Germany vrs Japan

Hey all,

I have been mainly posting about the quest for my perfect bimmer, and I am pretty sure I am gettin close. One other question that popped up was this - considering the other luxury car makers out there, mainly the Japanese competitors - like Lexus and Infiniti - how would you guy's and gal's rate those cars to a comparable BMW? Reason I ask is in one of my other posts someone mentioned the fact that the Japenese cars seem to out last the BMW's as far as mechanical wear and tear, and I currently own 2 Toyota's which I plan on parking mine once I get my bimmer. But, I want to hear from those that have either owned a Japenese car simliar to the size and comfort of a 5 series BMW and give me your honest opinion, how or what made you go from that car to a BMW? I have some friends that are all about the G35 and the IS350 and such - but to me - the G35 is just a Nissan and the IS350 is just a Toyota...nice cars..but you get my drift. I know that none of these drive like a BMW but far as total package - are they close or just posers?

Thanks - and be gentle - I know this is a Bimmer forum but I know you all are good for getting info from - and all of us at some point have owned something other then bimmers!

ciao'

PAPA!

Reply » Germany vrs Japan

I had a 1999 Acura TL before. Very nice looking car and styled very well. Maintenace wise it didn't need anything ever, just an oil change, except for when a transmission blew, which was quite common.

but no theres no comparison though, hands down my 01 530i sport is a much much better car in all aspects.

Reply » Germany vrs Japan

i dont have much to say about japanese cars.

As far as i see it, they all come with "expiration dates" Meaning, they'll run for 8-10 years with no trouble and then everything INCLUDING the body will fall apart, and then you just TRASH it like a soda can. That is my opinion of a japanese car.
A european car, yes you'll be fixing this and that its entire life, but it will go for 20-30 years. Trust me, i would know. I have a 20 year old VOLVO.

PS. Speaking of Reliability..... My co-worker just switched to a 2007 Lexus ES350 and ALREADY had to replace the transmission and the computer (ECU)

How about them apples!!!!!

Reply » Germany vrs Japan

I can't really speak for long term maint. on a bimmer yet cause im still on my first one. I owned Toyotas all before. But repairs and reliability aside, there is no other car out there that gives the feel that the bimmer does. I loved my toyotas, they were great idiot cars in that they required nothing. just fuel and oil and the occasional check up. but boring as hell to drive. after i saved enough money i finally got a car that i actually enjoy driving. thats my opinion.

Reply » Germany vrs Japan

I drove an Acura CL for 4 1/2 years. In that time, I had two mechanical problems - alternator bearings seized at 60k (partially covered by warranty) and window regulator quit at 91k, just after the warranty ended (got screwed on that one to the tune of a couple hundred $). Maintenance-wise, virtually everything was cheaper than the Mercedes which replaced it or the BMW that I have now, however, it wasn't the holy grail that everyone pretends Japanese cars are. There were scheduled mainenance intervals, some of which were quite expensive, where they replaced things before they went wrong (for example, the water pump was replaced at 60k ($750) and the timing belt at 90k ($900)). On the whole, however, it was a far less invovled ownership experience than either of my German cars.

The stuffI didn't like about the Acura were the little things - the doors and fenders develop little dings really easily, the styling looks dated quickly (a fate I fear the e60 is destined for), and you just get bored and want a new car.

I won't be buying another Acura, while I will almost certainly purchase more BMWs and M-Bs, primarily because the the charisma of the latter two vehicles more than made up for the relative convenience of the former.

Reply » Germany vrs Japan

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