Well, here's a little more anecdotal evidence from an actual owner to counter xviper's hate for BMWs (not all ppl can appreciate fine driving dynamics when they see it; of course, one actually has to drive and experience the car before rendering judgement, but that doesn't seem to stop some ppl from giving their unexperienced opinions anyway).
I have had 12 BMWs, the first one in 1971. I had 11 of the 12 between 1971 and 1986. Several of them were slightly problematic in the areas of fuel pumps (failure when overheated) and one of them was hard to tune properly. During this same time period, I had numerous other vihicles as well, some domestic, some imported. I would say honestly that the BMWs were no less nor no more troublesome than the other cars. In fact, the GMs I had, and certainly the Fiat, and the Mercury Capri were very much more troublesome.
I have had my new 535xi since Nov 30/07, more than 7 months now. I have had zero issues with it (touch wood) and it runs flawlessly. We also have a Toyota that runs flawlessly.
Do I expect more problems with BMW than with the Toyota? Maybe, as statistically or Consumer Reports if you'd rather, predicts I will have more trouble with the BMW. That does not prove that I will actually experience problems, and I may be lucky and have none. Am I willing to have more problems in order to drive a beautiful driver's car that makes me smile each time I start it up? You bet I am.....no question. The Toyota is very reliable and very boring. When I want reliable/boring transit, it's there in spades.
Those that slag various marques without firsthand ownership knowledge tend to have another axe to grind (eg, jealousy, can't afford it anyway so badmouth it, superiority, etc).
Admittedly, some BMW owners buy them for the "status", but many, many more buy them because they enjoy the BMW driving experience so much, that after driving BMWs, driving most other cars just is not the same.
xviper - you can denegrate BMW all you wish, but until you actually put your money where your mouth is, I will take your comments at what they are worth - very little.
BTW, the topic it the new 7 Series looks, and, although I find the 7 too large for me, I think the looks are satisfactory but a bit on the boring side. I much prefer the looks of the other cars in the BMW lineup.