This isn't my first BMW, but I have been noticing people reacting way more aggressively towards the badge lately. Anyone else notice this, or is it a regional thing? I've been driving for 25 years, and do not recall this ever happening with my Mazdas or Fords... (Aggressive as in cutting off, slamming on brakes when I am behind them, constantly trying to race, etc.)

TXSchnee wrote

This isn't my first BMW, but I have been noticing people reacting way more aggressively towards the badge lately. Anyone else notice this, or is it a regional thing? I've been driving for 25 years, and do not recall this ever happening with my Mazdas or Fords... (Aggressive as in cutting off, slamming on brakes when I am behind them, constantly trying to race, etc.)

YES

Haters gonna hate.

So, being totally honest here, I have never been all that interested in owning a BMW because the general attitude about someone who owns a BMW is that they are a major DB. This is an attitude that I have had as well that was born from experience with BMW owners on the road and off.

That being said, I chose the car I have because it was the best option for me and I have always loved BMW's commitment to the actual driving of a car - so I guess you could say that I purchased it despite my prejudice against those who own them.

I still see punks and jerks full of themselves who love to show up behind the roundel just to show people how cool they are, and given BMW's reputation as a high end, higher performance brand, I'm not sure that will ever go away - those who buy a car to be seen in will never truly understand the joy of driving the right car, but from BMW's perspective, no reason for a purchase is a bad one, so they freely push the lifestyle and image as much as they can.

Given that, I know I will always catch a look from someone because I drive a BMW, or will always be challenged on the road by some idiot (guy in a Chevy Cruze last night flying down the highway at 95 miles an hour just to "show me up"). But I know I bought this car because it was what fit best for me and is the most exciting option as a driver's car within those parameters. I don't show off, I could actually care less what the brand is, although I now feel a certain loyalty to the brand as an owner. I don't care what others drive, I hope they enjoy their car, whatever it is, and do so without infringing on others enjoying their cars.

I don't see this ever changing - and with a certain percentage of the country now labeling themselves proud "deplorables" and pushing loudly and sometimes violently against those they feel consider themselves the "elite," this may be increasing a bit.

I usually see this from other BMW drivers....

I haven't noticed any unusual behaviour towards me while driving the BMW. Never think about actually

Yes, I get noticeably more of the aggressive behavior towards all of the BMWs I've owned. Doesn't happen all the time but there is a certain percentage of drives who react to the brand. Now there are certainly some jerks driving BMWs but not more than any other brand. One thing I have noticed is that in areas where there are a lot more BMWs the aggressiveness is less common. If your driving somewhere that they are rarer it is more likely you will encounter someone trying to make a point.

Yes!
Way more than with my Audi A4 Avant.
And over here in The Netherlands, they always haggle Audi en BMW drivers...
Audi for speeding and pushing..
BMW for double parking and never using signals


And please believe me, I'm a real gentleman on the road. Yes, I drive fast on highways, but always at ease, no bumper pushing, using signals and letting other people mistakes slide off of me in suburban traffic.

But let's be honest...
This X3 with huge kidneys is really a "in your face" car..
One of the reasons I went for black kidneys/grill.. More cool than "in your face" now in my opinion.
Using my ride a lot for visiting customers and such, and although this car was the best option for me, I preferred the XC60 a little for the front exterior. Bit more classy and more suitable business-wise.. again, my opinion and taking in regards that I work with/for local entrepreneurs and really don't want to show off too much as it gives a wrong impression..

Privately: Love the brutal front of the X3, the overall black look and well formed rear. XC60 not my kind of booty

But ey..
You're driving a new BMW, so you have prejudice not working for you...
Not your problem..