X///M a career hazard for some?

[FSETH]

I agree with other that most people are not going to know the difference between the X5 and the M version. Biggest thing they are going notice is that you are driving a BMW period. It doesn't really matter what model or year it is to people who are not in the know.

Believe it or not, I have had people make comments like "I see businees is good" when I pull up in my beater e36 325i!!!

Do what makes you happy. You work hard and if you want to spend a larger portion of your income on a car than most of your co-workers...so be it.

[Mr.Black]

a good post Stan, I have felt that way before too, people are quick to judge because of brand or badge, but they don't realize there are real car lovers out there and we like to spend extra on the toy that gets us around.....


as for your last concern who's to know that your spouse isn't from a wealthly family *wink wink*

[B-Line]

Here's the funny thing.. Just because I live/work in Hollywood doesn't mean there aren't times that I'm made to feel uncomfortable because of the quality of my ride(s)..

But what's even funnier is, I'd be more comfortable pulling into uncomfortable places in a BMW X5//M than I would be in pulling in driving my 1997 Porsche Carrera S.

Now, my Porsche is nearly 13 years old, is probably worth somewhere in the $40k region and by no means is an exotic car. There are F-150's that cost more.

But you'd be surprised the types of looks I get from Valets, people I work with, etc. who don't blink an eye at a $80k+ vehicle but see a Porsche and react in some inappropriate manner based on the value of the vehicle.

My point is, you can't put a value on people's perceptions. No one knows a BMW ///M car from a 4.8i except the enthusiasts anyway and they will appreciate it.

Don't worry about what other people think.. Drive what you enjoy.

[KYZRSOSE]

Originally Posted by B-Line

Don't worry about what other people think.. Drive what you enjoy.

Agreed 200%. However, I care what my clients think.....they pay my salary. I try to park far away before going to see my clients.

[Meiac09]

I got fired when I was 17 for rolling up in my CPO E90... But then again, it was nicer than the owner's car... If there are 3,000 people, then whose the wiser? If anyone complains, tell them that it boosts your adrenaline before work and thus work more effectively and its really helping them, so they should give you a raise to buy your next one

[chilliwilli]

You only live once bro...screw what anyone thinks. Your work speaks for itself no matter what industry. There will always be haters and those always looking for an excuse to hate. Besides, if they had a clue how good of a shot you are at the shooting range, they wouldn't have a damn thing to say!

[B-Line]

Originally Posted by KYZRSOSE

Agreed 200%. However, I care what my clients think.....they pay my salary. I try to park far away before going to see my clients.

I like my clients to think.. "Hey, this guy is successful, drives a nice car, is in demand from other clients, etc."

Who would you rather visit, a doctor that drives a Toyota Camry, or a doctor that bangs around in a Ferrari.

Probably subconsciously the Ferrari doc. Why? cause you know he's making bank which means, he must be good.

Image perceived is image achieved and it's good to show success to promote new business. Unless we're talking about gaudy displays of wealth which I don't really see an ///M car as a symbol of.

[KYZRSOSE]

Originally Posted by B-Line

I like my clients to think.. "Hey, this guy is successful, drives a nice car, is in demand from other clients, etc."

Who would you rather visit, a doctor that drives a Toyota Camry, or a doctor that bangs around in a Ferrari.

Probably subconsciously the Ferrari doc. Why? cause you know he's making bank which means, he must be good.

Image perceived is image achieved and it's good to show success to promote new business. Unless we're talking about gaudy displays of wealth which I don't really see an ///M car as a symbol of.

B, I have had that very discussion for years with my colleagues and others in my industry. Your correct in theory, however most of "my" clients are either not very educated or logical people. I believe that in order for one to be successful, they must portray an image of success. But in my dirty business, most of my clients who are beating me down on my prices, and who think I'm making what a car dealership makes on a single sale, it becomes difficult to stand my ground and demand a price. Then, I walk away, thanking him for his business, where I made about $1K on a single sale, and get in to my $75K car. While its true I have to do that about 300 times a year, the client does not know that before his mind is made up while looking at my car.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by B-Line

I like my clients to think.. "Hey, this guy is successful, drives a nice car, is in demand from other clients, etc."

Who would you rather visit, a doctor that drives a Toyota Camry, or a doctor that bangs around in a Ferrari.

Probably subconsciously the Ferrari doc. Why? cause you know he's making bank which means, he must be good.

Image perceived is image achieved and it's good to show success to promote new business. Unless we're talking about gaudy displays of wealth which I don't really see an ///M car as a symbol of.

[TTBear]

Originally Posted by StanF18

Interesting feedback all.

TT Bear: Let me get this straight: you're surrounded by nature....no big-city a-holes to deal with....you breathe clean Canada air....you and your spouse BOTH drive M-cars...you live in a hockey paradise (greatest sport on Earth)....probably with a rink every 1.73 miles.....

Dude, can I be you? Please?

LOL.

It IS nice living here. I consider us to be REALLY lucky - especially me, as my wife is truly incredible, in every way. I have a lot to be thankful for, all right. There isn't a day that goes by (usually, though, when I'm with Mary, or when I'm driving the M, LOL) that it doesn't occur to me to be thankful.

Thanks - your reply made my day!