I drive a brand new BMW, can't change the tires until I wear them out (won't be long the way I drive/drift)

Then I'm sorry for you Sas. Good luck getting rid

I do hope that they pay you enough to cope with the shame?

Mine doesn't, and nobody who's been in it has compained about the ride. Try driving a 911 GT3 - now that's a firm ride.

Put the same BMW on decent rubber and the difference is very noticeable. Mostly in the grip rather than the ride. The feel is just gay IMO.

Well I don't know what the problem is but mine handles perfectly well, apart from the obvious slight understeer because of the large diesel lump under the bonnet, but otherwise it's very good. I know a lot of people complain about the ride, but the majority seem to have opted for daft 19" wheels, but on 18s I don't have a problem. Besides, there are new RFTs coming later this year that are supposed to be almost indistinguishable from normal tyres.

Anyhow, in terms of performance vs. economy, there's not a lot can touch mine.

Except you're biassed towards performance in those things and they cost a fortune to buy

But as long as you're happy!

Hardly - nearly 40mpg average is better than the 2.4 Accord I had before it. It's the fact that it can "perform" when the mood takes you that makes it so good (and when I bought it, 2 yrs old with less than 20k on the clock), it cost less than a new 320d.

Costing less than a 320d is hardly an achievement and 40 average is definitely performance focussed. You can get 40 average out of a 2.0T VAG car for way less money. Hell, I can get 37 average out of an 8yr old 180bhp Skoda.

I just think BMW drivers are kidding themselves if they think they're buying for a balance of performance and economy. There are plenty of cheaper and better balanced choices. BMWs are for quality, comfort, speed and the badge. If they happen to get what they think is good economy that's not a primary selling point.

Good cars though, so like I said, if you're happy - that's all that matters.

I used to get 50mpg out of my 1991 VW Passat 2.0L petrol! It does better than my new Verso, although that does have the aerodynamics of a house brick!