"Sales figures tells us that for many entry-level luxury-sedan buyers, the choice is similarly easy: why look beyond BMW's 3 Series? In the first three quarters of this year, the 3 Series outsold two excellent competitors, Audi's A4 and DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz C-Class by almost 2-to-1 each in the U.S.
We knew the 3 Series is considered the gold standard in its class but were surprised to find how convincingly it trounces the excellent A4 in sales performance, even though the Audi has a lower MSRP. Other brands compare favorably with BMW and Audi, but no automaker could say it knows more about building great sedans than those two."
http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2005/...ner=indiatimes
YTD (March 2005) sales figures for BMW, Benz, and Audi
BMW Vehicle: 65,536 vs. 61,241, up 8 percent
MB Vehicle: 43,776 vs. 49,159, down 10 percent
Audi Vehicle: 16,835 vs. 17,012, up 0 percent
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...02/027938.html
All of those Edmunds articles are their "Most Wanted Cars" so essentially, they are comparing them against every other car in the class. Its not a formal comparison, but they are their favorites.
The JD Powers is evidence that they are more reliable then Benz or Audi.
I forgot to mention how long the 3-series/M3 has been on the C&D top ten cars list. 14 consecutive years. That is every 3-series since 1991. The only other car that has been on the list longer is the Honda Accord.
Here is proof that BMW has higher resale value-
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....ticle_id=10172
Here is another comparison...
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
Here is evidence that BMWs are faster around the track in terms of N-Ring times. Notice the E46 M3 CSL 7:50 and the E60 M5's 7:52. Im not even counting the M3 GTRs.
http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?vie...ID=0&tID=10073
So if you measure the quality of a car in reliability (JD Powers), resale value (KBB), sales (AP/theautochannel) or speed (N-Ring times), BMW is a very good car company. If theres another way of judging the quality of a car accurately, let me know. BMW has alot of respect in the car community, and most of that respect is earned. If that isn't enough solid evidence, let me know, I'll go hunting for more.
One last thought, remember that BMW made the engine for the McLaren F1, which is considered by many to be the best car ever made.