[ShewbieDo]

Hey guys,

I'm wondering if any of you can offer some tips for a new owner to become more comfortable with my car. I am a long time admirer, and I finally took the plunge on a 328i about a month ago. I've owned other new cars in the past, but this one is clearly very different. I'd like to get past the "fear" stage and move on into the enjoyment stage, but I seem to be having a bit of trouble getting past the "buff it with a diaper in the garage phase."

Is this common? Will anything but time and my first *gulp* door ding get me over this?

Thanks in advance for your perspectives!

[MnK6]

I dont know about you but its only a 3 series, not like you bought a Ferrari
Just drive it and enjoy it

[gonzo]

Drive it in the rain and not wash it for 2 weeks.

[LI E90]

just drive it, it's only a car.

S$%&t happens it's going to get dinged or scratched. deal with it

[longodj]

Originally Posted by ShewbieDo

Hey guys,

I'm wondering if any of you can offer some tips for a new owner to become more comfortable with my car. I am a long time admirer, and I finally took the plunge on a 328i about a month ago. I've owned other new cars in the past, but this one is clearly very different. I'd like to get past the "fear" stage and move on into the enjoyment stage, but I seem to be having a bit of trouble getting past the "buff it with a diaper in the garage phase."

Is this common? Will anything but time and my first *gulp* door ding get me over this?

Thanks in advance for your perspectives!

Go to an autocross That'll get you comfy real quick.

[mithiral67]

Just keep driving it. Dont listen to these guys, its your baby. Take care of it, but realize a daily driver will get regular wear, nothing will stop that.

[cntlaw]

Stick with your car detailing process and take it easy, notice enough clearance when in and out parking lots.....this baby is going to serve you more than 10 years!

[DM1]

I felt that way about my 325i,... I lived to own a BMW I love them and so I did with the 3, ... take care of it, and drive it as much as you can, that will keep the enjoyment up and the fear down,... but don't loose that fear,... keep it, it's good, it'll keep the car in better shape,... mine never got a ding or scratch and my Z won't get one either,... park far and walk, never valet (pay it but drive yourself if possible, I know some places this is impossible),... but anyway, take care of it and that will keep you enjoying,... just keep in mind at all times "Yes, I love the car and I want to keep it as perfect as possible,... but it's just a car, if something happens, it can be fixed"

[ShewbieDo]

I appreciate the thoughts, guys.

I realize it's "just" a 3 series, but it's been on my dream list for so long that it's tough to comprehend that I'm driving it. I didn't buy it to be a garage queen, so I'm sure time and familiarity will put me more at ease, but it's nice to know that there are a few out there who felt the same way with their first BMWs.

Thanks again!

[kpcoupe]

It's perfectly normal, i had this for quite a while but you will eventually get over it. Just realize that there are bigger and better things in life. P.S. you will look like its no big deal if it gets kinda dirty. I have noticed that people give more respect to people who take those cars easily than clean them constantly except for our community who like t keep them spotless.

[Tonybest]

I was worried the first time I parked my E46 (my 1st BMW) on the side of a busy street (parallel parking) and I was going to eat dinner at a fancy restaurant. Sadly I couldn't park it where I could keep peering at it through the restaurant windows. I was so worried someone (a bike, another car) would ding or scratch it. Then after the first week I realized it's just a car that will suffur some acceptable little damages through time... Then I got my E90 and I pamper it also, park it further away... but still things happen, so be it... The car is made to be driven, not stared at.

[ages944]

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by ages944

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

So true.

[Hawkeye]

Just drive it really hard when nobody is around and you will get comfy with it. I love my zed (fist BMW) but I still drive it like I stole it. I do park as far away as possible at all times though and have still gotten a small scratch so shit happens.

[EmPower]

Originally Posted by ages944

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

Is that the big bang theory??

[Kit523]

drive ur car to a wall....then ur "fear" will be gone right away!

[synclastica_86]

Buy another car that's exactly the same... you'll be much more relaxed if you know that you have a prestine replacement sitting in your garage.

[louz4]

Wait...you get over it? Wow

[Gearcraft]

Originally Posted by ages944

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

can you kindly make a graph of this? lol

anyway, the fear is common but remember that its just a car. you got it to enjoy driving it so drive it often and park a little far and walk to minimize chances of getting you car dinged.

[328iAG]

Originally Posted by Gearcraft

can you kindly make a graph of this? lol

anyway, the fear is common but remember that its just a car. you got it to enjoy driving it so drive it often and park a little far and walk to minimize chances of getting you car dinged.

Here's a graph.
Yup. I'm a nerd/information graphics guy.

[iheartsole]

rake good care of it.

[Cyber]

Remember you earned it. Just be careful when you park and check whenever some random stray magically appears next to you in an empty lot. Oh yeah and if you have a partner, don't cheat. You will get caught because BMWs stand out. If you have a commuter car then that is another story.