BMW ranked 26 in quality survey

[bobbynoway]

O.P.http://www.smh.com.au/drive/motor-ne...1029-hme5.html

1. Scion (Toyota)
2. Honda
3. Toyota
4. Infiniti (Nissan)
5. Acura (Honda)
6. Mitsubishi
7. Lexus
8. Hyundai
9. Porsche
10. Mercury (Ford)
11. Saab
12. Subaru
13. Suzuki
14. Kia
15. Mazda
16. Ford
17. Nissan
18. Volvo
19. Buick (GM)
20. Lincoln (Ford)
21. Volkswagen
22. Pontiac (GM)
23. Mercedes-Benz
24. Audi
25. Chevrolet (GM)
26. BMW
27. Mini
28. GMC (GM)
29. Saturn (GM)
30. Jeep
31. Dodge
32. Cadillac (GM)
33. Chrysler


The X3 and 135i had the worst result for BMW. I hope this is just a coincidence and not a pattern.

[Brissie]

I'm not surprised.

[zenderm3]

I don't see how this is totally accurate considering we don't even get scions in australia... and they actually put Hyundai in the top 10

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by zenderm3

I don't see how this is totally accurate considering we don't even get scions in australia... and they actually put Hyundai in the top 10

It gives us a guide, as the American market is much much bigger than ours, and thus may be more reliable than surveying a small market like ours. Never owned nor driven a Hyundai, and they may not be very good to drive, but that doesn't mean that they can't be reliable.

[amk2912]

Don't be suprised to see the E9x M3 on that list sometime....so far I have had a dodgy idle control valve, a blown LED right side rear indicator array and squeaky windows. All fixed under warranty but you'd kinda expect a bit better reliability!

[BBK]

I don't care if they are reliable... They don't make a car that I want. Their visual design, and interiors are not quality. Yes they may drive for years on end without too much problem, but what about the plastic bits and pieces that will break or wear out...

[BMW86]

Lol something isn't right about that list. Suzuki, Kia, Hyundai are way ahead of BMW, Merc and Audi.

[mattssi]

This is just laughable...I have a feeling I'll be heading back to Toyota after my lease.

[bobbynoway]

I guess it didnt suprise me the 135i has alot of problems, this just proves it. It a survey from real consumers not from maufactures, and so should be less bias.
Hearing failing HPFP, broken brake lights, turbo issues, makes me think the 2 year warranty is not long enough. Ive already have other problems albeit minor, problems nonetheless and is booked in to get fixed.

[Taymaishu]

The findings cover vehicles built between 2000 and 2009 and are based on surveys filled out by more than 1.4 million subscribers to the Consumer Reports magazine and website, which is similar to Australia’s Choice magazine.

Ok, so let's have a look at a few things here:

1. The 1er is a relatively new model on the market - people won't really write a survey on it.
2. The surveys were partaken in the US only - missing key markets like Europe.
3. People are naturally more likely to fill out a survey if negative things have happened, especially to more expensive items. If someone buys a cheaper item and they haven't had an issue (and are therefore somewhat 'surprised') then they could fill out a survey.

Ok, i'll back out of what i learned in politics in Uni and leave it at this

Having said that, there would be an element of realism to this survery.

[chylld]

Originally Posted by zenderm3

I don't see how this is totally accurate considering we don't even get scions in australia... and they actually put Hyundai in the top 10

For the record, I've owned 2 new Hyundais before my 1er and they were both flawless. No rattles, squeaks, mechanical faults etc.

In contrast my 1er has some quite bad rattles, especially from the passenger seat when no one's sitting there.

Though not as bad as my Honda... 35 warranty faults on that thing.

My reliability order from personal experience would be:

1. Hyundai (2008 i30, 2004 Getz)
2. Holden (2002 Astra)
3. BMW (2009 125i)
4. Toyota (1994 Corolla)
5. Honda (2006 Civic)

It is very easy to explain this however. If I ask you to toast some bread until it is black and charred, it is very hard to get it wrong. On the other hand if I ask you to make me a world-class eggs benedict breakfast with some truffle on the side, there are a million more aspects that can be criticised and a million times easier to get it wrong.

Our cars are much more advanced machines with much fussier clientele.

[bobbynoway]

I guess the addage you pay more for better quality does not ring true for cars.

1. For the 1er being a relatively new model - To me it rings bells if it scored poorly so soon after its release while other cars that scored well but have been in the market alot longer. The older cars should show more problems and not the newer one I think.
2. In terms of US only survey, this is still great indication because is the biggest market in the world.
Like I said before, didnt need this survey to know the 135i quality is not up there with other cars from BMW, still a great car though.
I would still purchase this car today even with the information I now know.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by chylld

For the record, I've owned 2 new Hyundais before my 1er and they were both flawless. No rattles, squeaks, mechanical faults etc.

In contrast my 1er has some quite bad rattles, especially from the passenger seat when no one's sitting there.

Though not as bad as my Honda... 35 warranty faults on that thing.

My reliability order from personal experience would be:

1. Hyundai (2008 i30, 2004 Getz)
2. Holden (2002 Astra)
3. BMW (2009 125i)
4. Toyota (1994 Corolla)
5. Honda (2006 Civic)

It is very easy to explain this however. If I ask you to toast some bread until it is black and charred, it is very hard to get it wrong. On the other hand if I ask you to make me a world-class eggs benedict breakfast with some truffle on the side, there are a million more aspects that can be criticised and a million times easier to get it wrong.

Our cars are much more advanced machines with much fussier clientele.

My rank in reliability from experience:

1. Subaru, BMW, Subaru.
2. Nil.
3. Nil.

Never had ANY problems with both Subarus i had (still have one of them) and now Christine. Not a worry in the world

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by chylld

Our cars are much more advanced machines with much fussier clientele.

Exactly - and much more [I]likely/I] to complain if something goes wrong compared to a Datsun driver.

[MickyD]

Without looking at the link, I assume this is the JD Power Survey, which is an absolute crock of shit.... It's based on the number of reported faults under warranty. Someone who buys a $15000 Hyundai probably won't complain about a little squeek in the dash. Someone who buy's a $100k BMW will complain if the pile on the carpet lays the wrong way (exaggeration, but you get my point) therefore the BMW scores worse in the survey. That said, have a look at the quality on some of the new Hyundai's particularly the i30, and I think you'll be VERY surprised..... and so far I'm pretty underwhelmed by the build quality of my 120, it has more squeeks than my MINI had.....

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by chylld

Our cars are much more advanced machines with much fussier clientele.

Exactly - and much more likely to complain if something goes wrong compared to a Datsun driver.

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by MickyD

. Someone who buys a $15000 Hyundai probably won't complain about a little squeek in the dash. Someone who buy's a $100k BMW will complain if the pile on the carpet lays the wrong way (exaggeration, but you get my point) therefore the BMW scores worse in the survey. That said, have a look at the quality on some of the new Hyundai's particularly the i30, and I think you'll be VERY surprised..... and so far I'm pretty underwhelmed by the build quality of my 120, it has more squeeks than my MINI had.....

Your point is valid. However, how do we explain the fact that Infinity, Acura, Lexus (premium brand for the Japanese car), and porche all ranked in the top 10?
Have you noticed how big the panel gaps are between the bonnet and front quarter panels? Something you would expect from a 20 year old car. Or may be it is just my car.

[Add1ct]

doesn't surprise me, as far as quality based on trips to the dealer for warranty repairs, I'd willingly say my 1 is a piece of junk. Sure as hell doesn't mean I don't love her!

[Jeef Beef]

I agree with the general consensus that the result is no surprise.

The X3 in my family has a whole raft of problems: faulty accelerator module, leaking transmission fluid, intermittent brake light failure, immobilizer problems. It's actually sitting at Northshore service getting fixed right now.

Hopefully my 135i will prove less troublesome.

[d3syd]

Originally Posted by chylld

It is very easy to explain this however. If I ask you to toast some bread until it is black and charred, it is very hard to get it wrong. On the other hand if I ask you to make me a world-class eggs benedict breakfast with some truffle on the side, there are a million more aspects that can be criticised and a million times easier to get it wrong.

Our cars are much more advanced machines with much fussier clientele.

I agree. Just look at the space shuttle. Squillions of dollars spent on it, thousands of scientists and technicians and 2 blow up. One because of a faulty O-ring, the other because of doggy tile adhesive.

Which would you prefer? A Kelvinator on wheels or something with a bit of character? I drive a Land Rover so you know my answer

[sparoz]

Since when is BMW reliable? I have much more problems with my 318i then any car my parents or I have every owned. No problem with my CRV with 3 years owner ship. Had continuous braking problem with a Mazda 3. The E46 - Sunroof, windows, software (didn't know how to get out of 2nd gear), speakers (loud booms for now apparent reason), Air Conditioning issue, faulty brake light indicator, door to refueling cap faulty, boot doesn't open, passenger door doesn't open when trying to unlock. The 120D - PDC and they still can't fix it, and the sensors for the traction controls, braking and steering!!

Well, at least the 135i hasn't had any problems yet.

I love how BMW drives, but hey.. they are definitely not the most reliable.

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by sparoz

Since when is BMW reliable? I have much more problems with my 318i then any car my parents or I have every owned. No problem with my CRV with 3 years owner ship. Had continuous braking problem with a Mazda 3. The E46 - Sunroof, windows, software (didn't know how to get out of 2nd gear), speakers (loud booms for now apparent reason), Air Conditioning issue, faulty brake light indicator, door to refueling cap faulty, boot doesn't open, passenger door doesn't open when trying to unlock. The 120D - PDC and they still can't fix it, and the sensors for the traction controls, braking and steering!!

.

I don't know why you keep coming back for more punishment!
I would have given up on the brand if I were you.