[1966-TR4]

This is my first BM, coming from a Golf GTI. I've only had it a few weeks but have noticed a significant proportion of other drivers will not, for example, give me the thank you wave for giving way to them etc. My F31 is pretty ordinary looking, I bought it for the engine and the AWD, so I don't feel it is because of "antagonising swank". I am a very considerate driver in town.

Last night, after following me for 10 miles or so in the outside lane a Golf shot up the inside to turn off the motorway, and the driver drove along giving me the finger. I hadn't done anything other than burn him off a couple of times when the traffic cleared in front of me. This kind of reaction is actually a result, as burning off tailgating kn*bs in VAG diesels is one of the reasons I bought the car. Why do Golf GTD drivers think they have a fast car? :shrug: I had a loaner when the GTI was in getting work done and getting the power down in first is all but impossible.

[F30Andy]

Welcome to BMW ownership.

We are the new Audi drivers, everyone thinks we are wankers.

Also forget about GTD's, wait until a Golf R is in your rear view mirror.
Apparently we have a rivalry with them. We have even had some people defect from here into Golf R's.

If its any consolation, other BMW drivers may possibly be nice to you.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by 1966-TR4

the reasons I bought the car. Why do Golf GTD drivers think they have a fast car? :shrug:

Coz they ain't driven a diesel BM.

[Jaghave]

Here in the States the I have a random race just breaks out because I'm in a bmw and signal to go into the lane and the other driver tryst to close the gap for no apparent reason. Then I have the merc drivers who go against traffic in an attempt to pass me once again for no reason since I'm generally driving slightly above the limit but I guess that not good enough for them.

[Dyl]

I came from a golf GTI too and this is my first BMW.

I noticed a big difference in attitudes you get while on the road when I first bought it.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Jaghave

Here in the States the I have a random race just breaks out because I'm in a bmw and signal to go into the lane and the other driver tryst to close the gap for no apparent reason. Then I have the merc drivers who go against traffic in an attempt to pass me once again for no reason since I'm generally driving slightly above the limit but I guess that not good enough for them.

When we were driving round the west coast we noticed that NOBODY would let us into their lane, so is this a US thing? In the UK the vast majority of people will let you in if you need to change lanes, but in America we literally had to take our lives in our hands and just barge our way into the lane! We were driving a nearly new Yellow Camaro convertible so I don't know if that was why?

[CazuaLLUK]

I came from an Astra so the difference in the way people treat you is huge, not that I give a f**k.

I also have to admit after my cars been remapped, I dont hang around. It's alot of fun lol.

[pienchips]

Same here, this is also my first BM and on the whole its been a positive experience, I quite enjoy seeing the shock on folks faces as I let them out of junctions, don't sit 3 inches off the car in fronts arse and actually use my indicators to signal a lane change BEFORE moving

You still get the odd chopper, who sees the badge as some kind of a affront to his or her persevered status in the world, it really isn't mate, its a mass produced box, just like the rest, only a bit quicker

[skipraider]

Originally Posted by pienchips

Same here, this is also my first BM and on the whole its been a positive experience, I quite enjoy seeing the shock on folks faces as I let them out of junctions, don't sit 3 inches off the car in fronts arse and actually use my indicators to signal a lane change BEFORE moving

Sorry mate, but I don't think your suited to the BMW brand

[AlfaM]

Try driving a Chevrolet Matiz for a week - nobody has any respect for you whatsoever.. NOBODY! People won't let you out, they pull out in front of you, cut you up, and overtake you regardless of what speed your doing. Fooking nightmare!

[BnB]

Coming from a series of Porsches I'm feeling the love. You won't know hate until you've had a red 911 (although plenty of admirers too).

[TodmordenLad]

On my 5th BM and I can't say I've honestly noticed any hatred from other drivers. Living in London, no one lets you out anyway, whatever you're driving, so you get used to it!!

Agree with what you say about the GTD, a real sheep in wolf's clothing. Test drove one a while back and the engine is woefully underpowered for a so-called GT car

[Kal101]

Never had a problem to date

Ad regards people wanting to do the traffic light Grand Prix - give them a seconds head start then blow their doors off.

[on_the_virge]

F*ck em jealousy is a cruel affliction!!!

[Bricktrix]

I forgot what it was like after 8 years out of BMW's.
The day I got back in one, it all came flooding back....used to it again now.

Also noticed test driving AMG mercs, it appeared to be a mix of being even worse, and much better! Quite possibly AMG lovers and flash Merc owner haters

[Alkidrew]

Sounds like your own doing. You 'burn him off a couple of times' and wonder why he then chases you and gives you the finger??

Stop driving like a dick and you'll stop attracting them

[SteveChester]

For me it's one of the joys of owning a BMW - knowing you are better than everyone else.

[DThr33]

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

Sounds like your own doing. You 'burn him off a couple of times' and wonder why he then chases you and gives you the finger??

Stop driving like a dick and you'll stop attracting them

Why should the person behind you care if you floor it away from them?

[stefan4]

The 340i seems to attract much hatred for some reason, been randomly flagged off a few times after no previous interaction with these vehicles so its not like i was driving like a nob and cut them up or anything.

But yes, in general the public seem to hate us

[225]

I wouldnt say I have had any hatred. I get let out of junctions etc as much as I did in the mazda and always get complemented on the car.

[nascot]

Never noticed any hatred. I have noticed people tend to get out of the way quicker if I come up behind them on a dual carriageway or motorway though.

[willjames]

Originally Posted by 225

I wouldnt say I have had any hatred. I get let out of junctions etc as much as I did in the mazda and always get complemented on the car.

I also go out of my way to let people out and always indicate when changing lanes (non indication by others is my pet hate). I always do my bit for courtesy but still encounter a lot of nobbers. As others say, some people just don't like BMW drivers.

Just last night I nearly went into the side of Young Female driver who completely ignored the rules of the road, this I could live with (because I thought she must be a new driver) until her boyfriend in the passenger seat decided to give me the finger and smiled. I lost it big time and and after much gesticulation, horn beeping and flashing to pull over he chose to become very quiet all of sudden...shithouse.

However, this could all have been avoided if he had chosen to hold a hand up instead of one finger. An apologetic hand completely diffuses the situation. When your wrong, admit your wrong...otherwise you may turn a mild mannered janitor into Hong Kong Fuey!