Zed's and how they are perceived either side of the Pond

[JetBlackZ]

Haha w***er, I have never heard anyone call someone that in the US.
I usually get the nod from another BMW owner or the thumbs up. Unless they are insulting me behind my back I would say people are generally positive.
Although, I did get asked by an employee at my local gas station I frequent if I was a drug dealer since I am pretty young and I have a Benz and G35 as well. My answer was if I was you think I would admit to it :wink:

Of course I am not

 

[ovrkll]

Pretty much the same here. Most people don't know the diffence between and 328 and an M5.
The culture around my area has also gotten to where a "BMW" is a status symbol and wanted by anyone that can afford to buy one off the used car lot. They may not be able to afford the repairs on them when it comes, but they still have a BMW :roll:

 

[epbrown]

I've had nothing but "Nice car!" comments since getting mine. I will say that I've noticed really inconsiderate driving on the part of other BMW owners in Chicago, and I tend to compensate by being extra nice on the road. I was already pretty nice, since where I learned to drive most people had gun racks.

 

[azroadie]

I get very differing views over here. Most guys (regardless of the POS they drive), look at me like I'm a tool. Not driving a real man's car...but I think that goes with any convertible. I think it's kinda funny that people who don't have nice cars make fun of people who do. They have the attitude like, "if I were to buy a nice car, it'd never be a chick car like that." Maybe some sort of inferiority complex. But that's only with guys.

Every girl LOVES the car!..So I guess I'll proudly say, "It's a chick's car!" but I totally don't mind! Do you now how many hot chicks complement me on my car and want a ride? So screw the dudes who don't like it! I'm sure many others feel this way, but I still consider the z4 one of the most unique looking cars on the road, love it or hate it, it a work of art, and does and will continue to turn heads. I LOVE IT and that's all that matters!

...wonder if the people who critize us for our "hairdresser cars" would turn down owning one if they had the chance? I doubt it.

 

[enfield]

My Coupe gets noticed quite a bit. Chicks check it out of the corner of their eyes (probably because I am sitting in the car ). Kids give the thimbs up. Never heard a negative. I drive safely with no sudden moves and follow the speed limit in town. I try to change the stereotype of the 'aggressive' BMW driver.

 

[Z4INHTOWN]

i've worked hard for what i have, so f**k what anybody thinks, i bought it,not leased it,to drive it till it falls apart.

 

[JBZ4]

The car is a magnet for compliments. I can't count how many times the wife and I have been complimented on how beautiful the Z is. People really seem to like the looks and styling of this car and they haven't been bashful about telling us. I do get smack from my co workers though.

 

[20ducks]

The car is a magnet for compliments. I can't count how many times the wife and I have been complimented on how beautiful the Z is. People really seem to like the looks and styling of this car and they haven't been bashful about telling us. I do get smack from my co workers though.

Took the words right out of my....


X2


Greg

 

[z44me]

In my area (there are no more than 6 BMW's within a 30 mile radius) I get alot of "It must be nice" or "Now we know who has the money" I used to try and tell them that you dont have to be loaded to afford to drive one. Now I just smile and say "Yep"

 

[Ski]

^When someone says "it must be nice" I sometimes tell them 'you want the payments??'..

 

[azroadie]

Sort of on the same topic but just to give you an idea of how pompous people can be my home town and how different attitudes can be...I've heard a girl refer to people owning a 3 series as having a "poor man's bmw!!!" :thumbsdown: Had to be at least a 5 or 6 series for her to think it was a nice car so I'm sure my little 2.5i z4 wasn't good enough!

 

[Rick Hunter]

Sort of on the same topic but just to give you an idea of how pompous people can be my home town and how different attitudes can be...I've heard a girl refer to people owning a 3 series as having a "poor man's bmw!!!" :thumbsdown: Had to be at least a 5 or 6 series for her to think it was a nice car so I'm sure my little 2.5i z4 wasn't good enough!

Somewhat analagous to the Boxster <-->911 debate. Do you think a Boxster is a poor man's 911? :idunno:

 

[epbrown]

Must be - I see homeless people in them all the time.

My response to the "Must be nice" has always been to smile and say "Why, yes, it's quite pleasant." I've been hearing it for years, usually about cars that were cheaper than the econo-box the speaker was driving. The looks of the Z4 are way above its weight class, to mix a metaphor.

 

[azroadie]

Sort of on the same topic but just to give you an idea of how pompous people can be my home town and how different attitudes can be...I've heard a girl refer to people owning a 3 series as having a "poor man's bmw!!!" :thumbsdown: Had to be at least a 5 or 6 series for her to think it was a nice car so I'm sure my little 2.5i z4 wasn't good enough!

Somewhat analagous to the Boxster <-->911 debate. Do you think a Boxster is a poor man's 911? :idunno:

First, all porshe convertibles are butt-ugly IMHO ...at least compared to a Z4 roadster! So I'd call the boxter a poor choice..not poor man's since it not the coupe!! :lol: But you wouldn't catch me giving anyone a hard time about having one, thats for sure!

Second, I think it's a bit different scenario since the porche models all have similar body styles and purposes (all 2 seater sports cars...granted of different levels). But if I wanted a BMW sedan, I don't think I'd want consider buying a 5 series or 7 series. The 3 series is year after year one of the best performing sedan's (or coupes) around. So for me, I'd want a 3 series, not because it's cheaper but becuase it's the right size and performs like a dream!

Of course, what do I know? Afterall, I do have a poor man's Z4

 

[Kurts05Z4]

On a lighter note, I park my Zed next to my boss's F 250 at work (no door dings that way) and on a daily basis, customers tell him "hey, nice car!" and he promptly tells them that it's not his and that it's mine. The usual response is "Oh" and the conversation changes to something like "wow, you must pay good, can I get a job here!".
So far I've not gotten any negative feedback from anyone regarding the car, only very positive. One guy at the coffee shop said "WOW! You're damn near walking with that car aren't you! Very nice".

 

[ChrisMac]

I'm kind of curious about how the Brit view of having a Z'd differs (if at all) from the States. In repmobile land ( oh yes, sunny UK) the Z'd is a bit of a niche motor - you're not usually considered to be a typical UK BMW Owner - indicators appear to work - even let traffic out - and know how to drive, usually very well ( your view may well be different - so respect ) in the Land of the Free - how goes it?

Well, so far I just get told what a great looking car it is. Perhaps they call me a w***er behind my back. But I'm a w***er with a fast car, so screw 'em!

 

[ChrisMac]

Do you think a Boxster is a poor man's 911? :idunno:

Boxsters are fine cars and so are their own... pfff! I knew I wouldn't be able to get that sentence out without sniggering.

 

[wasupdu]

I seem to get compliments in the z4 all the time (restaurants, gas stations, in traffic, etc.....) but I get flipped off seemingly all the time in my 5er. You get some people who genuinely seem to get pissed off that you have a BMW for some reason. Maybe it's because I'm young though (26yo)...who knows? The waitress at a restaurant I frequent during lunch asked me if I worked at a BMW dealer since she's seen me in both cars. When I pulled in on my motorcycle the other day she asked if I was a drug dealer .

 

[sp3ctre]

.. the other day she asked if I was a drug dealer .

...and when she see's your avatar she will be sure of it...

 

[bmwmike]

I think it really depends on what part of the country here as well. When I go to LA everyone drives a BMW or Porsche simply as a symbol of wealth. You ask someone about his 996 and he'll look at you like your speaking a different language. Fortunately, here in the midwest it seems far less so and Ive encountered a lot of knowledgeable enthusiasts.

Ive owned a few BMW's and the big sedans usually get the least negativity. Ive had people mention to me "the Z4's kinda girly, isn't it?" I usually say yeah women love my car. Most importantly, so do I..