I don't accept your definition of the real world (archive)

I don't ever recall driving in straight lines 75% of the time between stop lights except maybe when I lived in LA. Man, that was some serious traffic.

Frankly, there is some truth to your remarks - yeah, there are other cars which go faster in a straight line, and yes, some folks buy a BMW for the status - but no absolute truth. Here's my perspective on the issues you raise.

For me, driving is not a chore or just another boring task even if it may be that for others. I wake up every day looking forward to the "25 mile commute to the office", even when I'm not looking forward to the workday. At the end of the day, I eagerly anticipate the ride home. Heck, on some weekends, I'll drive to someplace or other for absolutely no reason! It might be a 300 mile trip.

I often carve time out of my otherwise busy schedule to spend with this awesome machine. I spend money on it (gifts?). I even have a name for my car. One might be tempted to say I have a relationship with the car or that I think it has a personality or soul. That's the advertising. But I know that it is an inanimate object.

So what drives a sane, rational person to do these things or feel this way?

There is something about my car - 1994 530iA - that makes driving a wonderful, enjoyable experience. And that sweet sound (after market free flow exhaust)! I never felt this way about any of the other cars I owned (or borrowed, or rented.)

I actively create a different definition of the world than you have defined - I cannot passively accept a driving world of "straight lines." I actively seek out the winding roads. Everyone else can live with 75% straight lines for all I care, but not me. At least not anymore.

This car literally changed the definition of the world in which I drive or it helped me to do that. It even changed the definition of driving, and of what a car means to me. I do not regret a single dollar I've spent on my Bimmer.

OK dammit, I love my car and I love driving it! There ... I admitted it. Maybe now I can get some help. Anybody got a stick shift conversion for my automatic? ;>)

Jim, to each his or her own. Happy driving!

: I recently got flamed for a post which demonstrated how every model of BMW had a cheaper and quicker competitor... etc

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