Psychological help for a new owner?

ShewbieDo · 09-04-2008, 08:04 AM

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 · 09-04-2008, 08:54 AM

I dont know about you but its only a 3 series, not like you bought a Ferrari

Just drive it and enjoy it

gonzo · 09-04-2008, 08:56 AM

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

LI E90 · 09-04-2008, 09:57 AM

just drive it, it's only a car.

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

longodj · 09-04-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

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 · 09-04-2008, 12:43 PM

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 · 09-04-2008, 12:57 PM

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 · 09-04-2008, 01:01 PM

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 · 09-04-2008, 01:35 PM

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 · 09-04-2008, 04:11 PM

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 · 09-04-2008, 04:19 PM

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 · 09-06-2008, 11:55 PM

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

UltimateBMW · 09-07-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ages944

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

So true.

Hawkeye · 09-07-2008, 02:13 AM

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 · 09-07-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ages944

just drive the car.

new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven.

Is that the big bang theory??

Kit523 · 09-07-2008, 03:52 PM

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

synclastica_86 · 09-17-2008, 04:37 PM

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 · 09-17-2008, 04:50 PM

Wait...you get over it? Wow

Gearcraft · 09-17-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

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 · 09-17-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

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 · 09-18-2008, 02:35 AM

rake good care of it.

Cyber · 10-01-2008, 05:48 AM

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.

09-04-2008, 08:04 AM	#1
ShewbieDo New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 08 328i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Missouri City, TX iTrader: (0)	Psychological help for a new owner? 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!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-04-2008, 08:54 AM	#2
MnK6 Lieutenant Colonel 50 Rep 1,887 Posts Drives: 엠쓰리 Join Date: May 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I dont know about you but its only a 3 series, not like you bought a Ferrari Just drive it and enjoy it __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 08:56 AM	#3
gonzo Lieutenant General 10318 Rep 14,445 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	Drive it in the rain and not wash it for 2 weeks. __________________ Crazy Diamond
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 09:57 AM	#4
LI E90 Colonel 140 Rep 2,086 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island iTrader: (2)	just drive it, it's only a car. S$%&t happens it's going to get dinged or scratched. deal with it __________________ 2013 MB C300 4matic 2014 Ford Explorer Ltd 1973 Jeep Commando
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 12:43 PM	#6
mithiral67 That guy 120 Rep 5,740 Posts Drives: 2015 Cayman GTS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 Porsche Cayman ... [0.00]	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 12:57 PM	#7
cntlaw Major General 240 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	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! __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 01:01 PM	#8
DM1 Captain 98 Rep 698 Posts Drives: Mini Cooper S Paceman Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Monterrey, Mexico. iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 3.0si [7.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2005 Renault Megane RS [0.00]	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" __________________ Follow my blog at http://dmauto.wordpress.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 01:35 PM	#9
ShewbieDo New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 08 328i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Missouri City, TX iTrader: (0)	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!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 04:11 PM	#10
kpcoupe Captain 41 Rep 778 Posts Drives: 328i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	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. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2008, 04:19 PM	#11
Tonybest Enrollment Officer 117 Rep 5,014 Posts Drives: 997.2 Porsche C4S Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montreal, Qc. iTrader: (2)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-06-2008, 11:55 PM	#12
ages944 Captain 99 Rep 990 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs iTrader: (0)	just drive the car. new owner apprehension is inversely proportional to miles driven. __________________ BMW : Sine qua non Mods: Blacklines \| Rear Seat Power Outlets \| Rear Fog Lights \| Ashtray Garage Door Opener
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-07-2008, 02:13 AM	#14
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2065 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	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. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-07-2008, 03:52 PM	#16
Kit523 Major General 382 Rep 7,074 Posts Drives: F80 M3/FK8/C63S Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: B.C. Vancouver iTrader: (27)	drive ur car to a wall....then ur "fear" will be gone right away!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-17-2008, 04:37 PM	#17
synclastica_86 Captain 248 Rep 735 Posts Drives: F32 435i, E92 M3, S550 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW F32 435iA [0.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2008 Mercedes S550 ... [0.00]	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. __________________ Current: BMW F32 435iA M-Sports; BMW E92 M3, M-DCT; Mercedes W221 S550 4matic; Ford Fiesta ST; Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R Retired: BMW E93 323iA; BMW E85 Z4 3.0i, SMG; Lexus IS 250 AWD; Lexus GX 470; Mercedes W203 C230 Sportscoupe; Peugeot 206 S16; Peugeot 206 RC
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-17-2008, 04:50 PM	#18
louz4 First Lieutenant 7 Rep 307 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 Roadster Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Wait...you get over it? Wow
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-18-2008, 02:35 AM	#21
iheartsole Brigadier General 85 Rep 4,928 Posts Drives: 08 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (2)	rake good care of it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2008, 05:48 AM	#22
Cyber Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 285 Posts Drives: 08 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tri State Area EAST iTrader: (0)	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. Last edited by Cyber; 10-01-2008 at 06:05 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote