Autotrader.com returned one 228 and one 235 in your area, at the same dealer... and 9 within 100 miles. :eek:

If you're not in a hurry though, you can always order one to your specifications and you'll probably get it within 2-3 months at the most.

I think BMWs are the sexiest cars on the road. They seem well built and have great performance (so I'm told). However, it seems they have some reliability issues when you ask about them to mechanics. What's the reason for this?

I'm not a huge car guy, just have done a fair share of research, but I think there's some trade off between performance and reliability.

For example, the 2s we're talking about, one has 240 hp turbocharged 4 cylinder (and from what I've read, BMW underrates hp for some reason... some think it's more like 270), and people are getting ~26-28 mpg. The 235 gets 230 hp (again, probably low) with 6 cylinders and people are getting ~24-25mpg.

I assume Toyota isn't using turbochargers and 8 speed dual clutches with optional AWD, etc; in their most reliable cars.

I read one article that was kind of vague, but mentioned 1 in 27 BMWs have a powertrain issue in the first 50,000 miles, compared to 1 in 80-100 for reliable models, and I think Toyota was something like 1 in 172. Granted, "6 times more likely" is a pretty big difference, you're still talking about a 4% chance that your BMW is going to the shop for a powertrain issue in the first 50,000 miles. It's not nearly as awesome as others, but it's not like it's incredibly unreliable, either.

I suggested the Mercedes C250 because you'll be hard pressed to find a combination of luxury, ride quality, reliability, and performance in that type of price range.

I do like the Beamers, but not as much overall. If you want more "fun," than I'd say go with the BMW.

I will say, if you don't mind hatchbacks, test out a Volkswagen Golf R. Those things are fun to drive. 292 HP stock and MSRP is around 36,500. You can get up to like 400 HP if you get the right add-ons aftermarket.

I've going to be traveling around at different cities with training stuff until the 1st of April. I need the car then. But, like I said there is nothing imminently wrong with my Mustang.

I've thought about test driving one, either the 300hp or 455 AMG, but everything I've read says it's a pretty rough ride as a daily driver... and well, the roads in the Midwest are awful.

This is actually an excellent question - Let me go through a few things - it's pretty tough to give you a simple answer.

First of all - Audi issues > than BMW's - and I've owned more than one of both makes.

My main things I find troublesome w/ BMW's are their lamps - I have lights go out often - that's tedious and an overall pain in the ass - Generally very little w/ the engine - NOW - with that said - there's a certain trade-off between engineered cars that are designed to give you massive pull and great ability to be nimble while in one, on the road; they'll never offer the dependability of a Japanese make, mainly due to the extra strain and stress. The Germans can design better than most any other Country regarding auto's - however the more ridged and the more the engine(s) perform the harder it is on the Full Monty. So I'm no expert - and my terms may've been somewhat off - but hoping that makes at least SOME sense. Basically w/ big bad ass motors - or - turbo'd out vehicles - there will always be more strain on the other end, so that's my opinion as to why... Hopefully that helps some.

The night-crawler through the trees off of my balcony just now ;)



http://i61.tinypic.com/2urnnd0.jpg

Love my 328i. When I decided to go with a bimmer I couldn't find one that I liked so I had one ordered with what I wanted. They said it would take 2 months to be made and delivered to mid-mo. Received it in 7 weeks. If we get another one I will have it ordered to my specs and do the European Delivery. You pick it up at the factory, drive it around for a week or so and get it to Hamburg I do believe and put it on a transport. That's a big if though because even though it is a 2009 it's a great car and we can't see parting ways right now.

Hows this for a deal?
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...89990446&Log=0

Buddy of mine has Merc 550 renntech...with the chip... over 550 poines... 600 ft/lbs of torque...beautiful car.

:eek:

Forget it, its a convertible.

You wanting me to kill myself? Took out an insurance policy on me?