Are BMWs a thing of the past?

It seems to me that the Japanese have really eaten into the German market. My father loved his Mercedes and I thought that vehicle was very well built in my youth until they converted to the aluminum block.

Now, Mercedes is about as good as a Chrysler in quality which is pure junk. Performance is really not even up to par with some American vehicles.

BMW is now the victim. With both Lexus, Acura and Infinity building cars that can perform nearly as good if not better (I know that you die hards will dislike that comment, but lets face reality - you can't deny that its getting close) and the fact that the quality is much better, why can't the Germans kick it up a notch on manufacturing and improve QUALITY????

Is the BMW manufacturing process outdated? The electronics are subpar and I don't understand why that cannot improve??

Your thoughts please.

Reply » Are BMWs a thing of the past?

If you want to know my thoughts, it is that us driving enthusiasts are "a thing of the past".
That is, if the average driver can't tell the difference between front vs rear wheel drive, and thinks that shifting a manumatic transmission is considered "sporty".

When you say quality, I take it you mean reliability, because if you think a Honda/Nissan/Toyota has better quality inside and outside than an Audi/BMW/Mercedes, then you need to get your eyes checked.

Re German cars' reliability, BMW has done well considering how many electronic components there are now that can go wrong. Mercedes, on the other hand, has really gone downhill, and all major surveys show this. Does this have something to do with merging with Chrysler? Maybe.

Somehow, with German cars, it is not the mechanical but the electronic components that can get unreliable, eg. power window motors, thermostats, ignition coils, dash electronics, etc. Something to do with the QC of their suppliers in Europe who source these parts. Maybe they need to look to Japan for their electronic parts? Now that's an idea!

Reply » Are BMWs a thing of the past?

0 - 60 is only one measure of performance. The competition has no balance and a cushy ride. Electronic gizmos and cupholders do not equal better handling.

Times my Honda broke down on the road or had a serious problem: 0
Times my 2 BMW's broke down on the road or had a serious problem: 0

Reply » Are BMWs a thing of the past?

Quote:

Here, here... very well put.

Reply » Are BMWs a thing of the past?

If you never had a german car before, and test drive a BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura, etc. most buyers cannot really appreciate the difference in a 5 minute test drive.

However, after having a BMW for extended period of time, then go car shopping you will see an amazing difference that goes beyond looks, features, and price.

Those in the know, who enjoy a higher level of performance always come back to German. Those who hop from Acura, to lexus, to Mercedes to BMW, don't really care or are not technically adept and simply shop based on looks/price.

I imagine some folks buy a BMW to impress others, I buy them to impress myself.

BMW is not going away, nor is Mercedes, they will withstand the test of time.

If you look at the cars I have owned, not one of them have ever broke down on me, although they had issues from time to time. But so did my 91 Acura Legend.

Reply » Are BMWs a thing of the past?

Quote:

I did own Germans cars for many years (Audis). I had never driven a BMW previously, being loyal to Audi - I thought the BMW marketing was "hype". I was looking for a new car and drove Audi, Mercedes, Saab, and Infiniti first. They all were nice, but uninspiring, in my opinion. I drove an E90 330i with the Sport Package for 15 minutes on a test drive and was hooked. It was the only car that made me smile! Reminded me of my C5 Corvette but with fewer compromises. I've driven the E46 now as a loaner, and I love this one too - it's less refined, and more quirky than the E90, but I love the engine note and wish I could have 2 3er's and E90 and and E46 for my daily drivers. The E90 seems almost too refined after driving the E46.

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