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Yesterday I went to look at the just in X3, which is a smaller SUV derived from the 3 Series.

It comes with 2.5 and 3.0 liter motors, like the 3s and 5s. Assembled in Graz, Austria.

It seemed cheap, compared to others BMWs. Maybe it is because it is aimed for a lower price range.

In my opinion, the finest cars in the world are German. Sure they are expensive. You get what you pay for.

I have owned two BMWs, two VWs, a Porsche, a Mercedes and an Opel for German cars.. Also owned three Chevys, two Toyotas, two Fiats, a Volvo, a Saab, a Mazda and an MG.

Daughter two more VWs.

Best of the bunch: The two BMWs. High quality, minimal repair incidence and cost. Worst 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic.

Current drives: Mercedes ML 320 (made in USA) and Saab 9-5 (owned by GM).

What do I want next? Not sure, but it is unlikely that it will be American (sadly).

My guess the survey results are weighted towards people that cannot afford BMWs and Mercedes. If you surveyed owners of such cars in Europe, they wouldn't tell you they wanted a Honda.

>> What do I want next? Not sure, but it is unlikely that it will be American (sadly).

The X5 and Z4 are assembled in Greer, South Carolina, not far from where I grew up. The engine/drive train for my X5 came from Europe, but many of the components and accessories are outsourced locally.