[yco]

good old days...

[The Wind Breezes]

The thing about armored cars is that if you actually need one it's a small part of your overall security program. In the USA even very high profile people don't have much security since rule of law works better.

[John H.]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

The thing about armored cars is that if you actually need one it's a small part of your overall security program. In the USA even very high profile people don't have much security since rule of law works better.

I concur. We tend to focus more on logistics vs. equipment. Motorcade details are challenging.

Outside CONUS, I have observed more persons buying such vehicles without a security detail. In SA, most high-end vehicles are armored.

[Fritzer]

Update: Newly shown G05 BMW X5 Protection VR6

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1647374

[clee1982]

Really hard to see reason to use armored vehicle in the US...

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

I figured as much, considering that there was not much information online in the first place! Even the salespeople at my dealership said that they had never heard of this "BMW Special Sales" program and that they have never had one delivered through them. Would be cool to have this thread be a consolidation of anyone who has more information on this topic. Would love to have an owner chime in if there are any out there. I am sure there has to be at least one or two members who have/had one of these beasts.

Where should I start?

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by lemetier

Where should I start?

What'd you own? Quirks, pictures, reasons why?

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by clee1982

Really hard to see reason to use armored vehicle in the US...

Not to be condescending, but are you joking?

[clee1982]

No i'm not..., you want to see how many 8/9 figure people in NYC yet none I know could be bothered enough with armored car, now granted they don't have the fame just $$$

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by clee1982

No i'm not..., you want to see how many 8/9 figure people in NYC yet none I know could be bothered enough with armored car, now granted they don't have the fame just $$$

I mean, I live in a relatively nice city but I have definitely been in/seen/heard of instances where an armored/"security" car would be more than useful. Not necessarily only for protection against firearms, but breaking windows etc. Plus all the other security features these things come with. You don't really need to be an eight figure net worth person to find value out of these.

[brad850csi]

Anyone ever heard of Tupac?

[clee1982]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

I mean, I live in a relatively nice city but I have definitely been in/seen/heard of instances where an armored/"security" car would be more than useful. Not necessarily only for protection against firearms, but breaking windows etc. Plus all the other security features these things come with. You don't really need to be an eight figure net worth person to find value out of these.

If you're not going to be shoot at then it's a bit overkill, a lot higher cost (2X?) a lot weight penalty (1000lb? so performance goes), I wonder if there would be some "lighter" aftermarket solution in that case...

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

Anyone ever heard of Tupac?

-

Originally Posted by Emilime75

I came across several bulletproof E38s while I was searching for one. Ironically, Tupac's wasn't.

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

-

Hah yeah I guess I was replying to the more recent comments in this thread unsure about why the armoured cars exist

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

What'd you own? Quirks, pictures, reasons why?

Owned a few, assigned several long term, operated all since 1999.

E38 750iLP was the first I bought (not for it's Armoring, but the hearty discount due to poor sales). The E38 740/50 Protection was the only factory Security Vehicle offered for sale to the general public in the US through its retail dealer network. From 2002, these cars are handled through the Diplomatic, Security, and Special Vehicles office in Washington DC. So what your dealer "quoted" you for is questionable, even if based on price alone.

Last was F15 Security Plus while living in a high risk location.

As for quirks, all depends on the age, level of armor, and equipment fitted. Would have to be more specific to give any examples.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by lemetier

Owned a few, assigned several long term, operated all since 1999.

Last was F15 Security Plus while living in a high risk location.

Where did you live where it was necessary? You were assigned some from employment I would imagine. Just curious, were you a govt. contractor or private work? Really interesting, so you have purchased personally and used in a professional setting?

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by lemetier

From 2002, these cars are handled through the Diplomatic, Security, and Special Vehicles office in Washington DC. So what your dealer "quoted" you for is questionable, even if based on price alone.

Yeah so I talked about this with some of the dealers about this when i first made the thread. There are certain options (wigwag, red/blue, LEO/Govt. stuff) that they cannot provide to private citizens, but the majority of the equipment is available. They said that they are produced in North America for US deliveries. When you say that they are handled by a State Dept. Office of sorts, they restrict or allow private entities to purchase these vehicles? I haven't heard of that for armored vehicles, in the United States at least.

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

Where did you live where it was necessary? You were assigned some from employment I would imagine. Just curious, were you a govt. contractor or private work? Really interesting, so you have purchased personally and used in a professional setting?

Medellín. Security Plus is a bit overkill, but exempts the vehicle from the use restriction (otherwise cars are only allowed to be driven 3 of 5 business days per week based on registration number).

I've been a BMW Security and Precision Instructor and contract Tactical/EP Instructor Trainer to USSS/DoD, DoS, DoJ (US Gov't is the largest Fleet operator of BMW Security Vehicles).

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

Yeah so I talked about this with some of the dealers about this when i first made the thread. There are certain options (wigwag, red/blue, LEO/Govt. stuff) that they cannot provide to private citizens, but the majority of the equipment is available. They said that they are produced in North America for US deliveries. When you say that they are handled by a State Dept. Office of sorts, they restrict or allow private entities to purchase these vehicles? I haven't heard of that for armored vehicles, in the United States at least.

BMW NA has an office in DC that handles Security Vehicles for the US and government approval is required for new armored vehicle sales. Some states have even more limitations on who can own or operate one.

If one was to inquire, it would not be discussed through a franchise dealer. One of the 6 reps in DC would handle the inquiry, and if approved, would be sold or leased through that department.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by lemetier

Medellín. Security Plus is a bit overkill, but exempts the vehicle from the use restriction (otherwise cars are only allowed to be driven 3 of 5 business days per week based on registration number).

Is that a restriction down south or in the states? I can't imagine anything can be "overkill" down there, especially in CO. Really interesting regardless.

Originally Posted by lemetier

I've been a BMW Security and Precision Instructor and contract Tactical/EP Instructor Trainer to USSS/DoD, DoS, DoJ

That sounds like an amazing job. How'd you fall into that, prior MIL or LEO?

Originally Posted by lemetier

(US Gov't is the largest Fleet operator of BMW Security Vehicles).

Wow, I would not have expected this in the slightest. Mostly abroad I imagine? DSS or something. Quite surprised they don't go with domestic options, but I guess that would be a little too in-your-face/obvious.


Sorry if I'm picking your brain, just extremely intrigued.

[clee1982]

Never even realize US gov has a lot BMW to start with always thought I see domestics

[Gr-Racing]

this is interesting stuff... lemetier you won the guy with the coolest job award for sure.