So my Mini is at MAG getting it's coolant leak fixed and some new oil installed and since Jill is out of town I had to get a loaner. It is a very nice X3 bright red in color. I just feel like such a pompus *** driving it. I have always loved BMW's, but driving one makes me feel like a better than everybody jerk. Anybody else have the same feelings?

Also they have some 1's in stock and they look great in person!

 

Do you mean feelings about you being a pompus *** or you thinking that you are better then everybody or more importantly you blaming these things on you driving a rental X3?

 

You should buy a couch and start a shrink practice with insights like that.

 

I'm going to assume this is a temporary feeling, but if you start coming to breakfasts wearing shirts with little polo players on them, we will have to have an intervention.

 

In all seriousness, an old college friend went from an Accord to a C-class Merc and I noticed a change in his personality (not in a good way either). I don't think it was the car itself, but more the additional money he was making that caused the change.

 

Be careful, the X3 is a very nice car.

 

It is and I noticed that I was driving much faster than I needed or wanted to, but what I hate about it and every other SUV I have ever driven is that I feel like I have so much vehicle to be mindfull of that I get uncomfortable. Oddly I never had the same feeling driving my old boss' Bentley which was much bigger.

And for the record I actually am wearing a sweater with the little polo guy on it today

 

I was wondering when the two X3 drivers would find this

 

If you get to the alligator look, I'm going to get scared.

 

It's worse than I thought....

 

Do you know the difference between a porcupine and a BMW ????A porcupine has the "******" on the OUTSIDE ....

 

For my last service the nice SA said. Here's your nice new BMW 5 series to drive. I said heck no!! I want that there turbo boosted MINI over there. I said I wanted to have fun. He looked at me like I was crazy or something. OK who tipped him off about me?

 

We drive an X3 and previously owned a 325i, Z3 coupe and 318ti. Never thought of ourselves as jerks, just lovers of great engineering and driving experiences. One thing we have noted from non-bmw drivers (including unfortunately some MINI owners) is a sort of reverse snobbery (or is it envy?) toward bimmer owners. We have participated in some BMWCCA activities and have yet to meet a jerk. Just enthusiasts like those in the local MINI group. We've worked darn hard, made corporate relocations and other sacrifices to develop a career that supports bmw and MINI habits. And yes, the X3 is a wonderful car.

Rob M.

 

For the record I was not saying BMW drivers are jerks, I was just saying I felt like a jerk driving it. I have friends with BMW's and while they are not jerks, I have always felt weird when driving them. There is just something about BMW's that makes me personally feel uncomfortable driving them.

 

Maybe Allen just has a thing against bright red BMW built cars....oops that would be you again Rob Sorry Allen just trying to smooth this out for you, guess I don't have a future as a PR guy

 

Held back again by the gentelman in the purple car.

 

I understand your point. I feel funny when driving Buicks because they conjure up images of a "hat car" due to the image of the elderly people you often see driving them. I may be getting old but you won't see me wearing a hat (or driving a Buick).

Unfortunately, BMWs gained a bad reputation in the 1980's as a Yuppie car with all the negative stereotypes that go with it. Those of us who loved BMW's before they were "cool" hated seeing people buying them as as status symbol rather than for their driving character and engineering. I refuse to
bend to pop culture conventions. I drive a BMW because I like it, not because I am trying to make a statement or look down at others. Other BMW owners that I know feel the same way. BTW, many of the farmers in our county drive pickups that cost more than any of the BMWs I've owned and these folks could buy and sell me any day. I respect that.

Not trying to be confrontational -- just wanted to provide perspective as an X3 and MINI owner.

Rob

 

Funny thing is I have always had a thing for Buicks. Growing up my dad had a couple of LaSabras (one was a desiel I beleive) and they were great cars. I really like the current design of all the Buicks even their SUV's look nice to me.

Of course I also like the Jag S-Type and X Type, I think I may be the youngest person on the planet to admit that

 

I'd LOVE to find a nicely kept or restored BMW 2002 one day... now that's a cool little car. Not half as cool as Fiona, but...

 

I had a Buick Rendezvous company car and it surprised me how good it was overall. But, I was careful never to wear a hat .

However, we had a Honda Pilot and 325i as our own cars at the time and it suffered in comparison on handling and drivetrain. Buick's new SUV (Arcadia?) looks nice and has been well-rated.

Rob

 

There is a late 80's 5 in our neighborhood that if it goes up for sale I will jump on it. 5 speed no rust nice car. I almost bought a 2002 a few years ago, but there was substantial rust damage and I did not want to get into that :(

 

A few years back I went on a 2002 quest myself... Looked at about a dozen cars, all of which were eother rusted out or needed substantial work, so I passed (waah!). I get the feeling thsat the enthusiasts for that car are a rarer breed than the Mini...

 

I think alot of the 2002's got beat up when they were new making good ones hard to find. I actually looked around and there were quite a few down south that were in good shape, but most were a bit pimped and I wanted something with a more stock appearence.

I gave a guy my email address a few years ago after golfing with him, he has an old 240Z that he is the origianl owner and it was mint I told him to email me when he was ready to sell. My dad had one when I was little so I have always wanted to get one.

 

Oh man are you on the fast track to old fart hood.

My dad had a Buick Regal. He referred to it as the "Sports Car". A few years ago he asked me to sell it for him. Longest week of my life. Even worse that selling his Maytag, oh I mean Camry.

Allen if I'd only have known about your love of Buick's. I'd have made you a sweet deal.

 

Weird... MY dad had a 240Z as well when I was a kid... it was gold. I remember riding around lying in the hatchback, since it had no rear seats. Those were the days...