[tex2670]

Originally Posted by enotech

I'm aware that a lot of people regard BMW drivers (or more generally, expensive european car drivers) as being obnoxious, superior and arrogant.

Just wondering if anyone has actually been judged this way because of the car they own.

I'm pretty sure that this happened to me last night (although "BMW" was never mentioned).

The story goes like this: Often when visiting my girlfriend, if her kids are already parked there, I'll park in the driveway of the vacant block opposite her house. Last night, I was running late for something and was flustered, and when I went to her place to pick her up (in the dark), I accidentally parked in the driveway beside the one I normally park in (and didn't realise this until I'd come back out to the car). This is somebody's driveway, and I was parked in their way, and yes - this was my fault, and I did the wrong thing. Happy to admit that, and I'm sorry. Anyway, when I came back out several minutes later, I found that the guy across the road had parked across his driveway - blocking me in. As he and his kids were entering the house, I ran up to him to explain that I'd done it by accident and I was really sorry, but this guy wouldn't even give me the opportunity to apologise. Instead he stood there lecturing me about what a bad thing I'd done and was asking me low long did I think would be fair for him to keep me waiting to moving his car. I couldn't get a word in and he was being really arrogant. As he finally went to his car to move it, he told his 2 young kids that I was an example of a bad person and that they shouldn't grow up to be like me.

He never mentioned the fact that I drive a BMW, but I'm sure he was thinking "Bloody BMW drivers think they can just park anywhere".

Or maybe he was just an asshole.

And what made you think the driveway of a property that isn't yours and isn't your girlfriend's is a place you can park? Sure, you made an innocent mistake parking in the wrong driveway, but only because you thought it was fine to trespass on someone else's property for your own convenience.

[Free Spirit]

People block my driveway almost everyday because its entrance is next to fire hydrant, so instead of taking a chance and parking by the hydrant and not being an a-hold, they completely obstruct my driveway's entrance, because I can't write tickets..

I don't care if you're driving a Bugatti, you're a penis if you do that ish.. You wont understand unless you're in that situation like every other day..

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Free Spirit

People block my driveway almost everyday because its entrance is next to fire hydrant, so instead of taking a chance and parking by the hydrant and not being an a-hold, they completely obstruct my driveway's entrance, because I can't write tickets..

I don't care if you're driving a Bugatti, you're a penis if you do that ish.. You wont understand unless you're in that situation like every other day..

The only thing I disagree with here is that others can't appreciate this if they are not similarly affected. Everyone should get this, without having to explain it. I don't care if it's a stranger's driveway, double parking, or a handicapped spot--nowhere is it written that illegal parking is ok if it's "just for 5 minutes". I realize that common courtesy is almost dead in our society, but that doesn't mean that I have to accept it.

Perhaps the guy who yelled at OP didn't need to be so harsh. But OP coming here with a sob story--well, sorry, no sympathy from me.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by tex2670

And what made you think the driveway of a property that isn't yours and isn't your girlfriend's is a place you can park? Sure, you made an innocent mistake parking in the wrong driveway, but only because you thought it was fine to trespass on someone else's property for your own convenience.

I thought the OP explained fairly why he made a mistake.

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

I just assume I'm being judged while I pass everyone on the highway. Sorry my car likes to go fast.

[SoCal_NSX]

Originally Posted by tex2670

And what made you think the driveway of a property that isn't yours and isn't your girlfriend's is a place you can park? Sure, you made an innocent mistake parking in the wrong driveway, but only because you thought it was fine to trespass on someone else's property for your own convenience.

Yeah, that's a douche move in itself....dude was probably pissed about that already then he parked in his driveway? He's lucky that all he did was block him in.

It had nothing to do with the brand of car that made him look like a douche.


Sorry OP, but the moral of the story is - don't park in driveways that aren't yours regardless if you think they are vacant.

other people's property

[jinxremoved]

I found I was treated differently on the road when I drove my wife's old X1 compared to my 335. Typically, I don't get cut off in the 335 (and I do a ton of driving for work). I often would get cut off in the X1. I think people judge the SUV/Wagon type cars and figure they can just behave how they want.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

I thought the OP explained fairly why he made a mistake.

Yes--he decided he could park on the vacant lot that he had no right to park on, and then one dark night, he didn't park on that driveway, but on the driveway next door. That's how I read the story.

Which means that if he didn't help himself to the vacant driveway (which he has no right to park on to begin with) for his own convenience, then he wouldn't have made the mistake of parking in the neighbor's driveway.

Many of us have lived in urban areas where parking is a challenge. The world does not owe any of us a parking spot right out front--that only happens in the movies.

[enjoythemusic]

Hmmm, i get judged poorly all the time.

Don't these people know who i am? <sarc>

[cptcherry]

Originally Posted by 3A53

Nope, as a matter of fact people are generally a lot more respectful when they see my BMW.

LOL.
I find that people don't let me in when I want to merge, or they cut me off.

Had a hire car while mine was in for a service and it was a completely different story driving a Corolla. haha

[akf30]

Once, I overtook a Ford Taurus driver who was doing 5 MPH below the speed limit in the far left lane (3 lane highway, also known as the passing lane). As soon as I passed him, he increased his speed and we took the same exit, and he said a bunch of nonsense and kept saying "I was a typical asshole European driver" I assumed he was talking about the BMW in regards to European, considering I don't know what "European" looks like?? I usually drive with all my windows down rather then use the A/C. I just laughed and said have a nice day bud and drove off when the light turned green.

But in terms of your story, don't think he cared you drove a BMW. Because people with new/used/shitboxes/exotic car do this. Do you know how many times I have seen someone block someones driveway because people are to lazy to find an actual spot. I feel like this is a lazy thing, instead of taking the time to go and find an actual spot someone decides to just park anywhere they feel is easiest and fastest for them. Be considerate, I don't think you or anyone wants to come how from a long day and see a car blocking there driveway and blocking them from being able to park there car and go inside and enjoy a damn drink. I would be pissed too. Sorry OP, but you fucked up.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by tex2670

Yes--he decided he could park on the vacant lot that he had no right to park on, and then one dark night, he didn't park on that driveway, but on the driveway next door. That's how I read the story.

Which means that if he didn't help himself to the vacant driveway (which he has no right to park on to begin with) for his own convenience, then he wouldn't have made the mistake of parking in the neighbor's driveway.

Many of us have lived in urban areas where parking is a challenge. The world does not owe any of us a parking spot right out front--that only happens in the movies.

I read that he was confused and parked accidentally in the wrong driveway. Doesn’t seem to me that he did it on purpose. Then again I don’t judge people as harshly as some.

[Fuller]

Yes, the op was at fault, as he admitted from the beginning. If I were him I'd have listened to the guy's diatribe without contention since I was wrong, but only to a certain point. When he began telling his children how I'm a bad person, we would have had a problem, and it might have gotten ugly. Adding that is going way over the line. At that juncture, he more than made his point and he simply took the opportunity to humiliate and bully the op.

[jh_f30]

I wonder how much demographic has to do with it. I live in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley. You can spit in any direction and hit a BMW/Mercedes/Audi/etc (just please don't spit in my direction). I think if someone had a gripe against drivers of those brands around here, they would have a mental breakdown every day on their commute.

[cassius777]

I used to have mazda, seat, alfa romeo (sport-ish revisions) but since I have a bmw i have noticed that almost every time i'm overtaking, drivers in those cars push the gas in the same time..

[Savageenterprise]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

I wonder how much demographic has to do with it. I live in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley. You can spit in any direction and hit a BMW/Mercedes/Audi/etc (just please don't spit in my direction). I think if someone had a gripe against drivers of those brands around here, they would have a mental breakdown every day on their commute.

I have to agree with you. Here in Long Island NY you got some people with serious money. My 3 series is nothing special per say when you see one every minute on the road.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by Savageenterprise

I have to agree with you. Here in Long Island NY you got some people with serious money. My 3 series is nothing special per say when you see one every minute on the road.

Same here. BMW is entry level decent car for anyone with a decent income in southern CA and 3 series are a dime a dozen. Yes, I have gotten stereotypical jabs and things from coworkers and a few comments before but end of the day, no one cares about BMW 3 series around here. It is the Camry of southern CA. It merely an acceptable mode of transportation and you can pull up to any valet at any restaurant or club anywhere and not be shamed.

[Digital_83]

Pfff .. you got lucky ! My garage neighbor had my old E92 towed [while I was away in Europe cousin asked to use my car - so he did, and parked it in the wrong spot upon returning ...]. Calls me back : "Yeah bro, all good ! Thank you !! I parked it right back, its in garage safe n sound !!!! All good bro !!!! "

So, a couple of days later I get back home; rested and chilled coming down to the garage .. "WTF !!! Where's my car ?!?"

So yeah dude, you got lucky )

p.s. that being said - I do get weird looks occasionally from my co-workers for no reason :/ ... an odd feeling

[Digital_83]

Originally Posted by cptcherry

LOL.
I find that people don't let me in when I want to merge, or they cut me off.

Had a hire car while mine was in for a service and it was a completely different story driving a Corolla. haha

Debatable .. IMHO it all depends on a driver inside of that Bimmer. I mostly get "let in or out" off a lane, a "right-of-a-turn", etc ... as long as I remain civil, show turns long enough, and thankful [blink my hazard lights a couple of times] and so on.

There're a lot of d*ckheads driving BMWs; surely, I don't want to be one of them.
p.s. and no-no, by no means, I'm not implying that you may be doing something to piss'em off.

[rbol13]

As others have said, but different location (chicagoland) you see many very expensive, very fast cars here, especially in summer. So a nice 335i doesn't draw much attention. However I have had in the last week TWO v6 accord drivers try to race me lol go figure...

[Mike.]

Originally Posted by chiefneil

Well you did park in his driveway when he came home with his kids, so he has a right to be PO’d. I think it’s probably 50/50 on whether someone would shrug it off or be upset, you just got the luck of the draw.

Originally Posted by tuco44

Doubt he cared you have a BMW, he did care that you parked in his driveway. I understand his anger, so 50-50 as others have said. No biggie.

Originally Posted by vooonoo

I would've had your car towed if you were in my driveway, so he probably handled it better than i would've

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

It had nothing to do with the brand of car.

Originally Posted by tex2670

And what made you think the driveway of a property that isn't yours and isn't your girlfriend's is a place you can park? Sure, you made an innocent mistake parking in the wrong driveway, but only because you thought it was fine to trespass on someone else's property for your own convenience.

Originally Posted by Free Spirit

People block my driveway almost everyday because its entrance is next to fire hydrant, so instead of taking a chance and parking by the hydrant and not being an a-hold, they completely obstruct my driveway's entrance, because I can't write tickets..

I don't care if you're driving a Bugatti, you're a penis if you do that ish.. You wont understand unless you're in that situation like every other day..

Originally Posted by tex2670

The only thing I disagree with here is that others can't appreciate this if they are not similarly affected. Everyone should get this, without having to explain it. I don't care if it's a stranger's driveway, double parking, or a handicapped spot--nowhere is it written that illegal parking is ok if it's "just for 5 minutes". I realize that common courtesy is almost dead in our society, but that doesn't mean that I have to accept it.

Perhaps the guy who yelled at OP didn't need to be so harsh. But OP coming here with a sob story--well, sorry, no sympathy from me.

Originally Posted by SoCal_NSX

Yeah, that's a douche move in itself....dude was probably pissed about that already then he parked in his driveway? He's lucky that all he did was block him in.

It had nothing to do with the brand of car that made him look like a douche.


Sorry OP, but the moral of the story is - don't park in driveways that aren't yours regardless if you think they are vacant.

other people's property

Originally Posted by Digital_83

Pfff .. you got lucky ! My garage neighbor had my old E92 towed [while I was away in Europe cousin asked to use my car - so he did, and parked it in the wrong spot upon returning ...]. Calls me back : "Yeah bro, all good ! Thank you !! I parked it right back, its in garage safe n sound !!!! All good bro !!!! "

So, a couple of days later I get back home; rested and chilled coming down to the garage .. "WTF !!! Where's my car ?!?"

So yeah dude, you got lucky )

p.s. that being said - I do get weird looks occasionally from my co-workers for no reason :/ ... an odd feeling

Originally Posted by rbol13

As others have said, but different location (chicagoland) you see many very expensive, very fast cars here, especially in summer. So a nice 335i doesn't draw much attention. However I have had in the last week TWO v6 accord drivers try to race me lol go figure...

This.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by rbol13

As others have said, but different location (chicagoland) you see many very expensive, very fast cars here, especially in summer. So a nice 335i doesn't draw much attention. However I have had in the last week TWO v6 accord drivers try to race me lol go figure...

Some people just want to see it run. Had a guy in an Audi wanting to race my COBRA on Sunday morning