I can tell you that we repo more high mileage BMW's than ANY other type of vehicle. They are great cars to drive but a nightmare if something goes wrong. The problem has gotten so bad that we are not lending on any high mileage BMW's anymore. I think that the cars are so precision that when something goes wrong, either thru time or incident, that they are a freaking nightmare to your wallet and sanity. Greatest car ever made?!?! Not even close.

I did own a 540 & it was a really nice car. It did cost $1200 in 2001 to get the dang thing to stop screaming at me in German though........

 

You might want to research Hennessey's dealings online... the guy has become quite the hack.

It's sad, because he has built some legendary rides. But, openly calling his customers a D-bag on a forum he sponsors is no way to win friends, or maintain a legacy. Not to mention the quality issues that have risen as of late. Caveat emptor...

 

I've driven a few 3 series and they really left me cold... bland, bland, bland, totally common all in all nothing special. The 630 (drove not owned!!) was ok but had the looks only a mother could love and even then it'd be difficult!!

All in all Given the choice I'd be with Benz every day of the week and twice on sundays... Audi strike me as being better than BM in the quality department but again waaaaay too common for me

 

A few years back I had a Mercedes E350 and it was a very fine car. Well put together and a pure joy to drive. I don't have that car anymore but do own a 2011 Chrysler 300 which I must say is much more comfortable then the Mercedes. It too is a real fine car and I really enjoy it. Just had to put a plug in there for an American (Canadian) car.

 

Not sure about the Mini, but if I'm not mistaken, the BMW SUV (X3...???) is built completely in the US of A.

I thought I saw an Ad stating this, and that it would get world wide distribution from the Americas.

Built in America, but the engineering is strickly German...

Also, I'm not a BMW basher, just look at my thumbnails for proof.

I've owned and driven a 2002, 320i, and 3.0csi Sedan, all of them fun to drive, and a challenge to maintain. But I'll pass on the "Greatest Ever" moniker.

Deep pockets is the key word here, and let's not forget that when things break on a Benz, or a Xfire, it can get real ugly, real quick...

 

Caught an old episode of Top Gear the other day where the three hosts did an overall impression comparison between an Audio TT, Nissan 350Z, and Crossfire Roadster. We have all seen the early episodes of them trashing the Crossfire but what surprised me with this episode, was Jeremy Clarkson actually voting for the Crossfire for overall satisfaction, given the much lower cost. It was the cost he compared to the other makes and made mention of the Crossfire being a lot of car for the money. Something I have told friends for years....they all agreed the Crossfire was the best looking as well. What I didn't agree with was there criticism of the Crossfire's steering....something I have no complaint about and yes, I have replaced the damper.....
Top Gear...you gotta luv 'em and hate 'em...

 

I tend to agree. I had a 2005 M5 - Rocket to the stars - but I do not make a million a year to be able to afford it once it was out of warranty. Now I have the Crossfire and a 2009 C300 - The MB has been a pleasure to drive when I am not after the thrill of the Xfire. It also has been kind to my pocket book so far.

 

I agree fully.. My 2004 Mini Cooper MC40 is the best car I have owned. Made by BMW. Crossfire is the best two seater I've owned.. Built by Karmann. Gary

 

hmmmm best ever?
For driving I loved my '02 Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa but the maintenance costs were insane, and a 427 s/c Cobra for pure adrenaline gets my vote.
Today, my ol' slk32 is more balanced overall!

 

My dealerships sell Mini Coopers and I work with theirs techs...These cars have many problems associated with the engines, turbos and cluthes...Stay clear from them...

 

I did not realize he had fallen so far. A shame indeed.

I have not been following as closely as I did in my youth, because with my insurance payments, I wont be getting a Hennessey anything for quite some time LOL