> It is sad when a Hyundair rental from National is the more dependable option.


I agree, but the Hyundai is probably more reliable.

In the past five years I have purchased a BMW Z4, a Ford Focus, and a Ford Taurus. The Fords never had a single problem. The Z4 has had several, including a radio replacement, coil recall, fuel pump recall, windshield replacement due to a rain sensor delamination, and a few other small problems. After the Z4 was out of warranty, it got a check engine light. I diagnosed and fixed it myself for $50, but it never should have happened (the rubber intake boot/hose between the air filter/MAF and the Throttle body cracked and was letting unmetered air in. Not a big deal, but it's the first time I have seen a "rubber" component deteriorate so quickly).

BMWs are great vehicles, but not the most reliable, e.g., auto transmission failure before 100,000 miles is not that uncommon on BMWs.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...bmw_trans.html