Modern BMWs - The ultimate upperclass chav machine
Discussion
Does it matter so much what other people drive?
If x% of Ferrari owners are wealthy 'peacock' buyers who drive with one hand on the wheel and don't know one end of an engine from another, should that stop an enthusiast buying one?
If x% of Subaru owners are chavs who want something fast but not demanding to drive, should that stop an enthusiast buying one?
The other thing is that I think people here are grossly over-estimating the x% of BMW drivers who are as they describe them. It's pure superstition. A huge percentage of BMW owners are just normal people who want a car to get to work and back in, and could have just as easily been swayed to buy a Golf, Focus etc. My Dad for example has a new 320i and in my memory he's had two other BMWs, a Volvo, two Fords, two Vauxhalls and a Toyota. To him it's just a car, and I think he's a typical owner.
As for all the 'low spec' comments; for most people a 320i/320d is all they'll ever need; 60 in 8 seconds, comfy, sat nav, air con; job done for most people. They're not trying to show off, so stop trying to assume they are. Those models are extremely well rounded. I've owned both 330i and 320d and I actually rate the 320d more highly (I'm on my second). I rate my E36 328i higher than either actually - it's about the whole package for me (and most people I think), rather than this PH obsession with engines.
If x% of Ferrari owners are wealthy 'peacock' buyers who drive with one hand on the wheel and don't know one end of an engine from another, should that stop an enthusiast buying one?
If x% of Subaru owners are chavs who want something fast but not demanding to drive, should that stop an enthusiast buying one?
The other thing is that I think people here are grossly over-estimating the x% of BMW drivers who are as they describe them. It's pure superstition. A huge percentage of BMW owners are just normal people who want a car to get to work and back in, and could have just as easily been swayed to buy a Golf, Focus etc. My Dad for example has a new 320i and in my memory he's had two other BMWs, a Volvo, two Fords, two Vauxhalls and a Toyota. To him it's just a car, and I think he's a typical owner.
As for all the 'low spec' comments; for most people a 320i/320d is all they'll ever need; 60 in 8 seconds, comfy, sat nav, air con; job done for most people. They're not trying to show off, so stop trying to assume they are. Those models are extremely well rounded. I've owned both 330i and 320d and I actually rate the 320d more highly (I'm on my second). I rate my E36 328i higher than either actually - it's about the whole package for me (and most people I think), rather than this PH obsession with engines.
av185 said:
BMW bottom.
Vauxhall a highly placed seventh.
Speaks volumes.
ntiz said:
So lets get this straight you basically drive around with your bass turned up a bit too high then wheel spin away to prove your awesomeness to the people who have given you a glance because you have just turned up with your bass banging away.
Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
Have I just taken the bait or is whoosh parrot due?
I have to ask who is this Audemers I have seen him referenced in a few threads now?
The volume would be at less than a quarter and while you may not hear much inside, you can just about hear the bass outside, it’s not intentionally loud or disrespectful or anything, a mild thump but people seem to take offence by it (including yourself) so I piss them off on purpose, I.e wheel spinning off.Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
Have I just taken the bait or is whoosh parrot due?
I have to ask who is this Audemers I have seen him referenced in a few threads now?
I never said people are intimidated, but if I’m filling up and a man in a basic 318i or a man in an old CLK see me and the car, I just get looked at in a funny way, if I was in a Corolla or a focus, wouldn’t get acknowledged. So I said maybe that’s the case or people just have a problem with BMW’s or people who drive them? Who knows
No bait to be taken and I’m not a nob either.
Monkeylegend said:
What's the old saying, "It takes one to know one"
One can only assume there are a lot of "chavs" posting in this thread and on PH generally.
Personally I haven't got a clue what a "chav" is or looks like
One can only assume there are a lot of "chavs" posting in this thread and on PH generally.
Personally I haven't got a clue what a "chav" is or looks like
A trend I've noticed for many years on here is that a lot of posters heavily criticise owners of BMWs (or Apple phones), particularly low spec models, claiming that they've bought them 'just for the image' and would be better off in a 'higher spec' Ford (or Samsung phone). 'Higher spec' is normally highly individual and for them this means big flashy wheels, a more powerful engine etc. This appraisal is clearly from someone who thinks entirely in terms of image, and not in function; they can't see the tangible benefits of, for example, a 320i SE over a fully specced Golf, and assume the decision is based on image. As I've said before, I don't mind people buying cars entirely on image, but I wish they wouldn't view the world through their own point of view quite so much.
ntiz said:
Chestrockwell said:
I’m quite young, I wear trainers and have a 4 series, I acknowledge people feel that way towards me, I’d play music quietly right, not loud at all, but because mine has Harmon kardon, you can always hear the base and it’s never loud but it’s enough to turn a head or 2, I’d get looked at, probably judged, so what do I do? Press sport plus, slot the gearbox to the left and be sure to floor it off until I reach the speed limit, allowing a small amount of wheelspin, the longer the stare, the more wheelspin 
That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
So lets get this straight you basically drive around with your bass turned up a bit too high then wheel spin away to prove your awesomeness to the people who have given you a glance because you have just turned up with your bass banging away. That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
Edited by Chestrockwell on Wednesday 12th September 01:45
Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
C70R said:
ntiz said:
Chestrockwell said:
I’m quite young, I wear trainers and have a 4 series, I acknowledge people feel that way towards me, I’d play music quietly right, not loud at all, but because mine has Harmon kardon, you can always hear the base and it’s never loud but it’s enough to turn a head or 2, I’d get looked at, probably judged, so what do I do? Press sport plus, slot the gearbox to the left and be sure to floor it off until I reach the speed limit, allowing a small amount of wheelspin, the longer the stare, the more wheelspin
That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
So lets get this straight you basically drive around with your bass turned up a bit too high then wheel spin away to prove your awesomeness to the people who have given you a glance because you have just turned up with your bass banging away. That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
Edited by Chestrockwell on Wednesday 12th September 01:45
Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
lyonspride said:
My neighbours are chavs, f**king dss renters, chav anthems 2018 belting out at 5am in the morning, kids trash the street and throw rubbish and human waste all over the place..... They just got a poo brown BMW 3 or 5 series, no more than a few years old.
It's driven up and down the street at stupid speed, and they seem to be obsessed with testing the horn, the radio and also the suspension by standing in the boot, grabbing the tailgate and jumping up/down
Honestly, if it's new you'll see some slimy salesman type in a suit, if it's more than a couple years old, then it's usually some undesirable in a tracksuit and a baseball hat. BUT you can say exactly the same about Audi and Mercedes too. I used to be surprised at the state of the people driving these cars, but i'm gradually realising it's the norm.
As for reliability of these cars, ask yourself whether these manufacturers might want to discourage these types of owners from purchasing them. with high service costs, high parts costs and poor long term reliability (5+ years) worse than a Fiat or Alfa.
Every chav that buy one of them, damages the image of the brand and they know their most valued customers wouldn't be seen dead in one more than a few years old.
Sounds like you need to move. It's driven up and down the street at stupid speed, and they seem to be obsessed with testing the horn, the radio and also the suspension by standing in the boot, grabbing the tailgate and jumping up/down
Honestly, if it's new you'll see some slimy salesman type in a suit, if it's more than a couple years old, then it's usually some undesirable in a tracksuit and a baseball hat. BUT you can say exactly the same about Audi and Mercedes too. I used to be surprised at the state of the people driving these cars, but i'm gradually realising it's the norm.
As for reliability of these cars, ask yourself whether these manufacturers might want to discourage these types of owners from purchasing them. with high service costs, high parts costs and poor long term reliability (5+ years) worse than a Fiat or Alfa.
Every chav that buy one of them, damages the image of the brand and they know their most valued customers wouldn't be seen dead in one more than a few years old.
As you don't list a garage yourself perhaps you can tell us what an enlightened chap like yourself drives on a daily basis? Do you have a problem with sales people in general, or just ones you have dealt with?I have owned new and used BMW's for years, the M3 had a known fault fixed under warranty but apart from that nothing other than regular service items.
av185 said:
broadly no better driving dynamics and capabilities above the increasingly rare and substantially cheaper Ford's and Vauxhalls of this world. Driven by every person and his/her dog it is quite hilarious to see how pcp has essentially allowed the have nots council class sink estate chavs access to these one time essentially well engineered cars.
That's just totally incorrect.The 3 and 5 series are generally lauded as the best drivers cars, universally. As someone who apparently owns focused cars you don't really have a leg to stand on, unless you are just being provocative (as usual). I get to use a lot of rental cars, Fords and Vauxhalls included and I can say that I am always surprised just how poorly they drive in comparison to the BMW's I have had. I am not saying that they are some kind of supercar but to dismiss them because of weak minded generalisations is a bit tragic.
yonex said:
av185 said:
broadly no better driving dynamics and capabilities above the increasingly rare and substantially cheaper Ford's and Vauxhalls of this world. Driven by every person and his/her dog it is quite hilarious to see how pcp has essentially allowed the have nots council class sink estate chavs access to these one time essentially well engineered cars.
That's just totally incorrect.The 3 and 5 series are generally lauded as the best drivers cars, universally. As someone who apparently owns focused cars you don't really have a leg to stand on, unless you are just being provocative (as usual). I get to use a lot of rental cars, Fords and Vauxhalls included and I can say that I am always surprised just how poorly they drive in comparison to the BMW's I have had. I am not saying that they are some kind of supercar but to dismiss them because of weak minded generalisations is a bit tragic.
Whilst the M3s e90 92 are a bit of a lump handling wise admittedly this could be seen as part of the fun but take the engine away and look at lesser models and basically you have little more than what other 'mainstream' and cheaper £ manufacturers can offer. And often these are better. And more reliable too.
So basically low rent 3 series A4s and equivalent Mercs are relatively pointless but overpriced meh vehicles largely pcpd by delutionists stuck in the timewarp 1980s when these once great vehicles were a quality and premium product.
No longer.
Just like Rover.
Edited by av185 on Wednesday 12th September 12:15
Chestrockwell said:
C70R said:
ntiz said:
Chestrockwell said:
I’m quite young, I wear trainers and have a 4 series, I acknowledge people feel that way towards me, I’d play music quietly right, not loud at all, but because mine has Harmon kardon, you can always hear the base and it’s never loud but it’s enough to turn a head or 2, I’d get looked at, probably judged, so what do I do? Press sport plus, slot the gearbox to the left and be sure to floor it off until I reach the speed limit, allowing a small amount of wheelspin, the longer the stare, the more wheelspin
That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
So lets get this straight you basically drive around with your bass turned up a bit too high then wheel spin away to prove your awesomeness to the people who have given you a glance because you have just turned up with your bass banging away. That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
Edited by Chestrockwell on Wednesday 12th September 01:45
Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
av185 said:
Whilst I don't really do old cars I have always owned various model M3s for the past 20 years and do appreciate the benefits and driving interaction of rwd and 'manuel' gearboxes.
Whilst the M3s e90 92 are a bit of a lump handling wise admittedly this could be seen as part of the fun but take the engine away and look at lesser models and basically you have little more than what other 'mainstream' and cheaper £ manufacturers can offer. And often these are better.
So basically low rent 3 series A4s and equivalent Mercs are relatively pointless but overpriced meh vehicles largely pcpd by delutionists stuck in the timewarp 1980s when these once great vehicles were a quality and premium product.
No longer.
Just like Rover.
On the engineering front all modern manufacturers have got leaner, not just BMW. I'd counter by saying both the i3 and i8 have brought carbon technology a long way, that's not something many others have achieved in mainstream cars? How many great modern engines have BMW produced, a fair few over the recent years. I get slated for this but the 320d is a car I actually like driving, the lowly 'ed' model with its small wheels is a great car for UK roads. It's quick enough and handles well. I want a well sorted RWD car, there's little else at the same price point. Whilst the M3s e90 92 are a bit of a lump handling wise admittedly this could be seen as part of the fun but take the engine away and look at lesser models and basically you have little more than what other 'mainstream' and cheaper £ manufacturers can offer. And often these are better.
So basically low rent 3 series A4s and equivalent Mercs are relatively pointless but overpriced meh vehicles largely pcpd by delutionists stuck in the timewarp 1980s when these once great vehicles were a quality and premium product.
No longer.
Just like Rover.
av185 said:
Yep Audi BMW and Merc are unquestionably the chav chariot of choice these days for sure.
Unfortunately these one time premium marques are now no more than white goods cattle class euroboxes with broadly no better driving dynamics and capabilities above the increasingly rare and substantially cheaper Ford's and Vauxhalls of this world. Driven by every person and his/her dog it is quite hilarious to see how pcp has essentially allowed the have nots council class sink estate chavs access to these one time essentially well engineered cars.
Was it just a couple of years back that Mercedes had the bright idea to appoint Tini Tempah fake rappa innit bruv as their brand ambassador who featured in TV adverts pushing their latest aggressively styled eurobox (a la BMW) largely towards the snowflake pcp chav generation.
Advertising certainly got the desired result.
Mercedes wanted to sell more cars to more young people and they have achieved that.Unfortunately these one time premium marques are now no more than white goods cattle class euroboxes with broadly no better driving dynamics and capabilities above the increasingly rare and substantially cheaper Ford's and Vauxhalls of this world. Driven by every person and his/her dog it is quite hilarious to see how pcp has essentially allowed the have nots council class sink estate chavs access to these one time essentially well engineered cars.
Was it just a couple of years back that Mercedes had the bright idea to appoint Tini Tempah fake rappa innit bruv as their brand ambassador who featured in TV adverts pushing their latest aggressively styled eurobox (a la BMW) largely towards the snowflake pcp chav generation.
Advertising certainly got the desired result.
Who are we to decide if they "deserve" to drive a Mercedes or not?
Chestrockwell said:
C70R said:
ntiz said:
Chestrockwell said:
I’m quite young, I wear trainers and have a 4 series, I acknowledge people feel that way towards me, I’d play music quietly right, not loud at all, but because mine has Harmon kardon, you can always hear the base and it’s never loud but it’s enough to turn a head or 2, I’d get looked at, probably judged, so what do I do? Press sport plus, slot the gearbox to the left and be sure to floor it off until I reach the speed limit, allowing a small amount of wheelspin, the longer the stare, the more wheelspin
That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
So lets get this straight you basically drive around with your bass turned up a bit too high then wheel spin away to prove your awesomeness to the people who have given you a glance because you have just turned up with your bass banging away. That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
Edited by Chestrockwell on Wednesday 12th September 01:45
Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
You'll have to believe me when I say that people aren't impressed.
av185 said:
Was it just a couple of years back that Mercedes had the bright idea to appoint Tini Tempah fake rappa innit bruv as their brand ambassador who featured in TV adverts pushing their latest aggressively styled eurobox (a la BMW) largely towards the snowflake pcp chav generation.
You cannot possibly realise what an utter bell this makes you sound... Self-awareness is clearly not a strong point.Deep Thought said:
Chestrockwell said:
C70R said:
ntiz said:
Chestrockwell said:
I’m quite young, I wear trainers and have a 4 series, I acknowledge people feel that way towards me, I’d play music quietly right, not loud at all, but because mine has Harmon kardon, you can always hear the base and it’s never loud but it’s enough to turn a head or 2, I’d get looked at, probably judged, so what do I do? Press sport plus, slot the gearbox to the left and be sure to floor it off until I reach the speed limit, allowing a small amount of wheelspin, the longer the stare, the more wheelspin
That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
So lets get this straight you basically drive around with your bass turned up a bit too high then wheel spin away to prove your awesomeness to the people who have given you a glance because you have just turned up with your bass banging away. That’s just at normal places where people walk past, I always get looked at in petrol stations, not like I’m walking around with my Johnson in my hand but whenever I pull up or someone pulls up, I always get a look, a weird one, maybe of intimidation, especially by people with ‘inferior’ cars, 95% of the time, every time.
Edited by Chestrockwell on Wednesday 12th September 01:45
Then you think that people are intimidated by your diesel 4 series. This seems a tad unlikely or you are a little bit of a knob.
I guess your 4 series is full of eBay "M" badges as well maybe even an "M4" badge too
Are people really looking at you? Probably not, Does anyone care? Definitely not
When you say my BMW, I reckon its the finance companies myself
C70R said:
It's probably because you drive it with the "I'm quite young and own a newish BMW, look at me" attitude. You know, like your post comes across. I can picture you now, cruising through downtown Macclesfield (other low-rent, regional towns are available), windows down with your arm on the sill, two gears higher than you need, trying to catch the eye of pedestrians to make sure they are suitably impressed.
You'll have to believe me when I say that people aren't impressed.
You'll have to believe me when I say that people aren't impressed.
Spinning the wheels away from every set of lights, believing people are looking at his driving prowess when he does it as opposed to thinking "dick".
Chestrockwell said:
Well do you have another explanation? Why else do people look then, I know it’s the internet and you have no reason to believe me but I’m really not lying, it’s not like it’s a lie I’d want people to believe where I said I own a Lamborghini, only said people always look at me when I’m in my BMW, I drove my dads Honda Accord last week and it was as if I was invisible
Is it an Active Tourer ? I hear they're quite popular :TarpaTow said:
BM Active Tourer - definitely really highly recommended. Awesome driving machines with absolutely Mega image. People certainly form an impression of you as soon as they know what you drive.
I don't understand all these people on here saying they don't care. Of course they do, it's just that they haven't yet been able to get into something Premium or Prestige so they don't really understand.
My BM 2AT makes an incredible first impression and all the nonsense said on here about nobody knowing what you park in the car park is easily overcome. I'll often just casually mention in conversation things like 'I've parked the BM over there, is that okay?' or just leave the keys easily visible on the table. Message - wow, this guy drives a BM and all that goes with that ie success. Respect.
When I reach a senior position I'll obvs be moving up the BM ladder just so people know that they're dealing with an even higher achiever. As a BM driver it's obvious people look at you enviously, knowing that the guy behind the wheel, me, has obviously had more success than them, even if I'm much younger. No non-BM drivers on here can honestly say they don't.
How could you take somebody as a serious mover and shaker if they rocked up in something like an old Skoda, or if you turn up for a high-powered meeting and park next to their old car.
Your car is your main image statement to the world, once you've experienced that in a BM it's difficult to know how to improve on it.
Some people think Lexus is the answer!
Really, a Japanese car with a funny grille? Wasn't there an old tennis player back in historical times who said something like
'YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS'
I don't understand all these people on here saying they don't care. Of course they do, it's just that they haven't yet been able to get into something Premium or Prestige so they don't really understand.
My BM 2AT makes an incredible first impression and all the nonsense said on here about nobody knowing what you park in the car park is easily overcome. I'll often just casually mention in conversation things like 'I've parked the BM over there, is that okay?' or just leave the keys easily visible on the table. Message - wow, this guy drives a BM and all that goes with that ie success. Respect.
When I reach a senior position I'll obvs be moving up the BM ladder just so people know that they're dealing with an even higher achiever. As a BM driver it's obvious people look at you enviously, knowing that the guy behind the wheel, me, has obviously had more success than them, even if I'm much younger. No non-BM drivers on here can honestly say they don't.
How could you take somebody as a serious mover and shaker if they rocked up in something like an old Skoda, or if you turn up for a high-powered meeting and park next to their old car.
Your car is your main image statement to the world, once you've experienced that in a BM it's difficult to know how to improve on it.
Some people think Lexus is the answer!
Really, a Japanese car with a funny grille? Wasn't there an old tennis player back in historical times who said something like
'YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS'
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