TopGun is right, there is a negative perception in many minds about BMWs in general, and most particularly about the 3 Series. IMO, this is due to the fact that many of these cars are purchased for their "status" alone, and by certain groups (true at the West Coast for sure) who, as parents, buy their 16 yr old children a 3 Series for nothing other than being male and 16. Many 3 Series are in the hands of immature, entitled kids. This is very unfortunate IMO, but there is little that can be done about it. If this perception bothers a person, they probably would not be wise to buy any BMW.
Some on this site and others buy them because they are a fine handling car, fun to drive and reasonable good for resale values. These buyers really do not give a rat's a$$ what others think of their choice. They are secure in their own situations and do not need a "status" car to bolster their egos.
I bought my first BMW in 1971. In those days, there was zero status in owning that "funny and expensive little foreign car". No one, except a very small number, knew what a BMW was or even what the letters B-M-W stood for. How times have changed, and not always for the better. The cars themselves have improved, but now they carry a connotation that is unfortunate, but not totally undeserved. I think it is sad to see ppl either buy or not buy a BMW because of what other's will think of their purchase.
