[stressdoc]

Yes, an M3 is on the list.
But to the issue of the downsides: spending so much time on E90post!
Then again, what could be more fun... other than driving!

[ed328ci]

As others have mentioned, the stereotype is the biggest downside to owning a Bimmer. Everyone thinks BMW owners are overly wealthy, though SUVs, such as the Toyota 4Runner costs as much, or more than a loaded 3 Series.

Ed

[sinister]

Originally Posted by magmd

Nobody believes I am Mexican...they think I am of a different ethnicity due to the stereotypes here on the westside of LA regarding BMWs and "brownish" people. That is all I am going to say, so as to not perpetuate the stereotype.

In the UK I'd say 25% of sporty or luxury BMW owners are probably brown people Come to England

[Jason]

Guess there are people who didn't see my post in the last page, but please keep this thread on-topic. Recent off-topic remarks have been removed, sorry, but it had to be done.

[KungFuJoe]

Man...if there's a downside to being a BMW owner, I haven't discovered it yet.

So far it's been a win/win situation for me.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by visor

Wow. What kind of girls do you hang out with?
If you ever get hitched to anyone of them, a prenup is highly recommended.

You mean a psychiatrist is highly recommended.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by Chuck_IV

Ridiculous. A BMW is a BMW, regardless of price. Should you not buy a $200,000 home because it diminishes other homeowners who dropped $1,000,000+ on theirs?




No the lesson is don't buy a car to appease others(non-family), buy a car to appease YOURSELF. Buying a car just for your public perception or to appease others is lame and sad IMO.

And just plan stupid!

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

What a strange perspective. I can afford any car I want. I wouldn't want a 7 series at all. Way too big and silly looking for me. I need 4 doors and don't want some huge car and certainly not a top heavy SUV. Not everyone buys a car to try and get noticed. Some people buy them because they feel it is the right car for them in balance and what their needs are. The BMW 3 is really about perfect for me in size, comfort, feel and fuel economy which isn't that bad considering what you get.

If you want to show off, you should have gotten a used Ferrari or something.

Agree 100%. And I wouldn't buy a Ferrari because I would be afraid to get scratches and dinks on it from all the careless and inconsiderate drivers out there. Too much money to park on the street, IMO.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by wweoholic

Also is it fair to be on a ego trip when you have become more succesful then your parents combined, at age 17?

That gives me a little validity.

Wow, you need serious help. Money nor a car make a man. You got problems. Get some help now while your young.

[md37793]

17, uneducated, ego issues, problem with athority, own business........dude, i feel for your investment future. If you continue to make the decisions you are making you are doomed to be a failure. Oh...newsflash: your uncles $5500 dollar a month is not a huge payment in the the scheme of things. I am also very interested in how you came up with 44k at the age of 17 all by yourself.

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by poldim

I guess it depends on the circles that you hang out in...


I am a college student, so to most of my friends a 45 thousand dollar car is a big deal. If you are a 35 year old with wife, kids, house, dog, then most of your friends are probably at the same level. My roommate know how I got the car and that my parents didnt hand it over to me. Guys seem to generally think I'm a mama's boy while girl just go "wow" and "hot". I really dont care either way.

I am more than 12 years younger than 35 as of today, and I do paid off this car for myself by cash, tho. anyway, I do like cars a lot, they are like big toys for me. There are a lot of different type of ppl out there. In some ppl's eyes(not me), 3er just like europen version's civic, some ppl think it is luxury sport saden. it's totally depends. know more different type of ppl and hand out with them is different story.

[RichReg]

Well after thoroughly reading this thread, I have to echo:

1)timzerofive's comments about the fact that you simply can't go back to driving anything else. My father just bought an '07 S-Class and it a VERY nice car. But even after driving it around, I know something's missing until I get behind the wheel of my own 330 (or even my 6 year-old E46 for that matter).

2)KC Bimmer's comments about the 335. So now you're hooked on these damn cars, and what does BMW do that practically no other manufacturer does? They change the engines less than two years into the introduction of the new model you just bought. So what, I'm supposed to trade up now?

Just seems like these two combined are a horribly viscious cycle.

[sblument]

disadvantages for me of owning a BMW:

- have to wait until it's paid off to buy my wife a Mini
- worry more about the car getting dings, dents, etc
- cost 2x as much as a honda civic to own/drive
- more expensive gas
- so so mileage (would have probably bought the diesel were it available)
- expensive maintenance once the 4years is up
- ride with ZSP not the greatest in chicago's bumpy local roads (but it's great on the highway)
- massive depreciation

But I still love it (because of all the upsides which have been covered ad nauseum)

[coupedupcivic]

im considered a drug dealer now...

[wuufer001]

Hate it when people bitch about how loaded you are and being a spoiled brat, this is because it's my first car and still in uni. Now sometimes i hate driving around campus when it's rush hour or roll down windows. The other thing is when you are in a non-bimmer, it makes you so bored. I am glad this is my first car and i chose it to be, 19 yrs old is a bit young for this car but who gives a s#%t, i like it and it's mine.

[Lost Rider]

Originally Posted by BKsBimmer

Only downside I can think of to owning a BMW is getting sucked into truely useless threads like this one
.

[md37793]

my little sister was 18 when my parents bought her an X5. It was the car that she felt safest in as did my parents. If you have the means to provide your children with a great car and they are level headed, than I see no problem purchasing them said vehicle. Its the people that key cars and the ego trippers who give us BMW owners a bad name. If your 17,18,19 years old with a BMW...good for you. If your parents bought it, always remember who paid for the car. Don't bounce around town like your the shit. Also, if you are young and have a BMW than don't get penis envy over an older guy in a 6 series pulling up next to you. That is just ignorant. Moral of the story...be happy what you have.

[climkt]

some of my colleagues and friends tell me a lot of the wealthy taiwanese buy a lot of nice cars ie bmws for their kids in university in australia and the kids get a lot of resentment from the locals. i guess people really get more envious seeing a youngster in a nice car, more so than a retiree in a nice car. any comments?

[Redguy]

Can't comment on resentment towards the 'younger' owners, as here in the UK I have never seen anyone of that age group in cars like this. If at 17 you can afford a crappy Ford Escort, you're doing pretty well!

As for myself (at 32) I still get a whole load of "how can you afford that?" - with difficulty! In this area, I am certainly one of the youngest 'new' BMW owners/drivers. However, I am sure that everywhere is different.

In general, because of some peoples' problem with the marque, I have had experience of people loudly stating how over-rated the cars are, and how thay would never buy a BM.

End of the day, you buy the car the car to please yourself, and if I see a guy in a top line 5, a 6, or any other nice car, I would just think - good on him - and hope that one day that I might get one myself!

[davinet78]

there are no down sides for me thanks

[noflash]

Face cramps from my constant grin.

[climkt]

hi redguy, i saw a top gear prog/video once on e90 post that stated that the e46 saloon sold better than a Ford mondeo. i must confess that from 1992 to 2002, i did see a lot of 3 series bmws in UK roads. they were very prevalent in London. I still miss my UK e36 325 coupe dearly, enjoyed all the drives from Blackpool to Southhampton at 1am to see my other half. made the long trips so tolerable and enjoyable.