The real difference between M and Alpina…?

[JCC]

A couple of Saturdays ago I was attempting a few poorly executed middle aged sit ups behind the (graciously) reflective glass upstairs in the Preston Nuffield. I was fortuitously distracted by the parking antics of the maroon M5 below, which made 4 slightly thrusting attempts at reversing into the space pictured and between two other parked cars, but admittedly a full 20 yards closer to the gym front door than I had chosen.
I took the pics as I left, turning around from the same spot - I am picture two, having arrived a hour earlier (I had a coffee after my sit ups) and parked straight in and right up to the white line on my right, in case anyone chose to park on my left, which they never, ever do.
Odd going to the gym on a cloudless warm day and risking dents from other gym bunnies, not to mention wasting at least 50p in V Power and 1 minute quality parking time to achieve a 10 seconds walk closer. Why?
As an aside, those pointless laser lights are a horror show with neon blue next to the maroon paint too.

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[JohnW]

There are enthusiasts who look after their car, often their dream drive, even take it to shows or track days sometimes - their “pride and joy”.

There are owners who like to show off their latest 0-60 statement around town, never dream of washing and waxing their drive. Most even won’t see a track unless it’s a company day out.

It’s not a direct comparison between ALPINA and M owners but more a reflection of extremes of any BMW ownership.

I had an Arctic White E92 M3 and it felt too brash for me, fantastic V8 engine and dual clutch, but it was a challenge to every other driver at the traffic lights.

[PerryGunn]

Whenever I've been asked about the difference between the two, I've explained it as follows...

Having an Alpina is like being a member of White's whereas ownership of an ///M is akin to being a regular at Stringfellows...

[ali]

I see you parked nose in ?
Reversing in makes it easier to leave the parking spot.
I always endeavour to park as far away from everyone else as possible

[Fast3000]

Thanks for sharing the story JCC. Can certainly relate to your mindset and parking habits!

[Jules Sunleu]

One of the few places I will park my B5 not at the far reaches of the car park is Costco. Thankfully their spaces are similar in scale to their trolleys and multi-buys

[Marc 76]

The annoying thing is when you do go out of your way to park alone and away from everyone else you often return to find you're being flanked by a pair of Quashquais/Jukes/other such nonsense (and they still manage to get uncomfortably close)

I've never understood the parking as close as possible to a busy entrance mindset, especially at a place where loads of walking is involved anyway - hang on you've just increased the chances of having your doors dented ten fold, and you're now going to walk around this place shopping or whatever for 2 or 3 hours but happy in the knowledge that you didn't have to walk an extra few yards in the car park...

[Jonnywishbone]

It’s comforting to be amongst the like minded.

The missus thinks I’m crazy but the decision regarding whether we take the family in my car or hers is informed by Google Maps’ images of what the destination parking looks like.

No chance taking the B3 to any supermarket unless I’ve got the baby in tow and they have family parking spots. This is one reason why the missus’ car is dinged and mine is pristine.

The annoying thing is when you do go out of your way to park alone and away from everyone else you often return to find you're being flanked by a pair of Quashquais/Jukes/other such nonsense (and they still manage to get uncomfortably close)

I can’t remember where I heard it, might even have been here, but apparently “less confident” parkers feel the need to park next to somebody else in order to align themselves correctly but they also seek out cars further afield as they also don’t want to park between cars

[Marc 76]

I can’t remember where I heard it, might even have been here, but apparently “less confident” parkers feel the need to park next to somebody else in order to align themselves correctly but they also seek out cars further afield as they also don’t want to park between cars

I might have heard that also, where the white lines on the floor just ain't enough!

[Norrie]

It may have been me! Years ago I was Living in Bishops Stortford Herts. I got a brand new E39 and had an appointment at the local hospital. I got there early and parked in the far comer of a large car park . Much to my amazement an elderly gent in a large 245 Volvo estate riding the clutch reversed very close to me. When I enquired why he had parked next to me with hundreds of spaces his reply was " I need a car to line up on". I moved to another position. When I returned from the appointment as rusty van was next to me.

[JCC]

Chapeau to those parking even further away than me. Love the lonely 8 series and that White’s get a mention.
I’ve bumped into owning a couple of M5s so it’s only in jest……BUT…
10 sit ups this morning (v hot in Preston) - a different angle from behind the glass - I know the M4 in the disabled parking space isn’t disabled as they have the spesh seat with the weird carbon between the thighs bit.
I am at the back under the trees in the shade. What a smart arse, sorry.

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[BarryM]

I know the M4 in the disabled parking space isn’t disabled as they have the spesh seat with the weird carbon between the thighs bit.

Maybe the driver has a disabled passenger, my wife can't walk very far so has a blue badge and it makes parking the B10 a much safer experience on most occasions when we're together - if I'm alone I'll be parking miles away like you!