Are you a "typical" BMW driver

[sygazelle]

I keep hearing that BMW drivers are known to tailgate, don't use their blinkers, cut people off, and generally drive like a$$hats.

Is this a myth or do you think it's really true. Do BMW drivers deserve this stigma?


For me personally, it's not the case. I don't think so anyway. I use my turn signals almost 100% of the time. I stop completely at each and every stop sign. When its going to be a tie at a stop sign, I usually slow down a bit so the other person is first, eliminating that awkward "who goes first" moment. I don't tailgate.

What kind of driver are you?

[Llarry]

I drive about like you do and try to be courteous to others. I do routinely exceed the speed limit by a bit, though.

[Oldgixxer]

Born&bred,100% NY driver. That should answer all of your questions

[cmyx6go]

I'm a very courteous driver. I always use my blinkers. I let others merge in. I don't cut people off. I stay right except to pass. Under ordinary circumstances, I do not tailgate. That being said, do not hold me up in the left lane driving below the speed limit with no traffic ahead of you. I drives me bat shit crazy. Look in your f'ing mirror and move over. Please see signature below.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

I'm a very courteous driver. I always use my blinkers. I let others merge in. I don't cut people off. I stay right except to pass. Under ordinary circumstances, I do not tailgate. That being said, do not hold me up in the left lane driving below the speed limit with no traffic ahead of you. I drives me bat shit crazy. Look in your f'ing mirror and move over. Please see signature below.

I believe it was Car and Driver magazine which years ago coined my favorite phrase for these left-lane bandits: Anti-Destination-League.

[Car-Addicted]

30 years of driving in Boston, New York City and while I was using up Saab's then I was definitely a BMW stereo type driver. Using turn signals is a invitation for the other driver to speed up and cut you off. Tailgating is mandatory, never show a gap that a car can fit into (like showing fear to a angry dog). When I moved back to PA it was 30 days before I realized that what was required in New England will get you the finger in PA. I'm now a happy courteous driver again unless someone gets aggressive with me then my BMW stereo type behavior returns. Or is it my time in SCCA Showroon stock D

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I keep hearing that BMW drivers are known to tailgate, don't use their blinkers, cut people off, and generally drive like a$$hats.

Is this a myth or do you think it's really true. Do BMW drivers deserve this stigma?


For me personally, it's not the case. I don't think so anyway. I use my turn signals almost 100% of the time. I stop completely at each and every stop sign. When its going to be a tie at a stop sign, I usually slow down a bit so the other person is first, eliminating that awkward "who goes first" moment. I don't tailgate.

What kind of driver are you?

Over here Audi drivers have taken over that unwelcome mantle, the bigger the Audi the worse the road behaviour especially on the highway, selfish to the core.

[greyspoke]

My wife and I are both BMW drivers (M3 and X3). I drive more similar to you and she drives more like a "typical" BMW driver. When I got my M3 I was surprised the blinker still worked

[Car-Addicted]

Boston is soo bad it has it's own book.
The Boston Driver's Handbook: Wild in the Streets

https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Driver.../dp/0306813262

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

30 years of driving in Boston, New York City and while I was using up Saab's then I was definitely a BMW stereo type driver. Using turn signals is a invitation for the other driver to speed up and cut you off. Tailgating is mandatory, never show a gap that a car can fit into (like showing fear to a angry dog). When I moved back to PA it was 30 days before I realized that what was required in New England will get you the finger in PA. I'm now a happy courteous driver again unless someone gets aggressive with me then my BMW stereo type behavior returns.

When changing lanes on the highway, I use my blinkers at the time of the move. Three obligatory clicks. I see my gap and make my move. I do not use them in advance as an invitation or please let me in. This is also to avoid those that see your blinker and speed up not to let you in.

When driving in the streets, I use them in advance. Another thing that drives me batshit crazy is when driving on a two lane roadway without left turn lanes and the person ahead of me is making a left and puts on their blinker after they have already stopped. Had you put it on in advance, I could have gone around you instead of getting stuck behind you.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Over here Audi drivers have taken over that unwelcome mantle, the bigger the Audi the worse the road behaviour especially on the highway, selfish to the core.

Beat me to it.

[///MPhatic]

1. I pay attention.
2. I have a fairly good amount of driving skill (trailing-throttle oversteer is my favorite).
3. I drive like I have somewhere to go.
4. I typically drive 5-10 mph OVER the speed limit.
5. I don't eat, or use my phone when I drive (except on the Interstate).
6. Every car I drive is very well maintained, I know it well, and it moves WELL.

If you mix those things with the typical clueless drivers on the road there is natural conflict. This is as much my fault as it is theirs, so it is what it is.

Not sure if that's the typical BMW driver, I think it's more typical of sports car drivers.

[CTinline-six]

I'm a courteous driver, but have very low tolerance for people who suck at driving and are not paying attention. If I'm stuck behind someone who is clearly texting and can't decide if they want to do 55 or 25 on a 50 mph road I will use my right foot to get as far away from them as possible. Wake the fuck up people.

[///d]

I see more BMW driving habits come from suburbia soccer moms and flat bill wearing starbucks dads driving Tacos, Tahoes, Burbans, etc.

I would consider my self an asshole driver that most of you would probably hate. For the most part I always use blinkers, I always come to a stop. I used to be the one going 10 over, but now I typically stick to 5 over (which irritates me because now I get stuck with everyone else now). But everything for me is situation and location dependent. If I'm at home in the country my driving is far less aggressive. I use signals in advance, I give people room (with the below exceptions). But if I'm in the city I drive as if I'm in the city because otherwise you're more of a danger.

Tailgating for me is situation dependent and often times based on other drivers behavior. Fast lane and someone isn't making an attempt to go faster than traffic next to them? I give a minute or so to notice what you're doing before I make you uncomfortable so you get out of the way. If you're making an effort to pass and move over I'll stay back and give you your space and time. I usually always give room on a single lane highway unless you're one of those who slow down to 10 under when traffic is approaching and then speed up to 10 over when theres no traffic making it more difficult to get around you. Then I'm going to make you know I'm there.

Really it comes down to the other driver and their habits. If I come across someone who is a shit driver or being an asshole, well then I don't care, I'll treat you as you treat others, but if they are really bad or unsafe I'll keep my distance regardless.

I do think the BMW myth is due to 2 things.

1) The majority of your BMW drivers are upper middle to upper class folks who are often times less patient or have more of that "me me me" mentality.
2) A large portion of BMW drivers are here for that performance aspect of the car, which usually comes with a heightened sense of driving leading to faster and more aggressive driving habits.

[///d]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

I'm a courteous driver, but have very low tolerance for people who suck at driving and are not paying attention.

This.

[///MPhatic]

If they would just make driving in the passing lane without actively passing a ticketable offense, say $250, this discussion would be very, very different.

I have vastly more issues with people that don't know how to use the left lane than drunks, or people on their phone.

[Joebie]

On-ramps are drag strips and the fast lane is for openly commiting crime, but I always use my blinker (literally 100% of the time even at 3AM without a soul in a 5 mile radius im using my blinker) and I never tailgate unless you're not passing in the fast lane.

[tranquility]

I'd be surprised if there is someone who can be 'better' (maybe tie lol), not in terms of laptimes, but in terms of road courtesy and gen awareness/behavior, e.g. I adhere to the 'stay right unless passing' and that doesn't only mean just staying out of the left-most lane, but as right as possible, dictated by the speed of traffic; this also applies to city roads in addition to highways. Other stuff like if I'm coming to a light and the other lanes are free, if I'm in the right-most lane and see the guy behind wanting to turn right, I'd move over; blind corner where to stop, and other stuff.

[Joralemon st.]

Well, if you drive in Florida — you'll see that nobody uses their blinkers, not a BMW privilege at all...

[ppointer]

I am polite, use my turn signals 100%, stay out of the left lane except to pass. Drive 10mph over, unless I am in FL where we drive quite a bit faster than that.

Speaking of FL, Joralemon st. is correct -- no one signals down here no matter what they're driving.

But I lose all sense of decency when I find someone camped out in the left lane and refusing to move over.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Over here Audi drivers have taken over that unwelcome mantle, the bigger the Audi the worse the road behaviour especially on the highway, selfish to the core.

It's probably a regional thing. To be honest, BMW drivers in my area never get my attention for their a$$hattedtry. In my area, that claim to fame goes to Honda Civic drivers.

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by Joralemon st.

Well, if you drive in Florida

If you live in Florida you have the ultimate driving obstacle. Qtips or as I call them, elderly chicanes. Driving 35 in a 55 makes be revert to my worst instincts