Matt, I am not sure I understand your point in mentioning that I own a M3. The reason I know to stay away from the 7 series is because I own an M3. My service advisor has said from the get go that the 7 series is where the shop makes their money. The 3 series platform as mentioned before is the most produced and most reliable BMW. My M3 is no exception. Yet you mention that 140 owners "understand economic decision-making". I do-not agree, I believe the exact opposite. Take for example, someone who wants to spend $18,000 on a car. They see a 1999 S500 which was $100,000 new, and think wow they can have this car for $18,000. I believe people do not understand the ownership cost of these vehicles. Therefore people who "understand economic decision-making" do not often "Understand what it cost to keep these vehicles running".

I know because I own a 1998 Silver/Grey S500 with 78,000 miles. I have not had any problems with the evaporator core. But one day if I go out and my air conditioning is not cold , I will have it fixed at whatever cost. That is part of the responsibility of owning a car "MAINTAINING IT". With that said , I also live in Houston and would probably die of head exhaustion if I tried to commute in my S500 with no Air conditioning.