in Mexico. We need an epic run to send you off.

Wish you all the best Dave and good luck!

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Thanks man, I'm gonna need a lot of M hugs. It's like I'm leaving a huge family here.

Not sure if you knew this but there is M5post in DC.....