How quick are M3's?

[Biggoggs]

It's so tiring hearing crap like this. It's not just about speed. It's about refinement, handling, comfort, chassis strength, balance, engineering, reliability, style, exclusivity... Sheesh, "you could buy an EA and pour $40k into it and have a Ferrari beater......"

I think your last two points hit the nail on the head. Style and exclusivity. The, `Look at me everyone, I'm driving a refined European sportscar, much more expensive and better than yours'-feeling. Any differing reliability or `accuracy' in engineering is offset by the exorbitant prices charged for both the vehicle and any replacement parts needed, whether due to mechanical wear or human error. I'd be quite happy with a local (ie Ford) or even Japanese vehicle with less social exclusivity and grandeur, but with 1/10th the cost of ownership, and exhibits similar performance characteristics.

I can appreciate the car for what it is- a premium car, but I think if a car costs far more than it should, it's less a car and more an investment or `chain around your neck'.
Despite my short rant though, I like BMWs. If I was in Europe, I'd probably buy one