[jlabson]

I've owned 8 BMW's over the years and the one thing I can say is that if you live in "hot" weather states, your maintenance schedules/repair costs are completely different from those that don't. These cars are made/manufactured in Germany. Compare the weather of your area to that country. If you live in Florida, Texas, or S. Arizona (or other 'hot' weather states) be prepared for your 'ultimate driving machine' to have many more problems for folks that don't consistently drive in the heat. You should use a higher viscosity oil, have more frequent coolant changes and have (on average) much more frequent maintenance intervals. If you treat and maintain your car as such you will get the benefits/performance of owning these great cars. If you just want to gas & go & drive....buy a toyota.