Hesitant To Tell People What I Drive...

Wrngway · 12-14-2011, 07:34 PM

The response is usually "Oh!" and their eyes get wide.

I really hate the stigma that the BMW brand carries. Maybe stigma is the wrong word. It seems like most folks think that people buy BMW's to show off or to flaunt a superiority complex. I'm sure that's true to some extent, but in my mind, that's not what the brand is about.

I bought this car because it combined an involving driving experience with the practicality that I needed. My number one priority was the driving experience. I threw specs out the window and concentrated on which car was the most fun to drive in my price range. I drove GTIs, Lancers, CTS, and the C-class.I traded off features for the driving experience. That really is where BMW excels.

As much as I love the car, I cringe when someone asks what I drive. I just wish that BMW was recognized for what this car offers and not the 80's yuppie image baggage that it's taken on.

Sorry...just had to vent. Feel free to post your thoughts.....

P.S.
Oddly enough, I enjoyed telling people that I loved my Z28 when I had one. The idea of that car being owned by mullet wearing trailer park dwelling folks was really hilarious. It was a bargain performance car...overpowered and quite willing to go around bends. It was an underdog.

3_runner · 12-14-2011, 07:43 PM

...Take pride in what you drive guy. Don't cringe.

NoMods · 12-14-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3_runner

...Take pride in what you drive guy. Don't cringe.

this... and who cares what others think.

335 oClock · 12-14-2011, 07:47 PM

you wouldn't feel that way if you lived where I live , so be proud of it!

edirtaynine · 12-14-2011, 07:53 PM

i totally feel u on that hahahah i just tell people now "a 3series". for some reason (probably similar reasons to what you listed), when i say "bmw" their reaction is something like "damn baller" so then i say "uh its just a 3series. not even close." LOL

Wrngway · 12-14-2011, 07:56 PM

And you all are absolutely right.

The E90 drove like it should right off the lot. I think if more people spent time behind the wheel of one, they would understand how a car should handle. I spent time and money on previous cars trying to get that feel down. The E90 has it nailed.

JBE90335 · 12-14-2011, 08:08 PM

I know what you mean OP. I'm 20 and when I say I drive a BMW I get the same reaction. Little do they know I paid the same 25k that they paid for their new Jetta or camry. It's all about the stereotype I guess.

Braxo · 12-14-2011, 08:09 PM

I feel the same way.

For some reason I get embarrassed when people learn what car I drive because of what the BMW brand alludes too.

@edirtaynine, I'm with you. I just say it's a 328, a tell them it's more attainable then you would think.

idrift4wd · 12-14-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3_runner

...Take pride in what you drive guy. Don't cringe.

youll be surprised how people change when you tell them you drive a bmw.

its a good and bad thing.

especially girls. asking for rides and stuff. gtfoh. except the cute ones.

idrift4wd · 12-14-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMAC63

I know what you mean OP. I'm 20 and when I say I drive a BMW I get the same reaction. Little do they know I paid the same 25k that they paid for their new Jetta or camry. It's all about the stereotype I guess.

co-sign.

jayely1 · 12-14-2011, 08:11 PM

I do the same thing, I feel like I have to say it like I hate it or something? Or people will think Im bragging even though they asked...Its weird.

xe90x · 12-14-2011, 08:13 PM

Should change the bmw emblem to a honda emblem if it's an issue. Tell them it's a honda with a bmw body kit lol be happy and proud of your car!

TheTal0n · 12-14-2011, 08:14 PM

Girls always say "OMG Kuutteee give me a ride!11!!!1" And then everyone else says " Wow your spoiled" Feelsbadman =(

xe90x · 12-14-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idrift4wd

especially girls. asking for rides and stuff. gtfoh. except the cute ones.

taibanl · 12-14-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braxo

I feel the same way.

For some reason I get embarrassed when people learn what car I drive because of what the BMW brand eludes too.alludes?

@edirtaynine, I'm with you. I just say it's a 328, a tell them it's more attainable then you would think.

Maybe its because you managed to buy a luxury car without ever learning proper english?

Tuesday · 12-14-2011, 08:18 PM

Like a lot of things in life, people come to the easiest conclusion possible about things they aren't educated in. My GF was one of them - she didn't see the point in buying anything expensive. So I bought her a measly 328 and now she is unstoppable. Once she realized what I was talking about when I said that these cars have a soul, and each one is a little different in indescribable ways; Now she calls me from the road telling me about all the 'other' German cars she now notices and wants. Looks like a Panamera may be coming to the family eventually. All that aside though, BMW has a bad wrap because the drivers of them want to DRIVE. And after a day behind the wheel of one, other, more casual drivers make us insane because they 'just won't go!' so we speed around them and the cycle of stigma continues.

Mwishlist · 12-14-2011, 08:33 PM

Don't worry about it. I am a drummer in an indie / punk band; you have no idea the kind if crap I got when people started finding out what I bought. I don't even drive it to shows at most of the dives we play. But my close friends have always known I am a car guy and they totally understand, although it certainly doesn't stop them from ribbing me about it.

darebornsolja · 12-14-2011, 09:01 PM

yea bmw is all relative, some of my neighbors drive GTR's, 911 turbo's, Bentley's, etc.

I'm happy with my car and that really all that matters,

Bunkei · 12-14-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idrift4wd

co-sign.

+1 .. I have a 335i and my base salary doesn't even top $50K.

John 070 · 12-14-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunkei

+1 .. I have a 335i and my base salary doesn't even top $50K.

In general, car expenditures shouldn't be more than 10% of gross pay. Doesn't seem likely you followed that rule...

Aces · 12-14-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

In general, car expenditures shouldn't be more than 10% of gross pay. Doesn't seem likely you followed that rule...

I was pretty happy to find my 330xi for under 20k... I earn a little under 60 and it's comfortable where it sits right now.

apocalypse · 12-14-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTal0n

Girls always say "OMG Kuutteee give me a ride!11!!!1"

Tell'em you will.. without the car.

12-14-2011, 07:34 PM	#1
Wrngway Lieutenant 31 Rep 393 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan A6 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: D.C. Metro iTrader: (1)	Hesitant To Tell People What I Drive... The response is usually "Oh!" and their eyes get wide. I really hate the stigma that the BMW brand carries. Maybe stigma is the wrong word. It seems like most folks think that people buy BMW's to show off or to flaunt a superiority complex. I'm sure that's true to some extent, but in my mind, that's not what the brand is about. I bought this car because it combined an involving driving experience with the practicality that I needed. My number one priority was the driving experience. I threw specs out the window and concentrated on which car was the most fun to drive in my price range. I drove GTIs, Lancers, CTS, and the C-class.I traded off features for the driving experience. That really is where BMW excels. As much as I love the car, I cringe when someone asks what I drive. I just wish that BMW was recognized for what this car offers and not the 80's yuppie image baggage that it's taken on. Sorry...just had to vent. Feel free to post your thoughts..... P.S. Oddly enough, I enjoyed telling people that I loved my Z28 when I had one. The idea of that car being owned by mullet wearing trailer park dwelling folks was really hilarious. It was a bargain performance car...overpowered and quite willing to go around bends. It was an underdog.
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12-14-2011, 07:43 PM	#2
3_runner Private First Class 4 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cape Cod iTrader: (1)	...Take pride in what you drive guy. Don't cringe.
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12-14-2011, 07:47 PM	#4
335 oClock MOE 214 Rep 2,530 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (13)	you wouldn't feel that way if you lived where I live , so be proud of it! __________________ Duke Dynamics//Evolution Racewerks//LTBMW *335 oClocks Project Build//Photo Shoot*
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12-14-2011, 07:53 PM	#5
edirtaynine Major General 81 Rep 6,092 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	i totally feel u on that hahahah i just tell people now "a 3series". for some reason (probably similar reasons to what you listed), when i say "bmw" their reaction is something like "damn baller" so then i say "uh its just a 3series. not even close." LOL
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12-14-2011, 07:56 PM	#6
Wrngway Lieutenant 31 Rep 393 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan A6 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: D.C. Metro iTrader: (1)	And you all are absolutely right. The E90 drove like it should right off the lot. I think if more people spent time behind the wheel of one, they would understand how a car should handle. I spent time and money on previous cars trying to get that feel down. The E90 has it nailed.
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12-14-2011, 08:08 PM	#7
JBE90335 Captain 27 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I know what you mean OP. I'm 20 and when I say I drive a BMW I get the same reaction. Little do they know I paid the same 25k that they paid for their new Jetta or camry. It's all about the stereotype I guess.
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12-14-2011, 08:09 PM	#8
Braxo New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2005 LR3 / 2011 328xi Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Buffalo, NY iTrader: (0)	I feel the same way. For some reason I get embarrassed when people learn what car I drive because of what the BMW brand alludes too. @edirtaynine, I'm with you. I just say it's a 328, a tell them it's more attainable then you would think. __________________ 2011 328i xDrive - Automatic Twitter: @braxo Last edited by Braxo; 12-14-2011 at 10:40 PM.. Reason: for taibanl's sake
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12-14-2011, 08:11 PM	#11
jayely1 Colonel 223 Rep 2,076 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Mexico/Illinois iTrader: (1)	I do the same thing, I feel like I have to say it like I hate it or something? Or people will think Im bragging even though they asked...Its weird.
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12-14-2011, 08:13 PM	#12
xe90x Lieutenant 27 Rep 566 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Should change the bmw emblem to a honda emblem if it's an issue. Tell them it's a honda with a bmw body kit lol be happy and proud of your car!
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12-14-2011, 08:14 PM	#13
TheTal0n Captain 51 Rep 605 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	Girls always say "OMG Kuutteee give me a ride!11!!!1" And then everyone else says " Wow your spoiled" Feelsbadman =(
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12-14-2011, 08:18 PM	#16
Tuesday Frequent Flyer 51 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 535LCI Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 38°20′35.2″N 109°39′58.5″W iTrader: (7)	Like a lot of things in life, people come to the easiest conclusion possible about things they aren't educated in. My GF was one of them - she didn't see the point in buying anything expensive. So I bought her a measly 328 and now she is unstoppable. Once she realized what I was talking about when I said that these cars have a soul, and each one is a little different in indescribable ways; Now she calls me from the road telling me about all the 'other' German cars she now notices and wants. Looks like a Panamera may be coming to the family eventually. All that aside though, BMW has a bad wrap because the drivers of them want to DRIVE. And after a day behind the wheel of one, other, more casual drivers make us insane because they 'just won't go!' so we speed around them and the cycle of stigma continues.
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12-14-2011, 08:33 PM	#17
Mwishlist Private First Class 3 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 2008 328i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Don't worry about it. I am a drummer in an indie / punk band; you have no idea the kind if crap I got when people started finding out what I bought. I don't even drive it to shows at most of the dives we play. But my close friends have always known I am a car guy and they totally understand, although it certainly doesn't stop them from ribbing me about it. __________________ Interviewer: The most exciting moment during the race weekend? Kimi: I think so it's the race start, always. Interviewer: The most boring? Kimi: Now.
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12-14-2011, 09:01 PM	#18
darebornsolja First Lieutenant 17 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 18 F80 [yezy] Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Arcadia iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00]	yea bmw is all relative, some of my neighbors drive GTR's, 911 turbo's, Bentley's, etc. I'm happy with my car and that really all that matters,
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