This pisses me off

[KBHumphrey]

Here we are working hard - for the most part - in keeping our cars running, improving them, maintaining the brand. yet how many ended up in Clunkers or junkyards?

And then there's this heap sitting next to me in a parking lot. the pic doesn't do it justice. Everything that could be seen as broken, worn or faulty on a car, was seen in this car. Boiled paint, rust, torn bolsters, cracked glass, ripped dash panels, misfiring cylinders, limping suspension. And it's still rolling the streets!!

I swear there is no cosmic balance sometimes...

[RWDBandwagonder]

No offense but your a huge tool.
Some people cant afford to keep their cars looking nice, some prefer food, or a home, or would rather spend it on their children.
but what do i know i just worked my way out of the lower class, I couldnt manage to get everything i wanted handed to me.

cars break down, whoopdedo.

[darrenforeal]

No offense but your a huge tool.
Some people cant afford to keep their cars looking nice, some prefer food, or a home, or would rather spend it on their children.
but what do i know i just worked my way out of the lower class, I couldnt manage to get everything i wanted handed to me.

cars break down, whoopdedo.

+1 other than the tool comment.

[BoldUlysses]

If there weren't cars like that, our classics wouldn't "shine" so brightly for the care we give them--and not only because of the TLC, more than that, because they're better made than the majority of the ~20 year old iron you see on the road.

To most people, cars are just appliances--nothing more than that. Drive, use, discard, move on the newer, bigger, shinier. Consume, consume, consume.

-Matt

[RWDBandwagonder]

I dont know if he is one, it was just a toolish statement. He could be very nice.

[KBHumphrey]

"No offense but your a huge tool."

Well, how could I ever take offense to something like that? Hargh.

It doesn't always take money to keep a car up, but it does take care. Care is free. And hate it break it to you, but E34s are in the lower class price range of transportation nowadays. Most are not worth more than $3-4000. Go look at what that money will buy in terms of other cars. We're not rolling in our 2010 M6s.

At least I'm not.

BTW: It was a toolish statement. I get that way sometimes. It usually sounds funnier in my head.

[darrenforeal]

"No offense but your a huge tool."

Well, how could I ever take offense to something like that? Hargh.

It doesn't always take money to keep a car up, but it does take care. Care is free. And hate it break it to you, but E34s are in the lower class price range of transportation nowadays. Most are not worth more than $3-4000. Go look at what that money will buy in terms of other cars. We're not rolling in our 2010 M6s.

At least I'm not.


care is labor. labor is not free.

[RWDBandwagonder]

But Labor is time and time is free when you have it to spare. I agree that if some people cared more about their cars that they wouldnt look half as bad. but as msuffern said, most people dont consider a car more than a box with wheels. Us car forum folk are a minority

[darrenforeal]

But Labor is time and time is free when you have it to spare. I agree that if some people cared more about their cars that they wouldnt look half as bad. but as msuffern said, most people dont consider a car more than a box with wheels. Us car forum folk are a minority

and many people honestly don't have a lot of free time to do it. Many work 2 and 3 jobs. And yes also, see cars as just a means. Not an end in and of itself.

[Trevor M]

Years ago I had a car of similar caliber. It was a 1986 Hyundai Pony. I would flog and beat that thing daily. I actually enjoyed the abuse I would provide it. It was almost therapeutic to a point. And when the engine started knocking, I'd jam down the pedal that much harder. Connecting rod sticking out the side of the block? No problem, $150 later and it was back on the road lapping up more abuse.
It was a daily driver, it looked like crap but it got good gas mileage and got me to work on time. I liked it.

My BMW at the time was at home parked in the garage staying clean & dry.

All cars serve a purpose.

[RWDBandwagonder]

and many people honestly don't have a lot of free time to do it. Many work 2 and 3 jobs. And yes also, see cars as just a means. Not an end in and of itself.
Yeah, me and another guy at work just talk about cars when we get bored, my gm sometimes walks up into the conversations and just ask, why do you care? But his passion in life is to own a 90s station wagon with wood paneling, we all have our obsessions.

[KBHumphrey]

Years ago I had a car of similar caliber. It was a 1986 Hyundai Pony. I would flog and beat that thing daily. I actually enjoyed the abuse I would provide it. It was almost therapeutic to a point. And when the engine started knocking, I'd jam down the pedal that much harder. Connecting rod sticking out the side of the block? No problem, $150 later and it was back on the road lapping up more abuse.
It was a daily driver, it looked like crap but it got good gas mileage and got me to work on time. I liked it.

My BMW at the time was at home parked in the garage staying clean & dry.

All cars serve a purpose.
My brother had an old Datsun 4x4 with a 3" lift that I would do the same to. Only he wasn't as ecstatic over me doing it...

[e34moneypit]

It's better to be pissed off than pissed on.

[snake109]

meh, old POS cars make nice old cars seem better. plus there are some broke ass mofos out there in the world that cant afford shit

[Red Shirt KRT]

Did you park next to me again? Haha

I have the most POS 325ix that was given to me by my brother. I wish it were nicer but it is beyond fixable. The cost to put in to making it nice would be way more than just buying a nicer 325.

And I love my car just the way it is btw.

[KBHumphrey]

I find it interesting how many people assume I made some kind of value statement on the relative financial health of the POS driver. That wasn't my intention. I was more lamenting that a car, whose owner seemingly doesn't care what condition its in, is still running...while there are a number of us who really do care and struggle to keep our cars on the road, watch other models go to clunker programs, or stroll thru pik-n-pulls and see E34s that still have life.

That's all that bothered me, the lack of balance in the cosmos for us E34 owners...

[barry8108]

Most of the e34's in the pull a parts suffer from bad trannys and when told how much to fix them just have them scrapped. Most people dont have the ability to work on there cars and can not afford the 2000 or more to fix them.

[carmaniac13]

There's nothing wrong with driving a car like that. Most people don't enjoy cars and driving like the people here on a forum do. Like others said they're just a means. Not everyone can maintain their car to show quality and still drive it to work every day.

Here's a pic of my previous (as well as my first) car:
338776

It's not pretty, it's not fast. It's got 270k on the odo and still runs (admirably I might add). It was free, and i was grateful I had a car to drive. As far as first cars go if someone's parents are gonna get them something it should be this, if anything at all. It was a great car to learn on. Then if you want something nicer work for it.

[ljarseneau]

care is labor. labor is not free.
Get it right folks, E34's are a labor of love.;)

[5tre5i]

I find it interesting how many people assume I made some kind of value statement on the relative financial health of the POS driver. That wasn't my intention. I was more lamenting that a car, whose owner seemingly doesn't care what condition its in, is still running...while there are a number of us who really do care and struggle to keep our cars on the road, watch other models go to clunker programs, or stroll thru pik-n-pulls and see E34s that still have life.

That's all that bothered me, the lack of balance in the cosmos for us E34 owners...

Thinking like that is why many hate BMW drivers ;) what if he's driving it because he can't afford anything else? or what if it's in that condition cause he can't afford to properly maintain it? a car is a car, and if that makes you pissed, come over here to San Francisco and Oakland, you'll pop a vain from all that anger

[ESSSupreme]

It doesn't always take money to keep a car up, but it does take care. Care is free. And hate it break it to you, but E34s are in the lower class price range of transportation nowadays. Most are not worth more than $3-4000.


I was more lamenting that a car, whose owner seemingly doesn't care what condition its in, is still running...while there are a number of us who really do care and struggle to keep our cars on the road, watch other models go to clunker programs, or stroll thru pik-n-pulls and see E34s that still have life.


Uh, you made fun of a car being rusted and in a bad shape. I bet you right now that if your car caught rust you will junk it or drive it as is. If your car blew engine tomorrow; you would junk it.

Yes, you will quote this and deny it and tell me how you will spend $$$$ to keep it on the road but we both know you will junk it because you will not be able to afford to keep it rolling.

It's easy to talk SHIT about another man's car when you never had any issues with your car that required money and a lot of patience.


Here we are working hard - for the most part - in keeping our cars running, improving them, maintaining the brand. yet how many ended up in Clunkers or junkyards?

And then there's this heap sitting next to me in a parking lot. the pic doesn't do it justice. Everything that could be seen as broken, worn or faulty on a car, was seen in this car. Boiled paint, rust, torn bolsters, cracked glass, ripped dash panels, misfiring cylinders, limping suspension. And it's still rolling the streets!!

I swear there is no cosmic balance sometimes...

And also, I love irony.. you almost gave up when your windows failed to roll down:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1224230

:rolleyes

[e34moneypit]

I find it interesting how many people assume I made some kind of value statement on the relative financial health of the POS driver. That wasn't my intention. I was more lamenting that a car, whose owner seemingly doesn't care what condition its in, is still running...while there are a number of us who really do care and struggle to keep our cars on the road, watch other models go to clunker programs, or stroll thru pik-n-pulls and see E34s that still have life.

That's all that bothered me, the lack of balance in the cosmos for us E34 owners...


Its when you're spacing out at a red light on a lazy day and that rust bucket drives by with red tape over the tail lights, a cracked windshield, wheels wobbling all over the place, ratted junk interior with mcdonalds wrappers strewn all about... yet its chugging along and will never die (and somehow passes inspection/doesn't get pulled over)

when we get hassled for tinted windows and things always are breaking.

[upallnight]

.......................................

It doesn't always take money to keep a car up, ................

Are we talking BMUU? $8.00 for a spark plug and a M50 has 6 so it close to 50 bucks after tax.

[zubbie]

Ha... I've proudly driven beater wagons my whole life (up until my BMW) How the hell else could I have afforded a house, life, kids and finally my E34.

[ShapeShifter]

OP, don't be so judgemental. Allot of people do not care about cars. It's mearly an appliance to get from a to b.
Thanks for wasting bandwidth with snied (sp?) ramblings and pictures of people less
caring and fortunate than yourself.


Hey! I drive a mid 90's wagon, sans wood paneling.

[KBHumphrey]

Its when you're spacing out at a red light on a lazy day and that rust bucket drives by with red tape over the tail lights, a cracked windshield, wheels wobbling all over the place, ratted junk interior with mcdonalds wrappers strewn all about... yet its chugging along and will never die (and somehow passes inspection/doesn't get pulled over)

when we get hassled for tinted windows and things always are breaking.
Finally. Someone who gets the jist of my original post. Ah well, onto passing judgment on all sorts of other less fortunates than myself...

[dvdcnnrspncr]

Here we are working hard - for the most part - in keeping our cars running, improving them, maintaining the brand. yet how many ended up in Clunkers or junkyards?

And then there's this heap sitting next to me in a parking lot. the pic doesn't do it justice. Everything that could be seen as broken, worn or faulty on a car, was seen in this car. Boiled paint, rust, torn bolsters, cracked glass, ripped dash panels, misfiring cylinders, limping suspension. And it's still rolling the streets!!

I swear there is no cosmic balance sometimes...

Hey! That's my car! lol

[5tre5i]

Hey! I drive a mid 90's wagon, sans wood paneling.

you piss me off :shifty


Hey! That's my car! lol

I just washed my car yesterday for the first time since I got it in April...it turned out my rims were silver, not brown, I was like :eyecrazy

[GIANUCCI E30]

Wow. I got an idea. Next time you see that car.
Lift the wiper.
pull out a piece of paper and a pen.
put your name and number on it and say.
"I saw your car and God told me to give my car to you. Call me when your available to pick it up. Thank you."

If you're not willing to do that. Then don't worry about what that person's driving.
The point is...well... I made my point.

Use a little humility and tact bro... it goes a long way.

[ross1]

It doesn't "piss me off" but it does amaze me that anyone would continue to put gas in such a chunk of shit.
I see 'em too, seventies and eighties behemoths rusted to the point of being unsafe, usually filthy and bearing scars of various traffic altercations. Check the contents of those that eventually make it to the junkyard. They are usually rife with evidence of other poor decisions in the PO's life.
For the price of a few fill-ups these junks could be replaced with something decent that would soon pay for itself. There is no redeeming nature in these cars and I'd love to see them turned into soup cans.

As to the economic issue; like I said before they could be replaced cheap enough. I suspect the $$ rather goes to cigarettes and liquor.

[ShapeShifter]

Suppose the next cheap replacement ends up with more issues than the current eye sore?
One goes from ugly beast that gets the guy to work, to pretty car that does not run.
Guy can't get to one of his three jobs cause he's struggling as it is, and ends up in a worse situation.

[BigBisonT]

i have those in my own family pushing clunkers. I can clearly see both sides of this argument.

Yes, its all they can afford. No they do not have the time to put in the work themselves with their work and family. No they do not have the knowledge nor inclination to learn to do it themselves. Their priorities are day to day survival, not the looks of their car.

But also, their own bad decisions have led to this state. They killed their credit (making anything other than clunkers unobtainable regardless of any budgeting). Maybe they got knocked up early or had a bad marriage. Regardless, they know better NOW, but what is done is done. They are just doing the best they can.

Do they deserve anger/hostility? sympathy/cherity? Heck no on all counts. It is what it is. The world keeps spinnin'. No reason to get pissed at them nor feel bad for them. I just thank my lucky stars im fortunate enough to have made good decisions in my younger days that allow me the freedom to pick and chose my priorities today.

( Like this week, Michelin Pilot sports are my priorities! now which liquer store was closest on my way home...:devillook.)

[dalex44]

Cars r ment to get you from poiint a to b hopefully safe. And if you happen to have money then by all means make it a sexy ride ... But I <3 clunkers. Not so much modern ones. Old ones. Like my 56 ford I'm restoring:)

[ross1]

Suppose the next cheap replacement ends up with more issues than the current eye sore?
One goes from ugly beast that gets the guy to work, to pretty car that does not run.
Guy can't get to one of his three jobs cause he's struggling as it is, and ends up in a worse situation.

Who said anything about pretty?
The heap in the OP IF running correctly will get low teens fuel mileage knocking around town. I can get on Craig'slist right now and find decent cars that won't eat you out of house and home for well under $1000 all day long.

In Illinois, where I live there are no safety inspections for cars. Any heap of rust that can turn a wheel is allowed on the road with me. Come to Chicago or Detroit and take a drive on one the expressways to see what I mean.
If someone drives a beater by necessity there would seem very few reasons to drive a gas guzzling one that belongs in the scrapyard.
There are better choices.




( Like this week, Michelin Pilot sports are my priorities! now which liquer store was closest on my way home...:devillook.)
That's funny

[ShapeShifter]

Going just by the picture posted, one can not know how good or bad the car runs.
It may run great? Possibly has new brakes?


Shouldn't this thread be in general off topic? Has nothing to do with E34's and is full judgement and guessing about a strangers economic "status".

[upallnight]

Who said anything about pretty?
The heap in the OP IF running correctly will get low teens fuel mileage knocking around town. I can get on Craig'slist right now and find decent cars that won't eat you out of house and home for well under $1000 all day long.

In Illinois, where I live there are no safety inspections for cars. Any heap of rust that can turn a wheel is allowed on the road with me. Come to Chicago or Detroit and take a drive on one the expressways to see what I mean.
If someone drives a beater by necessity there would seem very few reasons to drive a gas guzzling one that belongs in the scrapyard.
There are better choices.


That's funny

There are beaters and there are BMUU beaters. Ask yourself which one would be like to be driving, a Yugo beater or a BMUU beater?

[Happy Hooligan]

you also realize you posted this on a forum for guys who are not normal when it comes to one model and type of automobiles. We spend hours a day reading about our cars, yet alone driving them and taking care of them.

Maybe that guy with the "Junker" was on his "Junkerforum" putting down the taken care of car he parked next too with the glossy paint...

[KBHumphrey]

Maybe that guy with the "Junker" was on his "Junkerforum" putting down the taken care of car he parked next too with the glossy paint...
Holy cow. I never thought of that. Excellent point! Right now there are a bunch of guys on some GM forum talking down on snobby German drivers.

Props on you, Hooligan

[ShapeShifter]

That is a fact!

[ESSSupreme]

Holy cow. I never thought of that. Excellent point! Right now there are a bunch of guys on some GM forum talking down on snobby German drivers.

Props on you, Hooligan

http://www.myspaceantics.com/images/myspace-graphics/funny-pictures/captain-obvious.jpg

[STO1C]

I have a beater '94 325i that I roll in. I'm just waiting for the day when I drive past a brown paper bag of unsequential $100 bills on the side of the road so I can make it look beautiful again. Money, however, is hard to come by when you're paying for college..

[Lord DRIFT]

Now I remember why I don't come around these days. Snobby BMWer stereotype rings through here.

I could see if it were a pic of a riced out honda - money is actually spent there (most of the time). But to post up a pic of someones mode of transpo and bitch about it not knowing their circumstance...wow. Now you want segregated parking? Anti-autodite..

[ShapeShifter]

^that is why I took a 3 month hiatus.

[04BMW325C]

I think what OP was saying is that he's lamenting that many perfectly usable cars were junked or clunkered (Thanks Obama!) while cars that truly should've been junked or clunkered were not. I've seen the youtube videos of an E34 being blown up with that death juice and it infuriates me! The thing lasted nearly 10 minutes before finally giving it up. That car probably had another 200,000 miles left in it, more if the owner had been willing to invest the money.

In a perfect world that hunk of scrap that OP showed in the pic should have been destroyed long before any E34 was touched. I don't agree with OP's sentiment of self-righteousness, but I understand his frustration that scrap heaps like that are still on the road while many an E34 is lying in a junkyard. Granted, the owner of that hunk of scrap may not be able to afford anything else so no judgment should be passed upon him. It'd be nice if everyone was a car fanatic like us, but most don't care.

To a lot of people cars are just another form of technology that needs to be upgraded every 3 to 5 years.

[ShapeShifter]

Not everyone had the money nor credit to participate in cash for clunkers.
Not everyone is fortunate enough.

[M30Stui]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sf7XVsYh1Q&feature=related

[janders211]

It's better to be pissed off than pissed on.

I would disagree. and you would hate PJ. I have magic tongue. magic tongue that makes the peepee.

[upallnight]

Not everyone had the money nor credit to participate in cash for clunkers.
Not everyone is fortunate enough.

When I brought the BMUU in they told me that the car wasn't eligible for Cash for Clunker because of the EPA MPG.