Why we drive SUVs
Today, I had a fantastic hike. The weather was great and 15 cm powder snow made the hike simply fantastic. I visited several hills and found three geocaches.
I started the trip from Tømmerdalen. This location is about 10 km outside town and a dirt road takes you there. Normally, I am not fond of driving my BMW E39 there. I have realised the limitations of the 5-series in winter.
When I got there at 10:30 am there were no other cars around. When I returned at 2 pm the lot was crammed. On my way out I saw a brand new MB ML 320 CDI parked at the side of the road. I passed it slowly only to discover that I knew the owner who was standing outside the vehicle. I stopped for a chat, but I realised the guy was in distress. Embarrasingly, he admitted that he was stuck: both front and rear tyre on the right side was submerged in the snow. I tried to help with my .5 bhp available but to no avail. The car was stuck in the snow.
I did not even try my BMW for pulling it out. I visited the nearest farm for help. The tractor was there, but not the owner. The funny thing was, that there is no GSM network coverage in Tømmerdalen. We decided to drive outside the valley to get professional help.
What's interesting is this: the car with the extras is about 1 million NOK. What extra did he not opt for? The 4x4 extra! No differential blocking in other words. My E39 might be a bad car to drive in winter. But traction and differential blocking is definately present.
I found the whole thing quite amusing. My favourite car has always been a X5 4.4i. But now I am not certain whether I should go for a Toyota Landcruiser.
I started the trip from Tømmerdalen. This location is about 10 km outside town and a dirt road takes you there. Normally, I am not fond of driving my BMW E39 there. I have realised the limitations of the 5-series in winter.
When I got there at 10:30 am there were no other cars around. When I returned at 2 pm the lot was crammed. On my way out I saw a brand new MB ML 320 CDI parked at the side of the road. I passed it slowly only to discover that I knew the owner who was standing outside the vehicle. I stopped for a chat, but I realised the guy was in distress. Embarrasingly, he admitted that he was stuck: both front and rear tyre on the right side was submerged in the snow. I tried to help with my .5 bhp available but to no avail. The car was stuck in the snow.
I did not even try my BMW for pulling it out. I visited the nearest farm for help. The tractor was there, but not the owner. The funny thing was, that there is no GSM network coverage in Tømmerdalen. We decided to drive outside the valley to get professional help.
What's interesting is this: the car with the extras is about 1 million NOK. What extra did he not opt for? The 4x4 extra! No differential blocking in other words. My E39 might be a bad car to drive in winter. But traction and differential blocking is definately present.
I found the whole thing quite amusing. My favourite car has always been a X5 4.4i. But now I am not certain whether I should go for a Toyota Landcruiser.
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