BMW stands for "Blew my wad"
One of the biggest problems with German cars in the U.S. is that they're not meant to be driven at speeds less than an average of 75 - 85 mph , sustained . That's their power range ; that's where they get their best fuel economy .
Also , people in Europe don't typically drive more than 10,000 per year ( from what I've heard from citizens of Germany , France , and Norway ) , so this 36,000 - 50,000 miles per year that Americans put on their cars , in stop & go traffic , and slow speed driving , is enough to kill these things .
I really like the late 80's M6 Bavaria ( European-market model ). I've seen a couple of 'em here ; turbo 6 cylinder , gorgeous 16" BBS wheels , and completely free of those ugly *** 5 MPH bumpers and tacky side marker lamps , which ruin the looks of the car .
As far as new(er) BMW's , Mercedes , et al. , : no thanks ! Overcomplicated messes that will eat you alive if you keep it for more than 3 years !