I don't know -- I have one old 240D. Sure, it's needed some work, but not even close to the cost of a car payment or lease over 3.5 years. Technically illegal to work on cars on the street, but no one actually cares as long as you're not making a mess and leaking fluids all over the place.

The car has never failed to start or get me where I needed to go over the time I've owned it, which is more than I can say for quite a few friends' newer cars.