BMW targeting Lexus in showrooms
04-20-07, 04:35 AM
#106
I was a BMW owner (of an M car) who will most likely never buy another one because of reliability problems. That "happy and relaxing" feeling I got from driving it evaporated every time I had to go back to the shop. And I know not every BMW owner has had my same poor experience, but it was absolutely true for me that my Bimmer was a lemon and my Japanese cars have been gems.
Does that make me biased? Yes! But does it make me closed-minded? I hope not.
Does that make me biased? Yes! But does it make me closed-minded? I hope not.
04-20-07, 04:53 AM
#107
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On a similar note, I'm an ex BMW owner that didn't exactly have a Japanese equallivalent reliable car, but not exactly a lemmon either. I gladly traded in the BMW for the Lexus and swore I'd never go back to BMW. Oddly enough, I find myself wanting a BMW again and while not actively looking, I do look at what is availble and probably would buy one again if I find the right one. After owning and driving 4 differnt models of Lexus cars (Still currently) I really miss the BMW drive. Now I find myself thinking it wasn't that bad after all (Owning a BMW).
(you know we have free maintenance right?)
04-20-07, 07:04 AM
#111
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Not a chance. The tires aren't covered under any maintenance warranty. They're covered under a defect warranty by the tire mfg up until a certain point, and you can also buy a road hazzard warranty that covers damage from road debris, etc. But replacing worn tires is completely left to the owner. (Or if you live in FL, tires are never replaced until they've worn through all the steel belting, and they shred into a fine powder as you drive down the highway. At which point, you put on the donut spare tire and drive on it until the same thing happens. At that point, you find another donut spare somewhere, and drive on it. Lather, rise, repeat.)
Last edited by ff_; 04-20-07 at 10:23 AM.
04-20-07, 10:00 AM
#112
That's likely the road hazard coverage that's becoming popular as BMW (unfortunately) switches to run-flats on their models.
We have a BMW, and tires (incl. rotation and alignment), glass are not included in warranty or maintenance.
We have a BMW, and tires (incl. rotation and alignment), glass are not included in warranty or maintenance.
04-20-07, 10:05 AM
#113
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1) Who cares
2) Again, why worry so much about what others think. I see plenty of Lexus too. Both cars are common, if you want exclusivity, you generally will pay big bucks.
3) Perhaps, I don't know much about 5 series maintenance. After 45 days, shouldn't the car be lemoned on a brand new car? 5 Series have more maint. issues than 3.
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2) Again, why worry so much about what others think. I see plenty of Lexus too. Both cars are common, if you want exclusivity, you generally will pay big bucks.
3) Perhaps, I don't know much about 5 series maintenance. After 45 days, shouldn't the car be lemoned on a brand new car? 5 Series have more maint. issues than 3.
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If you've seen my car, you would never confuse it with any other Lexus.
As far as the new 545 is concerned, it was 45 days over a six month period, so no lemon law.
Ultimately, BMW replaced the engine in this car; to me this is unfathomable in a car with 20,000 miles. I had an old FIAT that (when I sold it) had 226,000 miles on the original engine... the car is still out there.
Another friend of mine has a 2003 Mini Cooper S (another BMW product) that needed a new short block at 30,000 miles. This was not under warranty, and set him back $5K. This car is a blast to drive, but he went through hell with the BMW/Mini service people and it took three months to get the car back on the road. You can see where this is going... I won't be buying a Beemer anytime soon.
04-20-07, 11:03 AM
#114
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So, my opinion is wrong? Obviously I care or I wouldn't have said it.
If you've seen my car, you would never confuse it with any other Lexus.
As far as the new 545 is concerned, it was 45 days over a six month period, so no lemon law.
Ultimately, BMW replaced the engine in this car; to me this is unfathomable in a car with 20,000 miles. I had an old FIAT that (when I sold it) had 226,000 miles on the original engine... the car is still out there.
Another friend of mine has a 2003 Mini Cooper S (another BMW product) that needed a new short block at 30,000 miles. This was not under warranty, and set him back $5K. This car is a blast to drive, but he went through hell with the BMW/Mini service people and it took three months to get the car back on the road. You can see where this is going... I won't be buying a Beemer anytime soon.
If you've seen my car, you would never confuse it with any other Lexus.
As far as the new 545 is concerned, it was 45 days over a six month period, so no lemon law.
Ultimately, BMW replaced the engine in this car; to me this is unfathomable in a car with 20,000 miles. I had an old FIAT that (when I sold it) had 226,000 miles on the original engine... the car is still out there.
Another friend of mine has a 2003 Mini Cooper S (another BMW product) that needed a new short block at 30,000 miles. This was not under warranty, and set him back $5K. This car is a blast to drive, but he went through hell with the BMW/Mini service people and it took three months to get the car back on the road. You can see where this is going... I won't be buying a Beemer anytime soon.
Also, doesn't the Mini come with a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty?
04-20-07, 11:53 AM
#115
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Which kind of hints at the probability that his MINI was either abused, improperly cared for, or "illegally" modified. If BMW doesn't cover the replacement while the car is under warranty, that can mean only one thing.
04-20-07, 04:54 PM
#117
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The Mini was indeed purchased in 2002, my friend ordered it long before the car was delivered in the US. The car was S-T-O-C-K except for the Mini-dealer installed Sirius radio interface. The car was 34 days out of warranty. It spun a main bearing and BMW said "too bad"... interesting because all the maintenance was 'owned' and performed by the dealer. The spun bearing was caused by low oil- the car apparently used over 3.5 quarts of oil in under 2,000 miles and it never leaked a drop on the ground.
I change my Lexus oil every 4,000 miles, and to be honest, I don't check it weekly. No need to; my car has quite a few miles on it and 'uses' less than one pint between oil changes.
My friend still loves the Mini, but hates the company. Likewise, my friend with the 545 likes how the car drives, but isn't terribly happy with some aspects of the car (iDrive) and BMW's service.
If you're into leasing a car, BMWs can be a great choice. I buy cars and tend to keep them a long time. Ever purchase a "fuel distributor" for an '88 BMW 535is? Ouch.
04-20-07, 06:19 PM
#119
From what I've deduced.......as a (very) general conclusion, BMW dealerships in urban metropolitan areas tend to have awful service. Of course, everyone has their own experiences, and there are those who do go a step beyond to provide customer satisfaction. Also, how a service dept. treats you often depends on where you bought the vehicle.
And for the record, our '04 BMW X3 with 41k miles has had only a couple minor problems, and neither of them really needed to be fixed (but I'm picky and insistent
) . Pretty reliable IMO.
And for the record, our '04 BMW X3 with 41k miles has had only a couple minor problems, and neither of them really needed to be fixed (but I'm picky and insistent
) . Pretty reliable IMO.
