Cost of ownership?
 

I've been driving and owning cars longer than I'd care to admit to this crowd. Over the years the vehicles I've owned have been pretty pedestrian: VWs, Hondas, Toyota, Jeep, Explorer. I can't remember ever getting a speeding ticket or otherwise running afoul of the traffic laws or pissing off other drivers. However, since strapping on a BMW a couple years ago I've:

1. Received two speeding tickets (one 20 mph over posted speed - $180, the other one I beat)

2. Stopped by cop because my front license plate was "obscured"

3. Stopped by cop and cussed out because I had my high beams on

4. Stopped by cop and issued warning for improper lane change

5. Paced by cop on highway for two miles (twice)

6. Stopped by cop because I "fit the description of a stolen vehicle"

7. Four invitiations to a street race

8. Several "one finger salutes" for no apparent reason

9. Price gouging and tip whoring at the parking garages downtown

10. Don't even get me started on the "stealer"!

Statistically this isn't a great track record. Am I paranoid or is this just some kind of profiling?

i think its just plain bad luck, imo
For me, i get the opposite since i had my X:
1. cars give way when i change lanes
2. cars seem to recognize i'm there in a 4 way stop
3. and many more

No issues here with my X5 here in L.A. But you've got a lot of mods on yours whereas mine is pretty much a run of the mill stock X5 in a city full of exotic cars, rice rockets, and pimped out rides. My X5 doesn't stand out at all.

But there is always the risk of being profiled based on the vehicle you drive. Everything has a price. :damn:

Each of the vehicles you mentioned, blends in with the crowd. You now have an "outstanding" vehicle!:D :thumbup:

Its easy to sum up in one word - jealousy!:thumbup:

You've got what they all wish they could afford :thumbup: ;)

Cry me a river...

When I bought my E46 M3 I had it 7 days before getting pulled over (keep in mind I was the only vehicle on the road of a stretch of highway) going 125 in the 55. That equates to a $540 ticket and 5 points on a license. OUCH.

But back to your post :) The bimmer is just getting more attention.

The complete opposite happens to me. Nobody ever lets me merge...I have to hope there will be another bimmer around to help a sista out. I think ifly got it right when he said:

I'm with you, man... kids in their modded Hondas want to race me. Middle-agers with their GMC Yukons and ML Class want to race me or speed up if I'm trying to pass them. Rednecks in their F150s cut me off or start riding my bumper... It IS profiling, and jealousy... What can you do? :tsk: Smile, and keep driving... :D

Juan

:iagree: Some one is always trying to screw with me. As soon as the blinker goes on, they speed up. Even on the good old chance a piece merge, don't want to let you in. Transit buses, forget it. It's like I have a sign that says cut me off (or try to). And everyone else wants to race. Whatever, I actually find it amusing.