[ScottAndrew]

Stereotyping, like charity, begins at home.

Grey 230i with red insides? Fine, discerning motorists appreciating the best of BMW’s fundamental capabilities - driver-focused and sharp handling, but with relatively low-key looks belying a surprising turn of speed

Red 230i with grey insides? Flash Harry with bin-end BMW training shoe, statistically more likely to have an accident

Gosh this is easy!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by ScottAndrew

Flash Harry with bin-end BMW training shoe...

Translation, please?

[Unicorn123]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Translation, please?

OK, I am going to give this a shot...Scott, feel free to clarify if I am off base. I have to admit, I was LMAO when I read your comment... I lived in the midlands (Lincolnshire) for about 18 months so I really love your use of language. Thank you for the brilliant description.

A "Flash Harry" is a loud mouthed, ostentatious, loudly dressed, ill mannered man, or what we might call an "pompous ass-clown".

"Bin-end" refers to the last of a product "in the bin" that is sold at a discount in order to get rid of the stock. It usually refers to a bottle of wine but is applicable in this context.

BMW sells branded training shoes (sneakers) that are a bit "fancy" and typically overpriced (but not if they are "bin-end LOL").

So, in summary, it is a pompous poser ass-clown that is trying to impress you and others with his fancy car interior and BMW branded shoes. I will leave it to the members of the forum to use their own adjectives to describe this person...LOL

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Unicorn123

OK, I am going to give this a shot...Scott, feel free to clarify if I am off base. I have to admit, I was LMAO when I read your comment... I lived in the midlands (Lincolnshire) for about 18 months so I really love your use of language. Thank you for the brilliant description.

A "Flash Harry" is a loud mouthed, ostentatious, loudly dressed, ill mannered man, or what we might call an "pompous ass-clown".

"Bin-end" refers to the last of a product "in the bin" that is sold at a discount in order to get rid of the stock. It usually refers to a bottle of wine but is applicable in this context.

BMW sells branded training shoes (sneakers) that are a bit "fancy" and typically overpriced (but not if they are "bin-end LOL").

So, in summary, it is a pompous poser ass-clown that is trying to impress you and others with his fancy car interior and BMW branded shoes. I will leave it to the members of the forum to use their own adjectives to describe this person...LOL

WOW...when I saw "Harry", my mind flashed to the Prince, but I'd never have figured this out!

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Translation, please?

All it really means is someone we should feel quite confident about looking down upon.

[MarkDemma]

Originally Posted by ScottAndrew

Stereotyping, like charity, begins at home.

Grey 230i with red insides? Fine, discerning motorists appreciating the best of BMW’s fundamental capabilities - driver-focused and sharp handling, but with relatively low-key looks belying a surprising turn of speed

Red 230i with grey insides? Flash Harry with bin-end BMW training shoe, statistically more likely to have an accident

Gosh this is easy!

See, that's what I was hoping for ... someone that could come up with WAY better material than I did!

[ScottAndrew]

Training shoe - subcompact, shoe-sized car, expensive for what it is. That it is branded with a (depending on country location) premium marque is also very relevant for this comparison.

My point was that my personal spec of car is chosen judiciously and I can use this product to emphasise my steely, no-nonsense character and eye for quality. But people driving red BMWs have in the past been known as flash Harrys. So for an otherwise identical car, simple swap the interior and exterior colours, and pile on!

I hope this illustrates how futile it is...

[ScottAndrew]

Originally Posted by Unicorn123

OK, I am going to give this a shot...Scott, feel free to clarify if I am off base. I have to admit, I was LMAO when I read your comment... I lived in the midlands (Lincolnshire) for about 18 months so I really love your use of language. Thank you for the brilliant description.

A "Flash Harry" is a loud mouthed, ostentatious, loudly dressed, ill mannered man, or what we might call an "pompous ass-clown".

"Bin-end" refers to the last of a product "in the bin" that is sold at a discount in order to get rid of the stock. It usually refers to a bottle of wine but is applicable in this context.

BMW sells branded training shoes (sneakers) that are a bit "fancy" and typically overpriced (but not if they are "bin-end LOL").

So, in summary, it is a pompous poser ass-clown that is trying to impress you and others with his fancy car interior and BMW branded shoes. I will leave it to the members of the forum to use their own adjectives to describe this person...LOL

That’s about right . Just trying to highlight the futility of stereotyping based on specifications. Based on wanton driver behaviour, though, and I’ll happily judge the piss out of anyone - unless, of course, they’re all rushing to visit a sick relative in hospital...

[Unicorn123]

Agreed.

As Viktor Frankl said (paraphrasing a lot), the last of the human freedoms is that we all have the right to choose our own way. I expect it is not our place to judge... not to get overly philosophical...

[42395_skyline]

'17 M240i, went to dealer at 20 to pre-order M2 but they said it would be like a year wait. They told me M240i was coming out and I could come back to pre-order it in a couple months. Did that.

First BMW, #BoostIsLife but tired of issues with my 98 Eclipse GST and my 99 GS needed new rear main seal so wanted a new car I can get an easy 400hp without issues. FBO but not enough POWAAA should of gotten an M4. I don't race or anything just like to feel the power when I hit the pedal. Currently looking for a second boosted tuner car to not put as many miles on my 240.

I do park in lines just corner parked as close to the curb as possible and at least 100+ feet away from the nearest car if I can. I'll walk 3-5 minutes if I need to especially in malls. I'm super OCD and take a lot of care of her. I use blinkers even if there's absolutely nobody on the road. I do speed and cut through traffic because I get anxiety behind people and try to avoid rocks kicking back even though I have full front wrapped in Suntek PPF.

[mcompact]

I'm a month away from turning 62; for as long as I can remember people have told me that as I got older I'd want a big car with a marshmallow ride.

Right.

[sport]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

M235 driver here. Tall skinny male, 44, married, two kids, and paid off suburban house in Kansas City. I'd say I fit the BMW male stereotype when it comes to what I look like. Jeremy Clarkson would likely agree too LOL

Most every non-car person I know thinks my car was far more expensive than it is (MW, red interior, nice wheels; the car does look higher end). The only mods are the LSD and minor exterior and interior mods, MPE, and wheels. I could go out and buy a M2C (will likely have one), but I have just too much damn fun with the car as it is (owned for 2.5 years) and have other things I want to do to it for getting rid of it. I can definitely see me owning this car or an M2C for a very long time along with a 993 gen 911S. All that will happen, probably sooner, rather than later. I strongly believe living within your means, but also having fun so as long as it doesn't impact your financial stability.

What drew me to the M235 is that it reminds me of my old college roommates 1990 Mustang LX 5.0 notchback. That car was a freaking blast. Compact, just enough room, tons of torque, great sounds, and just plain fun to drive. The M235 has all of that plus highway legs, refinement, handling, braking, and sexy coupe looks.

What dealer did you buy it from? I am in the Kansas City Area and have been thinking of picking one up coming from an X1. I would want to do a jb4 tune and a exhaust most likely. I would fit the stereotype pretty well as I am in my 20s and want to mod a M235i here soon

[///M Houbi]

Originally Posted by MarkDemma

M2 Comp - just a lucky bastard, likely has blackmail against his dealer or sister is married to one.

HA! But HOW can you know I blackmailed him??? :

Love this thread!

[Bluesmobile]

I’m the atypical 228i owner. 51 years old, 1st time BMW owner, needed something with AWD for the NJ winters and came across a 228i XDrive vert. It hadn’t even occurred to me that I could get a convertible with AWD, let alone a BMW. Since I’m “not really a car guy”, the lower price of a 2 series, made the impracticality of a convertible, practical. The more research I did, the more I found that the 228i was exactly what I was looking for.

Do I wish it was a 4 series? Not really, as I’ve heard the hard top verts are heavier and can have problems.

After buying this car, I’ve fallen in love with the small size. After driving SUVs, for the past 16 years, this feels like I’m driving a sock.

[K8_M235i]

You got my age right. (M235 owner)

The rest I don't think I really think I fit into though. I bought my car because of how cool the spec was. NO tech, rwd, 6mt, slicktop, lsd, black kidneys, m performance carbon stuff.

The car is mostly stock, because I appreciate reliability and my warranty. I paint protected the entire front end, put some apex wheels on, made it a little bit louder(no downpipe), a couple more m performance exterior bits, and called it done. I'd like to think all this stuff is pretty mature.

I enjoy driving the car everyday, and love it as a daily.

I have an e36 track car that I can express my immaturity and boy racer through!

*edit* I also dislike sport +

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by Unicorn123

OK, I am going to give this a shot...Scott, feel free to clarify if I am off base. I have to admit, I was LMAO when I read your comment... I lived in the midlands (Lincolnshire) for about 18 months so I really love your use of language. Thank you for the brilliant description.

A "Flash Harry" is a loud mouthed, ostentatious, loudly dressed, ill mannered man, or what we might call an "pompous ass-clown".

"Bin-end" refers to the last of a product "in the bin" that is sold at a discount in order to get rid of the stock. It usually refers to a bottle of wine but is applicable in this context.

BMW sells branded training shoes (sneakers) that are a bit "fancy" and typically overpriced (but not if they are "bin-end LOL").

So, in summary, it is a pompous poser ass-clown that is trying to impress you and others with his fancy car interior and BMW branded shoes. I will leave it to the members of the forum to use their own adjectives to describe this person...LOL

It's actually a cheap pair of Puma's. BMW licenses to PUMA for their clothing line and they just mark up an exorbitant amount. Those BMW PUMA's can be had for $35-$50 at PUMA when on sale when BMW charges $100 for the same pair.

[arhoads335i]

Yup Im 25 love tuning my car but am starting to grow up a little, still wanted to row my own gears. It was also a good deal.

[harma24]

Originally Posted by MarkDemma

M240i - Probably a middle aged bloke who most likely owned an E46 3 series coupe and thought that the new 4 series was “too big”. Loves their M240, but does complain about the steering and small gas tank. Lightly modified, maybe LSD and Dinan tune. Has taken it to the track once or twice “just to say I’ve done it.” Usually drives in Sport Mode. Would rather drive a low milage E46 M3 but it’s a close call.

If you live in a place where it snows, add X drive for above.

Middle aged technically, but this is my first BMW after several long term relationships with Honda's; never owned nor wanted to own an E46, not even an E46 M3. I do love my M240 and do complain about the small gas tank (steering doesn't phase me as much as others apparently). The only mods are an Avin unit and two car seats in the back (that does not make me an 230i M Sport driver); no performance mods. Have been to the track, not just to say "I've done it", but to actually have done it (and will continue to do so). I never drive in sport mode. I've learned to live with comfort, but if I'm feeling like having some fun it's straight to DCT Off mode for me (the non-linear throttle response in sport and sport+ just annoys me).

As I'm in New England, I did go with x-Drive. Next time I won't; I'm now convinced a good set of winter tires is enough.

[K8_M235i]

Originally Posted by harma24

Middle aged technically, but this is my first BMW after several long term relationships with Honda's; never owned nor wanted to own an E46, not even an E46 M3. I do love my M240 and do complain about the small gas tank (steering doesn't phase me as much as others apparently). The only mods are an Avin unit and two car seats in the back (that does not make me an 230i M Sport driver); no performance mods. Have been to the track, not just to say "I've done it", but to actually have done it (and will continue to do so). I never drive in sport mode. I've learned to live with comfort, but if I'm feeling like having some fun it's straight to DCT Off mode for me (the non-linear throttle response in sport and sport+ just annoys me).

As I'm in New England, I did go with x-Drive. Next time I won't; I'm now convinced a good set of winter tires is enough.

That's my issue with sport throttle too. Dsc off is wear it's at.

Rwd and snow tires is fine! I'm in Boston

[Redsauce]

M240i - Probably a middle aged bloke who most likely owned an E46 3 series coupe and thought that the new 4 series was “too big”. Loves their M240, but does complain about the steering and small gas tank. Lightly modified, maybe LSD and Dinan tune. Has taken it to the track once or twice “just to say I’ve done it.” Usually drives in Sport Mode. Would rather drive a low milage E46 M3 but it’s a close call.

Pretty close for me. Bought a new 2002 in '75 and traveled over US and Canada with it. Then babies, babies, babies...so mini vans and no bimmer. Then an E46 which I kept for 16 years. Wonderful car. A Z4 for summer. Took delivery of an M240i after I sadly said adieu to my faithful, sturdy 325i.

Maybe an LSD as the rear is a bit squirrely'. The steering is OK for me but the E46 was more connected. Preferred this as a DD to the M2 which I almost bought. All in all when I drive, I catch myself thinking, "can a car actually be too good". Guess I'm real satisfied.

[Unicorn123]

Originally Posted by Redsauce

M240i - Probably a middle aged bloke who most likely owned an E46 3 series coupe and thought that the new 4 series was “too big”. Loves their M240, but does complain about the steering and small gas tank. Lightly modified, maybe LSD and Dinan tune. Has taken it to the track once or twice “just to say I’ve done it.” Usually drives in Sport Mode. Would rather drive a low milage E46 M3 but it’s a close call.

Pretty close for me. Bought a new 2002 in '75 and traveled over US and Canada with it. Then babies, babies, babies...so mini vans and no bimmer. Then an E46 which I kept for 16 years. Wonderful car. A Z4 for summer. Took delivery of an M240i after I sadly said adieu to my faithful, sturdy 325i.

Maybe an LSD as the rear is a bit squirrely'. The steering is OK for me but the E46 was more connected. Preferred this as a DD to the M2 which I almost bought. All in all when I drive, I catch myself thinking, "can a car actually be too good". Guess I'm real satisfied.

Well said!

[Kurts]

54 going on 25. Been driving BMWs for years, with several E46s, a 2000 M-Coupe, and an E39 M5 in my past. Just got the 235i and am really liking it. It's Mineral Grey over Oyster with Orbit Grey wheels. First change was to do matte black grilles and an 50% tint and that's probably about it for now. It'll be the daily driver and commuter car so the 8-speed auto is fine with me. Using a clutch in stop and go traffic just doesn't work for me anymore. Car looks good in the garage next to the wife's silver ZHP!

Kurt