Lou Gehrig's Disease...3 series???

MoreCowbell · 10-29-2007, 10:06 PM

Hey Guys....

My mother has been diagnosed with A.L.S., or as it's better known, "Lou Gehrig's Disease". For those who don't know much about it, the disease centers around a loss of control over ones limbs, especially the hands and feet. My mother is at the early stages of the disease, and her symptoms, right now, are mainly, but not totally, in her hands. She has trouble with some everyday tasks...like buttoning a shirt, holding a fork or taking change out of her wallet.

My mother is amazing...and she's the type of person who won't let the disease ruin the quality of her life. She's so amazing in fact, that she even got permission from her doctors, to go back to her Pilates class....but I digress...

My question is this...my mother has gotten a new 3 series every 2(sometimes 3) years since 1990. She's on her 7th or 8th. Her latest is an 2006 e90, 330xi, with sports package. She currently driving, and driving quite well, but she's altered the way she has to hold and grip the steering wheel because of the weakness in her hands. Her lease is almost up, and, most of all, I want her get something that's not only very safe for her, but also easy to drive. I'm concerned that the steering on the 3 is going to be much too heavy for her as her arms and hands weaken. I think I want her to have something with much lighter steering...like a wheel that takes less strength for her to grip and turn.

What do you suggest she gets? Will eliminating the sports package lighten the steering? Does the 5’er have lighter steering? Should we perhaps look at another make?

This topic just came up tonight. My mother mentioned that she REALLY loves her 3, and doesn't want to change(yup...mom has good taste!!!

), but I just want what is going to be easiest and safest for her.

toofasttooslow · 10-29-2007, 10:30 PM

The steering on a "stock" gearbox is pretty hefty at low speeds. I've heard that the active steering can make things a bit easier though.

Sapphire135i · 10-29-2007, 10:33 PM

yeah active steering might be the way to go if she loves her 3er's(I've heard the new active steering is quite good)

my friends honda civic has really light steering and when my mom borrowed her friends cr-v she said is was so sensative and light compared to her 330xi

this write up makes me feel sad and a little more fortunate about my health

gregarious · 10-29-2007, 10:40 PM

I am very sorry to hear the bad news. Perhaps a test drive in an active steering equipped 3 and 5 might offer some perspective. I would also ask the dealer/tech if the power steering assist could be boosted? Just a thought. Good luck.

TurboFan · 10-29-2007, 10:40 PM

The steering on the stock 5 is light (too light) at low speeds, but it stiffens up quickly.

I'm sorry to hear about her condition. Are you sure you want to put her into a new car? Have her doctors given you an idea of how much longer she'll be legal to drive? A gently used, very reliabe car may be a better bet in case you decide to sell in a year.

Zeeman · 10-29-2007, 10:41 PM

Sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts are with you.

Yes...you should probably have her test drive one with active steering. If that doesn't suit her, she can try a Honda. I have driven my mom's Accord a couple times and find the steering effort to be really light compared to my BMW.

MoreCowbell · 10-29-2007, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gum5h03

The steering on a "stock" gearbox is pretty hefty at low speeds. I've heard that the active steering can make things a bit easier though.

Hadn't considered active steering. That may be a good idea. Maybe we will go drive one of those....

MoreCowbell · 10-29-2007, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboFan

I'm sorry to hear about her condition. Are you sure you want to put her into a new car? Have her doctors given you an idea of how much longer she'll be legal to drive? A gently used, very reliabe car may be a better bet in case you decide to sell in a year.

Need to be optimistic. There are cases out there, though not the norm...where a patient can continue to function normally for 10 years. Regardless, the new car wouldn't go to Waste because my dad's car is a Z06 and that's not exactly practical for him to be Chaufering around my mother in. They are in the rare, and very fortunate position, where money doesn't have to be a consideration.

Chio · 10-29-2007, 10:53 PM

I sent you a PM but my mom had ALS also and BMW cars ended up being to tough to turn and she ended up with a MDX and that was the last car she drove i had to end up getting a toureg with air susp to get her in and out. that is one thing you need to make sure in the Future you are aware of and to always plan ahead because this thing can really put you behind and you dont want to play catch up!!!!

It is funny i would let my mom drive until i saw her one time move her leg to stop she would not say anything. she even raced cars!!! she was a hell of a mom!!

Sorry guys this topic REALLY hits home for me!!! also....

TurboFan · 10-29-2007, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoreCowbell

Need to be optimistic. There are cases out there, though not the norm...where a patient can continue to function normally for 10 years. Regardless, the new car wouldn't go to Waste because my dad's car is a Z06 and that's not exactly practical for him to be Chaufering around my mother in. They are in the rare, and very fortunate position, where money doesn't have to be a consideration.

I agree, must work for the best. If dad has the Z06, go for the 535 or 550 for mom. With active steering, it might just be the ticket. Also be enough fun for dad to enjoy.

A418t81 · 10-29-2007, 10:56 PM

Very sorry to hear about your Mother. ALS is a tough disease on everyone in the household, not just the sufferer.

mcdonaldb · 10-29-2007, 11:00 PM

I would really try to find active steering model you can test drive, i drove the new X5 with active steering at a BMW event and even that this was very easy to turn.

Chio · 10-29-2007, 11:07 PM

I would also look at cars where it is easy for her to get in and out of maybe something with alittle hight or one that can be adjustable cayanne, tourag, sorry guys it worked with my my who had also.

Jaws · 10-29-2007, 11:08 PM

Sorry to hear. My dad was initially diagnosed with ALS about 7 years ago. It was actually a mis-diagnoses and it turned out that he had CIDP (chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy) which closely resembles ALS in its symptoms. CIDP is treatable.

asdflkijd · 10-29-2007, 11:24 PM

I only know the stiffness of the stearwheel for the 3, but this is cuz its now a sportier car then its older generations.. When I was in the market for a new car, I test drove the Lexus IS and its a breeze to maneuver it. steering is very very smooth, too smooth for my likings. But it is also a very good car.

on the other hand.. once you go BMW, you NEVER EVER want to turn back! The new Active steering and Active cruise control might be a good way to go, and i think the sport pkg, stiffens the suspension a little so it might be better avoiding that **please note if I am wrong. with the new 08's kickin in, its a grand slam for a new car

sorry about your mother, hope her health gets better..

cgmb16 · 10-29-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

I only know the stiffness of the stearwheel for the 3, but this is cuz its now a sportier car then its older generations.. When I was in the market for a new car, I test drove the Lexus IS and its a breeze to maneuver it. steering is very very smooth, too smooth for my likings. But it is also a very good car.

I too was going to suggest a Lexus. I have never driven a BMW with Active Steering, so I don't know how they compare. However, I do know that when I go from driving my 3er to my moms RX330....it feels soo smooth and real easy to turn.

My thoughts are with you and your mom.

Div4our · 10-30-2007, 12:35 AM

I'm also going to give a vote to a new Lexus IS, my IS350 (although I didn't like it, wasn't fast or sporty enough for me), was a VERY comfortable and safe car to drive around, not to mention the steering was very light compared to the 335i I test drove.

MoreCowbell · 10-30-2007, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaws

Sorry to hear. My dad was initially diagnosed with ALS about 7 years ago. It was actually a mis-diagnoses and it turned out that he had CIDP (chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy) which closely resembles ALS in its symptoms. CIDP is treatable.

Glad to hear his prognosis. As of now, there is no way at all 100 percent diagnose ALS.

STE92VE · 10-30-2007, 10:00 AM

Sorry to hear your news but knowing that the E90post.com community affords you great support should help ease the difficult days ahead.

As others have mentioned, The Honda/Acura brand steering does require less strength than BMW. When I drive my wife's TL, it seems effortless compared to the E92.

ejazbmw · 10-30-2007, 10:13 AM

Sorry to hear about you mother I hope everything work out well for her. As for the car I'd go with what Steve said honda/acura they seem to have a rather light steering wheel.

MoreCowbell · 10-30-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STE92VE

Sorry to hear your news but knowing that the E90post.com community affords you great support should help ease the difficult days ahead.

You really couldn't be more right about that. I showed this thread to my wife last night...and she couldn't get over the amount of compassion that a group of people i've never met were offering...

It's really says something about the people on this board. Truly amazing.

BretNJ · 10-30-2007, 11:04 AM

Very sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I just lost my father this year to ALS. He had a very rapid and aggressive form of it. Very tough disease to deal with and watch progress. I see you're in NYC, if you happen to need information in regards to the ALS Chapter of NY let me know. They are very helpful in getting you information on the disease as well as therapy groups/transportation for the later stages. I'll keep your mother in my prayers.

10-29-2007, 10:06 PM	#1
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel 496 Rep 1,700 Posts Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Lou Gehrig's Disease...3 series??? Hey Guys.... My mother has been diagnosed with A.L.S., or as it's better known, "Lou Gehrig's Disease". For those who don't know much about it, the disease centers around a loss of control over ones limbs, especially the hands and feet. My mother is at the early stages of the disease, and her symptoms, right now, are mainly, but not totally, in her hands. She has trouble with some everyday tasks...like buttoning a shirt, holding a fork or taking change out of her wallet. My mother is amazing...and she's the type of person who won't let the disease ruin the quality of her life. She's so amazing in fact, that she even got permission from her doctors, to go back to her Pilates class....but I digress... My question is this...my mother has gotten a new 3 series every 2(sometimes 3) years since 1990. She's on her 7th or 8th. Her latest is an 2006 e90, 330xi, with sports package. She currently driving, and driving quite well, but she's altered the way she has to hold and grip the steering wheel because of the weakness in her hands. Her lease is almost up, and, most of all, I want her get something that's not only very safe for her, but also easy to drive. I'm concerned that the steering on the 3 is going to be much too heavy for her as her arms and hands weaken. I think I want her to have something with much lighter steering...like a wheel that takes less strength for her to grip and turn. What do you suggest she gets? Will eliminating the sports package lighten the steering? Does the 5’er have lighter steering? Should we perhaps look at another make? This topic just came up tonight. My mother mentioned that she REALLY loves her 3, and doesn't want to change(yup...mom has good taste!!!), but I just want what is going to be easiest and safest for her.
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10-29-2007, 10:30 PM	#2
toofasttooslow Galactic Emperor 75 Rep 801 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: WA iTrader: (3)	The steering on a "stock" gearbox is pretty hefty at low speeds. I've heard that the active steering can make things a bit easier though.
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10-29-2007, 10:33 PM	#3
Sapphire135i Banned 11 Rep 77 Posts Drives: Sapphire Black 135i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	yeah active steering might be the way to go if she loves her 3er's(I've heard the new active steering is quite good) my friends honda civic has really light steering and when my mom borrowed her friends cr-v she said is was so sensative and light compared to her 330xi this write up makes me feel sad and a little more fortunate about my health
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10-29-2007, 10:40 PM	#4
gregarious Private First Class 4 Rep 148 Posts Drives: 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I am very sorry to hear the bad news. Perhaps a test drive in an active steering equipped 3 and 5 might offer some perspective. I would also ask the dealer/tech if the power steering assist could be boosted? Just a thought. Good luck. __________________ e90 - 335i - Prem - Sport - Cold - 6mt - Jet Black - Black Leather - Al Trim
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10-29-2007, 10:40 PM	#5
TurboFan Ski bum 321 Rep 6,198 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Knee deep in the pow iTrader: (8)	The steering on the stock 5 is light (too light) at low speeds, but it stiffens up quickly. I'm sorry to hear about her condition. Are you sure you want to put her into a new car? Have her doctors given you an idea of how much longer she'll be legal to drive? A gently used, very reliabe car may be a better bet in case you decide to sell in a year. __________________ 1999 e46 328i Ti Silver / Black[retired] 2007 e90 335xi Jet Black / Black[retired] 2011 e70 X5 35d Vermillion Red / Cinnamon 2011 e92 M3 LeMans / Fox Red extended
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10-29-2007, 10:41 PM	#6
Zeeman Captain 56 Rep 661 Posts Drives: E90 335 SG Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts are with you. Yes...you should probably have her test drive one with active steering. If that doesn't suit her, she can try a Honda. I have driven my mom's Accord a couple times and find the steering effort to be really light compared to my BMW.
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10-29-2007, 10:53 PM	#9
Chio Lieutenant 118 Rep 566 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Cp, x7 M60 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: STL iTrader: (1)	I sent you a PM but my mom had ALS also and BMW cars ended up being to tough to turn and she ended up with a MDX and that was the last car she drove i had to end up getting a toureg with air susp to get her in and out. that is one thing you need to make sure in the Future you are aware of and to always plan ahead because this thing can really put you behind and you dont want to play catch up!!!! It is funny i would let my mom drive until i saw her one time move her leg to stop she would not say anything. she even raced cars!!! she was a hell of a mom!! Sorry guys this topic REALLY hits home for me!!! also....
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10-29-2007, 10:56 PM	#11
A418t81 Lieutenant Colonel 318 Rep 1,517 Posts Drives: Ever changing fleet Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 335is [0.00]	Very sorry to hear about your Mother. ALS is a tough disease on everyone in the household, not just the sufferer. __________________ 23 iX M60, 24 GT3 RS Weissach, 22 Rivian R1T, 23 RS3, 13 E92 M3 Competition: Akra Evo, KW V3, etc
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10-29-2007, 11:00 PM	#12
mcdonaldb Enlisted Member 6 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 1997 M3 SEDAN Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: MN iTrader: (0)	I would really try to find active steering model you can test drive, i drove the new X5 with active steering at a BMW event and even that this was very easy to turn.
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10-29-2007, 11:07 PM	#13
Chio Lieutenant 118 Rep 566 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Cp, x7 M60 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: STL iTrader: (1)	I would also look at cars where it is easy for her to get in and out of maybe something with alittle hight or one that can be adjustable cayanne, tourag, sorry guys it worked with my my who had also.
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10-29-2007, 11:08 PM	#14
Jaws Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: 2006 325i mt Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear. My dad was initially diagnosed with ALS about 7 years ago. It was actually a mis-diagnoses and it turned out that he had CIDP (chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy) which closely resembles ALS in its symptoms. CIDP is treatable. __________________ 2006 325i - Sparkling Graphite 2000 S2000 - New Formula Red 2007 Chev Silverado crew cab Z71
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10-29-2007, 11:24 PM	#15
asdflkijd Aberry is a scammer 560 Rep 5,507 Posts Drives: SGM E92 335i, AM E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (14) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00] 2007 E90 335i (Reti ... [9.00]	I only know the stiffness of the stearwheel for the 3, but this is cuz its now a sportier car then its older generations.. When I was in the market for a new car, I test drove the Lexus IS and its a breeze to maneuver it. steering is very very smooth, too smooth for my likings. But it is also a very good car. on the other hand.. once you go BMW, you NEVER EVER want to turn back! The new Active steering and Active cruise control might be a good way to go, and i think the sport pkg, stiffens the suspension a little so it might be better avoiding that **please note if I am wrong. with the new 08's kickin in, its a grand slam for a new car sorry about your mother, hope her health gets better..
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10-30-2007, 12:35 AM	#17
Div4our Lieutenant 5 Rep 513 Posts Drives: with my right foot down. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Scottsdale, Az iTrader: (0)	I'm also going to give a vote to a new Lexus IS, my IS350 (although I didn't like it, wasn't fast or sporty enough for me), was a VERY comfortable and safe car to drive around, not to mention the steering was very light compared to the 335i I test drove. __________________ Hunting for an e92.
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10-30-2007, 10:00 AM	#19
STE92VE STEVIL Empire 221 Rep 6,297 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear your news but knowing that the E90post.com community affords you great support should help ease the difficult days ahead. As others have mentioned, The Honda/Acura brand steering does require less strength than BMW. When I drive my wife's TL, it seems effortless compared to the E92. __________________ 2007 E92 328i 6MT-Space Gray/Black Dakota/Gray Poplar w/heated seats-PCD 4/27/07 (SOLD) 2009 E90 328i xDrive 6AT-Space Gray/Oyster Dakota/Dark Burl Walnut w/ZPP,ZCW,Xenons-ED 4/17/09 - Redelivery 5/30/09 (SOLD) 2014 E84 xDrive28i 8AT-Alpine White/Black Nevada/Silver Matte w/ZMV,ZLP,494 - DD 3/14/14 (SOLD)
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10-30-2007, 10:13 AM	#20
ejazbmw blahhh 305 Rep 6,355 Posts Drives: 2014 M235I Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (7)	Sorry to hear about you mother I hope everything work out well for her. As for the car I'd go with what Steve said honda/acura they seem to have a rather light steering wheel.
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10-30-2007, 11:04 AM	#22
BretNJ Private 0 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Graphite sedan Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Very sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I just lost my father this year to ALS. He had a very rapid and aggressive form of it. Very tough disease to deal with and watch progress. I see you're in NYC, if you happen to need information in regards to the ALS Chapter of NY let me know. They are very helpful in getting you information on the disease as well as therapy groups/transportation for the later stages. I'll keep your mother in my prayers.
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