Seems to me that BMW has done an excellent job of gaming the cost of ownership studies. My 35d has been out of warranty/free maintenance for 9,000 miles and so far has required a $500 oil change and now a $700 battery replacement. I also didnt get a brake replacement under warranty because I drive so many highway miles. God knows what that will cost.

Anybody that thinks these are reasonable maintenance expenses is insane. As good as these cars drive, I will never own another. Might lease one. Maybe. I'm getting an Accord for my daily driver.