BMW / Audi Drivers

I drive neither but your point about prejudice is an interesting one.

Many of us have said things regarding Audi/BMW drivers and of course there is a prejudice there but I’d also suggest there is a massive correlation between careless and inconsiderate driving and those car brands. It isn’t like there is no ammunition to have formed such a view in my experience.

 

I bet it's like the whole "who are the piggies debate". Wednesday say United are, and vice versa. Whereas the rest of Yorkshire are more than happy to call them both piggies and have done with it.

 

I drive neither but to make a statement like that you’d need some evidence not just anecdotal. I’m guilty too I’d add!

I wonder if there’s ever been anything compiled based on facts about car owners - bad drivers etc. I’d imagine it’s just a myth and we are all as equally bad/good on any given day irrespective of car driven.

 

The important fact to remember is that Audi/BMW drivers do actually own the roads and the rest of us can only use them with their condescension

 

One thing I have noticed in my years of driving is that they drive very far away from the kerb, especially four by fours.

 

Wouldn't want a BMW they obviously sell them without indicators which seems too risky to me.

 

I think there are good and bad drivers of all makes of cars. But some folks' perceptions may be complicated by envy, so that they feel compelled to add extra emphasis to their shout of "*******!" at every perceived slight.

 

No envy on my part, I could have one within my budget if I so chose; (I actually drive a Nissan and the Mrs a Volvo, I’m not a lover of saloons or estates so unless I got a 4x4 one I’m unlikely to want a beemer or Audi), but I still remember many more incidents of people pulling out at junctions, not using indicators, middle lane hogging, using two or even four parking spaces being by drivers of these two brands than others. Maybe it’s subconscious bias making me remember them more. As I say the prejudice point is an interesting one.

But I have often marvelled at seeing rare things like a BMW parked correctly or functioning indicators, and offered - er - constructive feedback - to others who haven’t met such standards in those brands!

 

Everyone: "BMW and Audi drivers are the worst!"
Tesla drivers: "Hold my chai latte!"

 

This exactly!

 

I drive a BMW and a Tesla, my driving must be horrendous!

Just spilt my latte typing that.

 

All this will become irrelevant in a few years

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67825617

 

I know it’s my imagination but I always think that Audi drivers drive like they own the road. Does anybody have similar prejudices, or is it just me?

 

Drivers of ‘prestige’ brand cars tend to drive as if they have more right to be on the road than everyone else, that seems to be a general fact to me. BMW drivers definitely the worst, followed closely by Range Rovers.

 

I've had three BMWs over the years (alternate with Mercs) and currently drive one. In 1996 Autocar described the 528i Auto of that year as the best car anyone had ever built. I was lucky enough to own one in the early noughties and it still remains the best car I've ever owned. The latest 5 series isnt anywhere near as good and the 2.0 diesel engine is famous for blowing up. On to a Jag or back to another Merc soon.
Three points:
1. Indicators. BMW have around 15 years ago decided they would change how indicators work. They are now damn nigh impossible to switch off and and don't witch on if there is a certain degree of steering lock applied. It is rubbish and I suspect a lot of people don't bother as a result.
2. Cost. I'm not a millionaire. I make a choice to buy a second hand prestige brand simply because they lose less money than a bog standard new Ford, Hyundai etc. Yes servicing is higher unless you find a decent specialist/garage BUT and this is the big but......the biggest cost with any car, especially a new one is depreciation. I've seen people study brand new cars methodically re fuel consumption when they do 3,000 miles a year but not even think about depreciation which will be treble what they will ever spend on fuel. Spend £20k on a 2 year old Audi/ BMW and you will lose less money than if you spent £20k on a brand new Ford/Fiat/Renault etc and it will drive far better
3. BMW have five factories in the UK and employ a lot of people here (including my neighbour), and buy bearings made in Dodworth, so fair play to them

 

The worse drivers on the road are Honda Jazz drivers, followed by any taxi driver regardless of car make. Get in the bin.

 

With working from home nowadays, I don’t drive as much but other drivers still rile me up when I do. Driving back on Christmas Day I can’t believe how many people just sit in the middle lane(s) of motorways doing roughly 60. I can never work out if they don’t know to get over to the left or they’re not bothered…

Sorry, that was slightly off topic to the actual thread but wanted a mini rant. Audi and BMW drivers do seem to have a bit of a “reputation”. I’d say middle aged men driving their big family cars when the family members aren’t in them are worse though. Most of them seem to drive like lunatics.

 

Agreed. Black cabs in London are OK but the rest (mainly EVs) drive to different rules.

1. Keeps your eyes on the satnav at all times

2. If you do have to look up, DO NOT look in the direction of travel

3. You are free to stop anywhere on the road. You may remain stationary for as long as you like.

4. NEVER indicate.