So I pull into the local Dunkin Donuts to get my morning iced coffee.
This DD parking lot during rush hour does become quite a cluster-f*&k from time to time, so it's always a bit risky if you're as car-obsessed as we are on this Forum. I try to do my best to position the X as harmlessly as possible...and as far away as possible from all the soccer moms who are "parking-challenged". And I try and steer clear of the bearded guys with extremely large F-150s which have a door-opening radius of friggin' 20 yards (or so it seems). I always back the X into one of the spots, rather than park "face in". This way I can pull out of these tight quarters with as little drama as possible.

So I did not think anything of it when a dinky little Lexus RX 300 pulled up nose first on my driver side, while I was inside getting my iced coffee. After I get back into my car, I see the young skinny dude who was driving the RX300 coming back with 2 coffees in his hand. With plenty of space between our 2 vehicles, this Shlemazl NEVERTHELESS manages to crash his left elbow into my driver-side mirror, which results in one of his HOT coffees splashing down on the ground. But before it hits the ground part of the cup also spills over the side of my door..

At this point I am incredulous: the guy is obviously upset at spilling one of his coffees, but apparently not upset enough to go back inside and get a replacement one. What's even more unreal: The chick sitting in the driver side sees my steely glare, and apparently whispers to the guy to get the hell out of there. So he does not even so much as LOOK in my direction. No apology, no "sorry" gesture, nothing...(At this point I am not aware of how much hot coffee has come into contact with my door, thinking most of it was spilled on the ground). After he pulls away, I get out to see lots and lots of coffee splotches on the driver-side door.

I realize that accidents happen. I also realize that most of humanity is scum, so I also don't expect people to own up to their actions or apologize. But what makes me feel truly helpless is I really don't know how I could have handled anything differently. As you can see, I basically just let it go. What else was there? Short of assaulting the guy before he got into his car, re-arranging his dental work, and getting arrested for it. Obviously it does not qualify as an "auto accident". So it does not warrant my filing a police report. And yet it's obviously more than enough to get an X5 fanatic's blood boiling (and hopefully JUST the blood and not the paint finish).

Speaking of which, I tried to wipe the coffee stains off with a soft cloth. Could not get everything off, though I'm sure I will get it cleaned off at the car wash. Can hot liquid damage the clear coat?? There was some milk in it thankfully, so I don't think it was scalding. I don't see any "bubbling", but the finish does look a bit dull where I took the cloth to it. I guess I won't know for sure until the next car wash.