Help me pick a Daily Driver :)

I'm doing college in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico & my Porsche & Mercedes are both staying in San Diego since I'll be switching back & forth between Guadalajara & San Diego throughout the year anyway... Over there (in Guadalajara) I have a Dodge Ram & a Tahoe but due to recent incidents I'm getting rid of the Tahoe to get a used bulletproof (literally... don't ask) sedan or coupe. My options (i.e. in my price range & readily available used with factory level 3 or 4 bulletproofing) are a BMW E46 3 Series or E39 5 Series, or an Audi C5 A6 . Please tell me what you would choose & why, wether your opinion is based on reliability, quality, looks, positive/negative previous ownership experience, etc. I'd like to hear it a ll. Thanks in advance.

I can't offer any suggestions except for an Urban Assault Vehicle. But my question coming back is.....why would you even live there?

How about a Sherman tank?

time 2 transfer...

I thought Mexico is not the most safe place right now. Wouldn't keeping a low profile be a better choice? Also, isn't premium fuel difficult to get in Mexico? I would stick to cars that take regular fuel.

E39s and C5 A6s were all relatively underpowered, weren't they? With the added weight of all that armor, they may be a bear. I think the E46 would be better in that respect. Hard to say without knowing what engines they have, or what work was done to the powerplant when they were bulletproofed.

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Ya, I get that question a lot. Especially from people who know some of the stuff I've seen & experienced over there (which I can't say on here). But, there's 2 reasons: One, I love the place (minus the lack of safety). Guadalajara is very different than what everyone's image of Mexico is. There's actually a lot of money there, very beautiful woman, lots of culture, the food is the best, & so many things. Plus my parents are from there. Another reason is the school I'm going to itself, Forbes & many other important sources name it the #1 business school in all of latin America PLUS they allow me to get 2 degrees from 2 different schools in the time of one. Instead of 4 years there, I'm doing 3 there where I'll be getting my BBA & 1 in France at one of their partner schools who revalidates my previous credits & gives me a BIB. Can't beat that. If by low profile you mean not driving a Bimmer or similar, that doesn't really matter. They're a dime a dozen in Guadalajara. There's 5 BMW dealerships within the city alone. If what you meant was the bulletproof car might bring attention, you can't really tell it's bulletproof unless you open the doors, roll down the windows or look very closely at them. Especially if you tint them. A lot of people at my school have bulletproof cars. Infact I know a girl there who has a bulletproof F430 Spyder & has 2 bulletproof Suburbans guarding her always... Ya, I thought about the fuel thing too. But I have friends over there who even drive Ferraris, Lambos, etc. & they use the highest grade that's normally available & they've never had problems. If it works for those cars I'm sure it'll work for a Bimmer, lol. Lol. Ya, they're definetely underpowered. But it's hard to find a bulletproof M3 on the used market, & when you do, they're ridiciously expensive (cars are way more expensive in Mexico)... When I went to look at some of the cars at one of the BMW dealerships, they told me that their factory level III bulletproofing only adds around 100kg, which is roughly 200lbs. On a track car that's like a ton, but on a sedan I don't think it should be a big deal.

the whole thought of buying a bulletproof car is just wierd to me... (I mean I get it, but it never ever ever crossed my mind before)

Well, Since you mentioned the count of BMW dealers, I would suggest going for a e46... cheaper on gas than a 5 and smaller. More practical...

Ya, the 3 Series does seem more practical, plus for some reason I feel the E46 3 Series doesn't look as outdated as the E39 5 Series. I just always hear that the 5 Series is more bulletproof, plus it has more space & is not as common. Ah, it's really a toss up. Which is why I need more input, especially from previous owners! I've only driven 2 Bimmers & they were both 7 Series (very reliable btw).

check out TAC YOU CAN TAKE THEM YOUR OWN CAR AND GET IT DONE BASED ON WHAT TYPE OF ARMORING YOU NEED. http://www.texasarmoring.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFDFn...layer_embedded

or if you want the attention and want a bullet proof suv...this is a must have!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxRHz...eature=related another video for TAC that was on Speed TV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXCibp5UHVo

'BiteEmNBeatEm' ... Thanks for the suggestion. Coincidentally, I had seen the first video you posted before on TV. If I had that kind of money, I would definetely get an S65AMG or something like that done by them. But, unfortunately, I don't. That's why the cars I'm deciding between are all previous generation models. Bulletproof German sedan/coupes are so common where I'm studying that you can find some pretty decent prices on the used market. I can get a 2002 3 Series with around 30k miles with factory Level 4 bulletproofing for around $25k. New, it would cost a lot more than that JUST for the bulletproofing.

wow...only 25k for a bullet proof sedan with on 30k miles. your right about the price. Over at TAC its like 2k per door, 4-7k for the windshield then they have to protect the motor, the under carrage, the rest of the glass, and then the roof. I VOTE ON YOU LOOKING FOR A BULLET PROOF PORSCHE............ I THINK EVERY ONE ELSE ON THE FORUM WOULD AGREE.... : )

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I bet you say "yes dear" a lot

I have some experience in the armored car world... go with the larger/heavier car and make sure the suspension, brakes, and cooling system have been upgraded to handle the extra weight of the armor. You want a car that can push and shove if needed, not just stop bullets. An armored E46 is sort of funny to me - like hardening a Miata. My favorite armored cars are the old W140 Mercedes S class. They were big, tough, and relatively simple. A tank. Unfortunately those are getting old now. The W220 S class that replaced it is not bad, but more complex. The newest cars from MB and BMW scare me as they are so complex - too many electronic systems to fail at a 'bad time.' If I was going new these days I'd probably go with a Tahoe. And don't choose this car for looks. It is a tool, not a toy. Low key and boring is good. No fancy rims, no loud exhaust. Quiet and anonymous. Keep the nice car in San Diego and carry a picture of it in your pocket.

What's up with going to school in Mexico? I struggle to think that getting an education from Mexico prepares you better than an US institution.

I thought bulletproof windows don't go down?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferre...item2c557451a9 That should be sufficient...

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Actually there's a school out in Guadalajara called ITM (Institute of Technology - Monterrey) - it's one of the finest engineering schools in the world when it comes to mining, oil and gas, etc industry. Instantly recognized if you plan to work in that sector in any spanish speaking country.

2000 E39 528i. Fantastic, if underpowered engine. Reliable as the day is long. Good MPG. Looks nice. Cheap to fix. Takes 87 octane. I've had three... love them. They do 200k easily. Just never drive it overheated.

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Wow, this is the best advice I've heard yet. Thanks a lot. Living in the US, it's very easy to think that way because of the image we have of Mexico here. I've lived in San Diego my entire life & am ashamed of the kind of culture that represents Mexico here. About 99% of them are ignorant, ghetto, & bad people imo. But what you have to understand, is the ones that the general population doesn't come here. Usually just the worst. It's like judging the US based on people in Compton, lol... Anyway, the school I go to is highly ranked by many, including Forbes. In Spanish it's called ITESM which stands for Instituto Tecnologico Y Estudios Superiores De Monterrey. There is a LOT of people here from the US, France, Germany, etc. I studied at SDSU, & two other colleges back in San Diego & I find that my studies in Guadalajara have so far outclassed the ones in the US. Plus, I'm doing the dual degree program at my school. Instead of doing 4 years in Mexico, I do 3 years in MX & 1 in France. I get a BBA in Mexico & a BIB in France. I'm getting 2 degrees from 2 schools in the time it takes to get 1. You really can't beat that. I think it depends on thickness, manufacturer, &/or how much the original owner wanted to spend. :P Look at this 5 series: http://beta.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/B...A13316120.aspx The front windows roll down. Hahahahahaha! Thank you! Someone who knows. ... This is exactly where I am studying. I can see from your sig that you speak from experience. I might have to listen to your advice on that.

i had an E39 530i - it had the LED tailights from the factory with NAV and bixenons - (looks better than the first generation E39 528i) - it was an absolute blast to drive and withstood unbelievable amounts of beating. I was sad to sell it - and still think it looks better - cleaner - than the E60 530xi I replaced it with. So if you can find an armored E39 530i or 540i - i would go with that over an E46. It is a 'tougher' car, and I feel like in an emergency it will be more of a tank than the lighter E46. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=103 Oh btw yes - about 10 years ago I visited the ITESM campus where I was invited to lecture. VERY beautiful campus.

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Noted.. But he is getting a BA or an international Business degree. Not a BS or MS. I am not going to argue which country's schools offer the best education. It is the knowledge you acquire from your time there that is important. USA offers the finest education for business administration in both quality and quantity compared to the rest of the world money can buy if you can get in.

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and....how is continuing this debate helping answer Raphael's quest for another car

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Back on topic. I suggest bullet proofed 1st gen hummer diesel.

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check out the videos i posted ....they have 1"+ thick glass going up and down...lol

We've owned all those cars at some point, none of them have the correct characteristics for level 3 or 4 protection. You want vehicles with a already substantial platform, which can accommodate large resistant tires and can easily be supercharged. Armor will only protect you momentarily, you nee to be able to MOVE, especially if boxed in by other vehicles. Size matters, and you need torque. Disclosure: I'm an investor in a protection company, which provides these types of vehicles in Asia. I am not an engineer. I'm not a lawyer. There's no such thing as bulletproof. The A6 is too heavy to begin with, unless extensive suspension mods were made and the motor is the 2.7TT with majorly upgraded boost or the 4.2L with the RS6 turbo kit I wouldn't go there. If you can find an RS6 to armor that will be a good, big torque (500 ft-lbs easily) low key platform with an already solid suspension. Be prepared to go through CV joints in the front though. the E46 is a bad idea, for too many reasons to list I recommend an X5 , LX470 or Landcruiser if you want modern and imported, Tahoe with SC is good choice as well, but if you must go with a sedan and can't find an RS6, select a previous generation W140 S 500 (dime a dozen) and SC it, or turbo/supercharge the e39 540i and roll the fenders as necessary for the protection wheels/tires. The key is low end torque, don't mod for high range power, and don't forget to increase the size or number of your fuel injectors. The LS430 is also a good choice and is nearly invisible. Again you will need to supercharge or turbo charge any of these vehicles. Don't worry about fuel, modern cars all detune for lower octane, and detonation is the least of your worries. Your best bet is to run a turbo kit with a boost controller in the car. run low to no boost unless you are in an encounter, at which point turn up the juice and get out of there, pinging be damned.

+1 to this. Great advice on what you need. Having worked in some dicey places (Sao Paulo, Brazil ;Liberia, West Africa; Etc) I have some first hand knowledge of these things, but am by no means an expert. The key is to be able to keep moving in an emergency situation. The "bullet resistant" car is only that for a few moments and the bad guys know this. Also, the car is only as good as the tactics of the driver. If you are investing in armored cars out of necessity, then the best money you can spend is on a professional driving class from a respected training company(PM me if you want recommendations. I don't have any affiliations, but I can point you to a couple for you to check out further). Remember that ordinary driving actually becomes more dangerous(typically) in an armored car. The bullet resistant glass is very unforgiving to a human body hitting it at speed, and the braking distance is generally much longer for one of these vehicles. I also agree that boring and understated is the best choice. The best protection is to be an unattractive target. I'd choose a Tahoe, but there's better qualified people to help you make that decision. Hope this helps. Stay safe!

I would personally get a G-wagon. I have a G55 AMG as my daily. Aside from the low teens mpg, it's a great truck.

What about a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Marauder with a protection package? You could supercharge the engine, (think Roush power upgrade) I haven't a clue about armour for cars but these vehicles stand up to the worst drivers in the world..... New york city cab drivers. It's a robust platform - frame on chassis that is rear wheel drive.