I picked up a 2012 BMW 328i xDrive with 40K miles for my wife about 5 years ago because she would have nothing else. I was definitely in the Scotty camp wrt to Beemers but I gave in. Well, 5 years and 30K later this car hasn't missed a beat. I've just spent 2 (slow) days under the car replacing all fluids (engine, tranny, diffs) and honestly, I am super impressed with just how well these cars are put together compared to most other cars I've worked on. Admittedly 70K miles is not big but it's a 9 year old car with a chassis and fittings that look 2 years old. The transmission is a standard ZF 8HP model that is used in many makes of car and is well respected, and the twin turbo 2,0L engine sounds like a diesel but it can move when it needs to but can also be a gas sipper. I don't think the car drives anywhere nearly as well as the older 3 series (and I'm talking 80's!) but it is what it is. I would only say this now but... all in all, this car was a great buy at the $20K I paid.
After having watched Scotty a LOT I know his stance on Beemers. Yes they use plastic for some things they may had made from metal in the past, and yes they have a lot of computerization, but I don't see it being any more that any other make of car. BMWs are common and their parts can be easily found at reasonable prices. They are also a nice car to work on because most components are bolted together and can be disassembled and reassembled with relative ease.
Scotty wants to buy a car for $3K and run it for 20 years - but that's not what most of us do. However, I bet you that Scotty could keep a BMW on the road for 20 years with simple maintenance and occasional low cost repairs. I'm a fan of Toyota also, so I understand his appreciation the brand, but BMW is nowhere near as bad as he makes out. I don't have his experience in the auto world but BMW are better quality than a lot of the other brands out there.
BMW motorcycles are called "Beemers." BMW cars are called "Bimmers."
For the vast majority of folks, who don’t work on their own cars or even have a clue how cars work, owning a BMW or any German car for that matter out of warranty is not a wise move - if you have to go to a mechanic each time there is an issue it will become costly fairly quickly. For most, it becomes a money pit. Even though you may have had a good experience with yours, I still do not recommend them to others: best to lease (albeit newer) and return before warranty expires
I owned a 2007 BMW X5, from 2016-2020. From 160K miles to 200K miles. And owning one taught me a lot about cars and how different makes engineer their vehicles. They are amazing vehicles.
The engines are solid the transmissions are super solid.
And they are relatively reliable. But, and a huge but… they are also expensive to maintain. Many things may need repair or maintenance like any other car. It just cost so much more on a BMW. FWIW, I spent more money on those 4 years of BMW ownership on repairs and maintenance than I did on my 1999 Honda Accord in 21 years.
IMHO, if you have the know how and time to maintain the BMW, I think it is a great choice. Otherwise, if you need to hire someone to do the work, that’s where it can becoming a money pit.
Again, Scotty talks based on numerous cars he has worked on and his opinion is valid since it can be proven statistically. You have one car and I bet there are people who have Chrysler products which are happy with their cars, but that does not mean that Chrysler products are any good. With that being said, hopefully your BMW can last a long time for you.
My BMW has already fulfilled its intended use. We got 5 years out of it with nothing more than oil changes and new tires... and those 5 years were all out off warranty. If I sold it now I would get at least $10K. I agree that I am a sample of one, but exactly why do you think that most other people buying similar BMWs would have a different experience than me?