Quit being so narrow minded people
They way I see it is that BMWs and Mercedes are equally great cars that attract a different crowd or have a different mission. I wouldn't call a BMW a 'cheap sports car.' They are very well made cars that are a blast to drive. Why do you think the 3 series has been on the 10 best list for over 10 years I think??? Why do they always win comparos? They have world class engines, trannies and suspensions. Everywhere I read about the M5, they have trouble finding flaws. The last (E36) M3 was hailed the best handling car in the world over 6 figure offerings. Anyone looked at the lastest M3 engine? Individual throttle bodies per cylinder, forged everything, 100HP per liter, spins over 8000rpm. And now they have a sequential 6 speed with paddles like the Ferrari 360. So just do not call them cheap. Take a look at their latest Valvetronic..no throttle bodies. 4.4 liters with 325 some hp. Benz can't do that with 5 liters and they barely top that with a hot-rodded 5.5. So BMWs are made to be a SPORTS CAR. A Benz on the other hand is a stealthy smooth car with tons electronic gadgets. Kevin is right, racing people is the least of most Benz owner's concerns. Don't get me wrong, I love my Mercedes, I use it for what it was made for, but if I was in the market for a sports car you could drive everyday I wouldn't look any further than a BMW. I am a German car fan.