Having spent the first 24 years of my life in Metro-Detroit, I think I can relate to where you're coming from.
The problem around Detroit; is BMW drivers are the huge minority. More so then any other import (well... except maybe Subaru
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I would notice a huge difference in how I was treated while driving my BMW, vs. my dad's Saab or STS, or my mom's Civic. I was constantly cut off, tailgated, not allowed to merge, or just given the finger for no reason. People in Michigan view BMW as the German army coming in and destroying American jobs
Getting this treatment each day definitely puts you on the defensive. I would still try and break the stereotype and compliment any nice car I saw on the road, German, Japanese or American.
One thing I did notice. BMW drivers in Detroit are MUCH friendlier to one of their own then out here in Phoenix. In Michigan, most drivers are enthusiast, or at least acknowledge another brave soul.
Not saying either 5er driver you came across wasn't a prick - they definitely sound like they were.
Quote:
Originally Posted by E82tt6
It's not all BMW drivers, but I think BMWs tend to get a higher quantity of pricks in a relatively high performance car than other makes. Since most BMW buyers are buying for status, and a lot of them are midlife crisis guys who want something fast and german, they end up in top of the line non-Ms, or M cars. At this point, encouraged by their SA, they think they're in God's gift to driving.
Interestingly enough, I've never run into a prick BMW driver in a modified BMW. My opinion is the impression of BMW drivers being pricks comes from the vastly differing motives for purchase of enthusiast vs non-enthusiast drivers.
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+1
I can't believe how many people I see driving around in M cars that obviously bought it, based only on the fact that it's the best BMW.
Few weeks back I pulled up to a light next to an Interlagos Blue M coupe. I put down my window to compliment his car - he wouldn't even look over. As soon as the light turned green, he mashed the pedal and took off.
And yeah, there's a difference between the BMW driver who bought the car for status, and the one who bought if for the driving experience. Most BMW drivers won't return a friendly wave; but modded Bimmers are more likely to acknowledge another enthusiast.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sailvi767
The first thing you have to understand is that anyone who races on the street is both immature and a idiot. There is no such thing as safe street racing period....
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Everything you've said is valid and reasonable; but let's stay on topic. The thread is about driver's attitudes and the perceived BMW superiority complex. There are more then enough other threads about street racing.