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Obviously, I voted the same way you do. all my BMW's have been decent cars. Concerning the oil changes, that sales guy is just saying that - try to get the service dept. to comp oil changes on the word of the salesman - that will be a feat.
All I say, is buy one without the sludge and just be prepared to fix stupid things like radiators and expansion tanks and the occasional control arms and I forgot to mention the sudden death SRS systems (mine got traded with the light on- the dealer coudn't diagonose - the airbag light wouldn't shut off). It's not as bad as it seems - you'll be spending money on 'em at the 60K mark, that's all.
The virtues - solidly built, fun to throw around, safe, lots of parts available since they're common cars, easy to maintain (cheap assuming you stay the hell away from the dealer- I do all my own scheduled maintenance) decent resale value, good looking cars. A decent maintenance schedule to follow would be the one from the late 80's early 90's maintenance schedule - except change the plughs every inspection II)
For what kind of car they are, I couldn't imagine owning anything else. It isn't bad, just a bit more expensive than a Japanese car.
If you have an auto, be prepared for one hell of an expensive ($300+) fluid change around 70K - don't rely on the lifetime fluid claim - if you don't and you abuse it expect it to die around 100k - don't track it unless money is burning a hole in your pocket. I'd do a 5 speed if the Mrs. can hack it.
Good luck
rjp
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