I just wanted to put my .03 cents in, I have a local independent mechanic facility that specializes in MB's and BMW's. I have been going there for 2-3 years, and all I see littered across the infield are BMW's, all over the place.!! The ratio has always been 15 to 1 at least.! And this goes for all years and makes, so I just smile as I pick mine up. I have always had just general maintanence done to mine. Also, the owner (of the facility)drives a Benz. Just a little more , my brother owns 2 BMW's a 740i and a 325i , and he has dropped a small fortune into both of them, I smile at him too