Modern BMWs - The ultimate upperclass chav machine
Discussion
Colleague at work was moaning about needing to replace his old Skoda.
"I'd like something with 4/5 seats, and some luxury now" he said.
Being the 'car guy' in the room, I began with some suggestions, starting with a BMW 3 Series.
He blurted out "Pah... A BMW??, No thanks! Look at the people who drive them.... upperclass chav's, they are everywhere!".
I lol'd and quizzed him about what he meant by the term 'upperclass chav', he said "basically it comes down to two things:
I started asking him if was a specific generation of BMWs, E46, E90, F30 but he looked gone out as if I was throwing food additive e-numbers at him.
We searched on google images, and it appears its the E9x generation that really got his goat.
Have to admit, around our area there are tons of BMWs on the roads. Far more than Mercedes and Audis, seems to be a decline in E46's though.
Do you agree/disagree that BMW no longer has the image it once did?
"I'd like something with 4/5 seats, and some luxury now" he said.
Being the 'car guy' in the room, I began with some suggestions, starting with a BMW 3 Series.
He blurted out "Pah... A BMW??, No thanks! Look at the people who drive them.... upperclass chav's, they are everywhere!".
I lol'd and quizzed him about what he meant by the term 'upperclass chav', he said "basically it comes down to two things:
- "Their previous car was a some s
tbox Vauxhall of some sort, and now have a clapped out Beemer to show they have made it in life." - "They wear white socks."
I started asking him if was a specific generation of BMWs, E46, E90, F30 but he looked gone out as if I was throwing food additive e-numbers at him.
We searched on google images, and it appears its the E9x generation that really got his goat.
Have to admit, around our area there are tons of BMWs on the roads. Far more than Mercedes and Audis, seems to be a decline in E46's though.
Do you agree/disagree that BMW no longer has the image it once did?
MrGTI6 said:
So long as they're not too crusty I can't see the problem.
A quick google came up with this:https://twitter.com/chavsinwhitesox?lang=en
There is definitely some pre-cognitive bias/stereotyping when it comes to 'affordable' BMWs or other upperclass german marques.
For example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDmyW3zYTUU
...poor guy, he even signalled and still got screamed at.
For example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDmyW3zYTUU
...poor guy, he even signalled and still got screamed at.
wormus said:
... in the sense that German cars are in a different class to Vauxhalls etc with regards to build quality no?That video is hilarious!
Deep Thought said:
...
Because it allows people to "think" they know about cars - "oh yes, i've a Mercedes AMG". No. You dont. You've a C220CDI "AMG Line".
That's exactly the conversation my old man had with his best friend. Said friend kept saying his C-class was an AMG, only to discover its a vanilla C class with AMG stamp on the wheels. Because it allows people to "think" they know about cars - "oh yes, i've a Mercedes AMG". No. You dont. You've a C220CDI "AMG Line".
Deep Thought said:
yonex said:
I’ve never heard anyone say they have an AMG Mercedes or M BMW when it’s just a diesel with badges.
I’m pretty sure half the stories here are just made up BS.
So you've never experienced it so it must be BS? I’m pretty sure half the stories here are just made up BS.
It happens.
wormus said:
JaredVannett said:
... in the sense that German cars are in a different class to Vauxhalls etc with regards to build quality no?
That video is hilarious!
I wouldn’t say they are better built than any other Vauxhall or Ford. They are all built by robots and designed down to a price. I’d say BMWs stopped being genuinely premium build quality about 1995.That video is hilarious!
JimSuperSix said:
popeyewhite said:
Just passed a 2 litre 5 series in a field, having spun backwards off a DC about 50 yards out of a roundabout. Unexpectedly heavy rain caught the driving God unawares (was actually a young lad stood by the car getting soaked and looking sheepish).
I guess he just couldn't feel the rwd to the same godlike level as certain posters here 
austinsmirk said:
There's quite a lengthy thread on here somewhere, with me moaning about BMW owners and their utter inability to say
"my car is a 2010, 5 series, 2.0 petrol". ie. so idiots like me know what on earth they are referring to.
No- its always, "I drive an E27 you know" (quite clearly I know I am wrong here and I am guessing at a made up model number).
Naturally I am laughed at for not knowing the entire model range of a car. Who does eh ? I'm not 11 anymore with an autistic like knowledge of the printed pages of the back of What Car. I'm a grown up.
I am guilty of this as are many BMW enthusiasts."my car is a 2010, 5 series, 2.0 petrol". ie. so idiots like me know what on earth they are referring to.
No- its always, "I drive an E27 you know" (quite clearly I know I am wrong here and I am guessing at a made up model number).
Naturally I am laughed at for not knowing the entire model range of a car. Who does eh ? I'm not 11 anymore with an autistic like knowledge of the printed pages of the back of What Car. I'm a grown up.
It doesn't stop at model numbers either, we seem to know engine designations too, S54, S55, S65, S85 and on and on.
If I meet someone, and we happen to talk about cars, should they mention they used to own a 3-series I will naturally blurt out "oh which one, E46, E92"?
And as you described, sometimes the person will stare with a blank look. I know it may seem like a 'superiority' thing, but it really isn't.
In BMW enthusiast circles (eg. forums) it's the natural lingo, so the moment you talk to anyone about a BMW model you assume they know their E,F,G numbers.
I will say this though.... this so called shorthand of codes is something the BMW community tend to do a lot, you don't often hear Merc/Audi chassis codes in discussion.
Some stigmas just stick.
When I had a BMW I used get a bit of bashing from the office... "about indicators".
I used to retaliate (as I always indicate), but soon learned to go with the flow and laugh it off.
The irony being the amount of Audi's I've seen lane hopping without indicators... yet are they the brunt of indicator jokes....? nope!
When I had a BMW I used get a bit of bashing from the office... "about indicators".
I used to retaliate (as I always indicate), but soon learned to go with the flow and laugh it off.
The irony being the amount of Audi's I've seen lane hopping without indicators... yet are they the brunt of indicator jokes....? nope!
JaredVannett said:
Some stigmas just stick.
When I had a BMW I used get a bit of bashing from the office... "about indicators".
I used to retaliate (as I always indicate), but soon learned to go with the flow and laugh it off.
The irony being the amount of Audi's I've seen lane hopping without indicators... yet are they the brunt of indicator jokes....? nope!
When I had a BMW I used get a bit of bashing from the office... "about indicators".
I used to retaliate (as I always indicate), but soon learned to go with the flow and laugh it off.
The irony being the amount of Audi's I've seen lane hopping without indicators... yet are they the brunt of indicator jokes....? nope!
Hobbit1 said:
... and it didn't take long for the usual comments:
Wonder what Mr Hunter drives eh?
bodhi said:
We woz going to go for a 5 Series but the extra monthlies meant we couldn't afford the 65 inch telly on the never never from Brighthouse. I tried to put my foot down but Chantelle and little Jackson, Nike, Kanye and Primark need their Jeremy Kyle time in the morning before they head down the Spar to get their Scracth Cards and 20 Benson Blues.
One day I can upgrade to my dream, a BMW M520d Sport with the M Colours on the grille.
One day I can upgrade to my dream, a BMW M520d Sport with the M Colours on the grille.
- rubs thighs*
They could give Wonga a call... oh wait.
J4CKO said:
Hobbit1 said:
That ad was from the mid nineties and was referring to an 80s stereotype of BMW drivers, who, to be fair may have been a brash yuppie, but no hint of "Chav".Things have moved on since then, Audis were definitely referencing BMW there, nailed on, and in the years since then have gone from being cool, techy, German Volvo's to being in a exact same market.
av185 said:
Continuing the theme.
Random spot at the gym today.
Lots of free car parking spaces.
Not one but two illegally parked cars on double yellows causing numerous obstructions and preventing access to the disabled.
fkwits.
No other brand of vehicle was similarly parked illegally.
Unsurprisingly, they are both BMWs.
If what you say is true I cannot fathom why they would do that unless....the bays ridiculously tight?, they don't want to risk Maureen 'the door slammer' turning up in her fiat.Random spot at the gym today.
Lots of free car parking spaces.
Not one but two illegally parked cars on double yellows causing numerous obstructions and preventing access to the disabled.
f
kwits.No other brand of vehicle was similarly parked illegally.
Unsurprisingly, they are both BMWs.
Does seem strange.
Triumph Man said:
I have two BMWs - one is 16 years old and has a private plate, the other is 23 years old and has no MoT and is currently parked on the lawn...
Careful now, under PH customs parking on the lawn is considered a pinnacle attribute of council av185 said:
It's awfully quiet in here without Yonex the official Chav BMW spokesperson.
Presumably he is fretting over the increased 'mumflies' on his new downgraded 1 series.
:
Bless!
Cracks me up everytime I hear that word Presumably he is fretting over the increased 'mumflies' on his new downgraded 1 series.
:Bless!
Mike335i said:
yonex said:
Has to be.
It’s called ‘merging’ everywhere in the world does it better than the UK.
True, in Holland we had 'ritsen' which translates to zipping. They even had TV adverts to explain/remind people how to do it properly.It’s called ‘merging’ everywhere in the world does it better than the UK.
https://youtu.be/8pOuwdQuMgE
Don't even need to speak Dutch to understand the advert.
Infuriating when there is always that one person who doesn't want to follow what everyone else is doing (letting one car in / zipping). To be honest, most times the 'tool' is someone in a right s
tbox, refusing to let you in, and if he/she spots you in a german car, you ain't getting in.Schmed said:
In short BMW drivers are s, it’s no great surprise is it?
Not all, as I even hired one once, but most drive in an aggressive, not let anyone in type manner, particularly in the South. And it is predominantly BMW drivers. Whether that is solely due to PCP deals or something else I could not say, but would think these people were somewhat safer in underpowered 2ndhand metros than all powerful 320d German autobahn cruisers.
And to be fair, AV has held the fort outnumbered, and has taken on and continues to wipe the floor with Deep Thought, Brooking, Mike335 24/7 (and some others) during a busy working week. Fair play.
Schmed has joined the lobbys, it’s no great surprise is it?Not all, as I even hired one once, but most drive in an aggressive, not let anyone in type manner, particularly in the South. And it is predominantly BMW drivers. Whether that is solely due to PCP deals or something else I could not say, but would think these people were somewhat safer in underpowered 2ndhand metros than all powerful 320d German autobahn cruisers.
And to be fair, AV has held the fort outnumbered, and has taken on and continues to wipe the floor with Deep Thought, Brooking, Mike335 24/7 (and some others) during a busy working week. Fair play.
Some 'colorful' definitions of BMW/Audi/Merc drivers according to urban dictionary:
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=BM...
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Au...
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=me...
One for peugeot too:
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pe...
RetroWheels said:
The big Mondeo's that Ford produce these day's are - objectively - lovely car's, i 've drove them , and for day to day driving in the UK they fit my (and probably many other's ) needs.
FWIW i bought a big cylinder 3 Series BMW because it was Fast , within budget and - with 4WD , the diametric opposite of what i've been familiar with for a long time.
I may not be typical , in that i remember when 993 Porsche were 20k, TVR Sagaris were 25K and Sierra Cozzy's were 10k... so to drop 30k on a Mondeo just feels wrong somehow..
Whilst knocking that sort of money on a diesel Bimmer that does 0-60 in 4.8 (Countach numbers) resonates,.. even with someone who - for the past 30 years has regarded anything non M Power Munich product , to be unworthy of discussion but i can still see why we do it ,.
Hey .. but what do i know ? getting into big diesels about a decade too late hehe Car's like the new Jaguar IPace
represent what we will remember - one day many years to come - as the zeitgiest of 2018 .. Saw one today on the M6 ,Jaguar iPace, looked fking horrendous to me , big placstic all electric, stupid sized wheeled - excercise in virtue signalling.
Dont mind me if i disagree with the title of the thread OP , but the "upperclass chav machine" coming soon will not be restricted to one Marque.
I agree, a few pages ago someone tried to list some alternatives that matched BMW, Audi, Merc in terms of build quality, performance and desirability (visual appeal/uniqueness) that had not become 'chav-ised' yet... hardly anything turned up. Unless you start looking at Porsches but then we're getting out of affordability range for the average person.FWIW i bought a big cylinder 3 Series BMW because it was Fast , within budget and - with 4WD , the diametric opposite of what i've been familiar with for a long time.
I may not be typical , in that i remember when 993 Porsche were 20k, TVR Sagaris were 25K and Sierra Cozzy's were 10k... so to drop 30k on a Mondeo just feels wrong somehow..
Whilst knocking that sort of money on a diesel Bimmer that does 0-60 in 4.8 (Countach numbers) resonates,.. even with someone who - for the past 30 years has regarded anything non M Power Munich product , to be unworthy of discussion but i can still see why we do it ,.
Hey .. but what do i know ? getting into big diesels about a decade too late hehe Car's like the new Jaguar IPace
represent what we will remember - one day many years to come - as the zeitgiest of 2018 .. Saw one today on the M6 ,Jaguar iPace, looked fking horrendous to me , big placstic all electric, stupid sized wheeled - excercise in virtue signalling.
Dont mind me if i disagree with the title of the thread OP , but the "upperclass chav machine" coming soon will not be restricted to one Marque.
It's a shame to hear that about the I-Pace, I came to the conclusion a Jaaaaaaaaaag would be the answer.
British Bias?
A cousin of mine works around the world, he visits us a few times a year. Everytime he does, he hires a car (something special) and I get to have a little drive. When I pulled up to the local petrol station in these hired cars (M3, M4, Porsche 911 Carrera S), there was no reaction from the public, some would even consciously avoid eye contact - didn't bother me. But more recently my cousin hired a Grey Jaguar F-Type V6 S. When we pulled up to the same petrol station the reaction was a complete 180, thumbs up, people nodding/smiling... it was uncanny!
I asked my cousin "What's going on?", to which he replied "It's because it's a Jag".
Many looked our way as we fired up the engine to leave, the exhaust in the V6S is pure theatre, they enjoyed hearing it - but ironic in that they probably would not have been as amused hearing the exhaust of the other cars (M3, Porsche 911 etc) even though they are equally entertaining.
Although the previous hired cars were mainly BMW M's, I feel the same negative reaction would have happened if they were AMG or RS cars.
Edited by JaredVannett on Sunday 30th September 18:19
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