Is the age/price of the E39 enabling it to be the new gangsta mobile?

[98 528i]

I didn't read through the whole thread, but I think you missed the memo: E60's are out. Most of the demographic you speak of has moved on, it happens. All the e39s i've seen around are classy or stock, and there's a right hand drive M5 in town to boot

[Fiziks]

Originally Posted by sunnywala

fiziks, trust me i got your point... BUt he is not talking about people taking care of the e39, he is talking about how the driver is dressed and the image it portrays on him!

What he is talking about is rash generalizations of the drivers that look indecent to him correct? And why does he think that, because he feels that they are not worthy of a BMW? That they do not/will not take care of the car and do not use it for it's intended purpose?


If you re-read my post, you would find that I am somewhat agreeing with you. I was using myself as an example of a urban youth that looks crusty yet unknown to him takes care of the car and uses it for it's intended purpose, even more so than the 30something social group you think that he meant the car was designed for.

Reading comprehension motherfker, do you have it .

[bimmerfiver]

Originally Posted by Fiziks

I was using myself as an example of a urban youth that looks crusty.

Reading comprehension motherfker, do you have it .

Oh you're a crusty flake!

YouTube

YouTube

[Fiziks]

Originally Posted by bimmerfiver

Oh you're a crusty flake!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFX52...eature=related

Now you're just taking cheap shots

[Gumbi4u]

Originally Posted by Seraph

Haha getting the good ole post count up eh Gumbi?

Yes, yes i am. I noticed I have been saying the most gayest things and I have yet to get a response. Looks like the issue in this thread is serious......

[Seraph]

Originally Posted by bimmerfiver

Oh you're a crusty flake!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFX52...eature=related

So I really don't get it still. You made this thread with every intention of just saying that e39s cost less and more people can afford them with absolutely no intentions of underlying elitism ?

[Seraph]

Originally Posted by gumbi4u

Yes, yes i am. I noticed I have been saying the most gayest things and I have yet to get a response. Looks like the issue in this thread is serious......

Haha all it's really missing is a Lendo star to be true srs bsnss

[bimmerfiver]

Originally Posted by funknuggets

While I realize from a 10,000 foot level the OP has stated specifically the E39... is that really what he is asking? I think, unfortunately, by stating that "since the price has come down" assumes that this "thuggery" cannot afford the higher priced cars, whether by having no job, money or credit. While this may be the case sometimes, it is definitley not the case much of the time and is thus a very slippery slope. Funny thing is... how often do we see older cars with 10K in mods and 5k spinners, etc.... its a matter of where you want to spend the money.

So I wonder is it the people, is it the mods, or is it the supposed 'degradation' of image associated with being a BMW driver? If so, then it definitely becomes a "BMW" thing... not an "E39" thing.

So, lets ask this question... suppose BMW became ultra trendy within the black community. Therefore it becomes as cliche' or stereotypical as the proverbial "Cadillac" or Denali or... Impala, or whatever... the "you name it car" that the gangs/drug dealer types drive on any hollywood movie which tries to depict someone of the gang/thuggery type.

So...suppose BMW becomes trendy within the Black community... would that make you want to sell your car, would that make you less proud of your car, or less apt to buy another one? Im just curious... because, strangely, I think it actually WOULD make a HUGE difference to BMW and its global marketing strategy, and would undoubtedly alter the tastes of this supposed 'uppity' crowd that make up the lions share of the US BMW market. I think BMW would fight like hell to prevent this.

Why? You tell me. I think we are leaning down a whole different social discussion altogether as it pertains to any sort of racial OR social stigma attached to ANY vehicle, type of music, wheels, specific clothing brand... you name it. Its a freaking pandora's box. Plus... it goes both ways (as some members of said affected group try to buck stereotypes, while others within the said group also embrace it).

Its an interesting SOCIAL question that the OP posts, and honestly, I think by the way he phrased it, and some of the terms he used... could definitely offend if segmented and read out of context, which I think is what is happening. It just so happens that this individual has an E39 and has noticed that he has little in common with his fellow E39ers that he sees where he drives, or who he meets up with as a result of this board.

But the question remains, and strangely... it is not one of money or of race, but of one's personal social investment into the brand, and how one perceives themself relative to others in relation to the same brand.

Strangely, and hopefully I don't offend anyone... but I think that if the OP was looking for people that are more into khakis and BMW-branded polo shirts, then I think that a somewhat raucous INTERNET FORUM's meet and greets, probably aren't going to match what he wants in terms of personal demographic similarities.

However, could he go to a starbucks, or a golf course, or hang out in the service department of his local BMW dealer and find E39 owners that are more demographically like him? Probably, and maybe he would feel better about the imminent demise of the E39 or BMW.

Personally Im glad that there are enthusiasts like you freaks, whether elitists or thugs... taking pride in your BMWs.

Bump. I'm off for dinner but need to read this one. It looks serious.

[Fiziks]

Originally Posted by Seraph

So I really don't get it still. You made this thread with every intention of just saying that e39s cost less and more people can afford them with absolutely no intentions of underlying elitism ?

Maybe a little hint of elitism, but not as much as you make it out to be. It is no more of an elitist attitude than you might display towards JDM cars.

I am a BMW elitist. I think BMW are leaps and bounds above Merc, Audi, chevy, ford, and anything west of the pacific. Crucify me for thinking that, but I don't think you are too far from that tree either.



Funk nuggets: Everything was well put exept for the fact about

I think it actually WOULD make a HUGE difference to BMW and its global marketing strategy, and would undoubtedly alter the tastes of this supposed 'uppity' crowd that make up the lions share of the US BMW market. I think BMW would fight like hell to prevent this.

At the end of the day BMW is a company and they have to sell product. if the hip hop crowd suddenly shifted to new base model BMW's and the older, white 30+ age group left, for say audi, BMW would have to at least embrace the new market a little bit. This can be seen in ford, where they used to market towards the white, landowning, rural farmers(stereotypical enough?), but now also cater ads towards the hip hop crowd.

[bimmerfiver]

Originally Posted by Seraph

So I really don't get it still. You made this thread with every intention of just saying that e39s cost less and more people can afford them with absolutely no intentions of underlying elitism ?

I'm off to dinner. But to your point, sometimes stating the obvious isn't so easy, clear...or obvious! Hey, if you wear a belt tonight when you drive, then I accomplished something. Not much, but something. I tossed a pebble, nothing more. It didn't crack anyone's windshield and if it scratched your paint, I can fix it.

[Gumbi4u]

The only thing elite is in my pants. This thread is going towards an awkward direction. Soon enough this will all turn into a big argument. the issue is pointless. I made the point already. Stop skewing the facts. Im right, and everyone else is wrong.

END THREAD!

btw..........you guys can continue.....

[Fiziks]

Originally Posted by gumbi4u

The only thing elite is in my pants. This thread is going towards an awkward direction. Soon enough this will all turn into a big argument. the issue is pointless. I made the point already. Stop skewing the facts. Im right, and everyone else is wrong.

END THREAD!

btw..........you guys can continue.....

You have to read past the idiot posts, but there are alot of valid points in this thread about a legit topic. Not as much mud slinging as it looks like if you really read into it. I doubt anyones undies are getting twisted over this issue.

[nm335]

Originally Posted by gumbi4u

This is the way I see it and pretty much what I say is usually put in concrete and this goes for all you guys out there think Im full of it. What I say is what you guys need to hear.......(Yes I like to start off threads with infinite amounts of COCK-iness lol)....

Our cars are old. Its a FACT. Some e39's are being had for 3-4k and some kid WILL buy it and go over to pep boys to get the "latest" mods for the car.

There are "thugs" and gangsta's out there driving MORE expensive cars then we are. Just today I saw the newest 750 "rolling on dubs" and the dubs alone are worth more then a 97 e39.

The prices have slipped into the "affordable" zone and yes people in the ghetto will be buying them more since it is more affordable.

BUT the massive point to be made here is that you can EASILY tell a classy e39 vehicle owned by an enthusiast and one owned by a "hood rat". I think MAJORITY of my e39 bro's here roll in class and nothing but.

If the situation bothers you much, then its probably a great time to move on up to an e60 or e90. That should keep you within your "class" range.

When and if the "issue" ever bothers me, I will end up buying a new bimmer. Its not an issue or inconvenience to me. Its an upgrade!



End thread!

Hello "gumbi4u":

Hey! I represent that remark. I have an E90. I am not such a bad person (for an old guy.)

[JBs]

i hate how all these kids have e39's now

[JBs]

Oh and look at it on the brightside.

Even if there are more riced out e39's, they're still infinitely better than any e36

[madcrzydrmr]

Just drive your frickin' car.

[Fiziks]

Originally Posted by JBs

Oh and look at it on the brightside.

Even if there are more riced out e39's, they're still infinitely better than any e36

[MLRJR]

the beauty of all forums is that people come together for a common cause,which is the case no matter what you care about...ie movies,music,art,architecture,cars,girls....etc. no one knows who is on the other side of the avatar and it doesnt matter. if i have a 540 that makes a noise this is the first place i look....i could care less if i am helped by bob in la with two bentleys of bob in philly with a old bmw he can afford. the problem with forums is that txt shows no emotion. i speak with my sales reps all the time about it. dont assume just because ;you type in jest it is percieved as so on the other side.

just my opinion,i could be wrong----dennis miller

[Fiziks]

Thanks for that very unnecessary image sunnywala.

[sunnywala]

dennis i have a cousin that lives in HSV, and says that if i had my car there people would be staring HARD... do you get that in Birmingham?

[sunnywala]

your welcome

[Seraph]

Originally Posted by Fiziks

Maybe a little hint of elitism, but not as much as you make it out to be. It is no more of an elitist attitude than you might display towards JDM cars.

Nope I don't talk down about JDM cars. My brother owns a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 so I actually respect what comes out of Japan. My reference to a "crappy Accord" was poorly put as I should have put an old 1980's car or something (inb4 god's chariot).

It's not like I'm trying to ruffle any feathers, but read from my perspective I'm exactly the target of his topic. So his "slight" elitism is coming off as he is better than me as a younger non professional in a BMW. So I am of course going to stand up and go huh?

[Seraph]

Originally Posted by sunnywala

your welcome

[Fiziks]

Originally Posted by Seraph

Nope I don't talk down about JDM cars. My brother owns a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 so I actually respect what comes out of Japan. My reference to a "crappy Accord" was poorly put as I should have put an old 1980's car or something (inb4 god's chariot).

Funny you say that, My cousin has a VR4. I am actually at his house right now, were in the middle of a full block swap this week to the 3.5L, bigger turbo's, greddy FMIC, AEM EMS, etc etc etc. Fun stuff.


However, you realize that saying you don't talk down to Japanese cars is like saying you're not racist because you have black friends. Just admit that they are cheaply built econoboxes. I tell my cousin that all the time (/me ducks from the throw chair)

[Seraph]

Originally Posted by Fiziks

Funny you say that, My cousin has a VR4. I am actually at his house right now, were in the middle of a full block swap this week to the 3.5L, bigger turbo's, greddy FMIC, AEM EMS, etc etc etc. Fun stuff

Wow nice! I wish my brother took better care of his. It sits around a lot because he never really takes the time to completely fix his problems with it and instead just uses little patches lol. How much power are you guys expecting at the wheels after it's all done?