I have been hanging around this forum and roadfly and have been hearing quite a few horror stories about BMW service and reliability. I don't see as much of it on this board but on Roadfly, it is a little alarming. All of this has made me re-think my decision about buying a 325 or 330. Is it really that bad? Have any of you had no or very few problems? I guess I just need some reassurance. I know that I am not getting the reliability of a Honda, but I don't want to spend all of my time in the shop either.
OK! Now These Forums Have Me Afraid
- Thread starter sidney
- Start date
epj3, you must be making those numbers up. Either that, or we're looking at different reports of 'problems per 100 cars'. I don't remember where I saw the one, but Porsche was the best, followed by Toyota, Nissan, etc with BMW at around 5th - quite good. Ford and GM ranked way below BMW and the two Korean manufacturers, Kia and Hyundai were the worst - Kia by a huge margin. I'll try to find the report, but I do remember being suprised that Porsche was the best and also remembered that BMW did very well, compared to both domestic and Asian cars.
After posting this, I got out all of my service invoices on my 98 A4 1.8. Besides the regular maintainance stuff (brakes, timing belt/water pump, etc), I replaced 3 control arms, a heater core, a wheel bearing, washer pump, and a seal in the transmission. I believe that is a little excessive. Since Audi's and BMW's reliability seem to be rated about the same, the posts that I mentioned aboue are a concern.
I had a 2001 330ci and I do not think I could of owned a better car!!!! Hands down!! My parents traded it in for a CLK 500 that so far, knock on wood, is giving me no problems! I was unaware of the trade until I got home from college. But the BMW is a fantastic car, I will NEVER speak poorly about that vehicle. Plus I live on Long Island and have made countless trips to Manhattan with my 330ci and it NEVER gave me a headache. The only time the car was in was for routine service, oil and filter change that is it!! Every forum about any car is going to show the good and bad sides. DO NOT let this stop you from purchasing what you want, plus there are many consumer protective laws out there to protect you just in case the car you buy is a flop!!!!!!! I am telling you this much after the MB I am driving I am def going back to BMW!!!
![[werd]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_werd.gif "Werd [werd]"){kind=icon}
I suppose I have not seen the troubles that you say exist with the ownership of bimmers. I only own one, and it's a little dated... I however have 130, 214 original miles on it with no worries. I get my oil changed every 5,000 with a tire rotation and get the scheduled maintenence done religiously. I expect to drive it one million miles. I get excellent service from shops that are BMW CCA member owned and operated and cater to BMW's. I don't have a Steptronic, therefore I will not dare to address that issue. I love bimmers and I take care of my car and it takes care of me. Happy Motoring... ![[driving]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_driving.gif "Driving [driving]"){kind=icon}
Lomo theres no headaches or problems with driving the BMW to manhattan...... just don't stop for service at BMW Manhattan.
sidney, as for BMW service reliability since you're out in PA I wouldn't worry about it, you're far away from bmw manhattan. And the problems with my car are all courtesy of the incompetent service department at that dealership.
![[confused]](/images/smilies/confused.png "Confused [confused]")
Honestly guys - it all depends on chance - by buying any car your taking a chance that at any point your going to have problems. I know a lot of people talk about how great the 2002's were well I have a friend who had more problems than a Yugo with hers and she thought is was the biggest hunk of junk (a lemon). It all depends on which car rolls off the truck.
From the JD Power Web Site:
"Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. continues to be the highest-ranking corporation in IQS, with seven models receiving awards—the most of any corporation. Toyota is followed in the corporate ranking by American Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor America in a tie, and by BMW of North America, respectively. While General Motors Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Company continue to demonstrate product improvement, all three continue to rank below the industry average."
Full Article
"Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. continues to be the highest-ranking corporation in IQS, with seven models receiving awards—the most of any corporation. Toyota is followed in the corporate ranking by American Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor America in a tie, and by BMW of North America, respectively. While General Motors Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Company continue to demonstrate product improvement, all three continue to rank below the industry average."
Full Article
