From my experience, owning really any german car, or euro car for that matter is an expensive proposition. They break like any other car, and when they do, it costs. The last shop I worked at, we had one euro specialist. Just the money made off the euro stuff could keep the doors open. They may be fine when brand new, but when you get some miles on them, look out. There is a reason for low resale value. I saw a sad situation pan out constantly, with GIs buying used BMW 7 series cars cheap with their combat pay, only to getwhen they get their first repair estimate. Tmleader has a lot more experience in euros than I, and he can give a lot more incite into them than I could ever dream of, but from my experience, run away,lol.