Topic: MT Long(ish) Term test of BMW 328...Not so great

[Guest]

Post content deleted at request of original poster.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

After spending that much on a car, I'd expect it to be pretty much faultless. The last time I distinctly remember something failing on a new car while it was under warranty, was the ignition module on my 1990 Colt, and it was two or three years old when it happened.

Having a new car sidelined for a week would drive me apeshit.

[sailor723]

Nothing new here. I think we all know that the new 3 series is a softer,gentler, Chinese-friendly version of the icon. If you want a sports sedan it's no longer the obvious choice. That article said it best....the old 3 series was a sport sedan with some luxury bits stuck on...the new 3 is a luxury sedan with a sport setting.

[johngenx]

For some time now it seems there is no correlation between price and build quality.  In fact, it might be an inverse relationship.

[Fobroader]

An FGC being an FGC.....why the surprise?? If you want reliable asia is still where its at.

[sailor723]

For some time now it seems there is no correlation between price and build quality.  In fact, it might be an inverse relationship.

I'd agree with that. The more expensive the car the more complex and elaborate the electronic systems and the more prone they are to failure

 It's interesting but except for one leaking seal (incorrectly seated) that showed up in the first month, my ML has had no issues that were not electronic/computer related

[huota]

Nothing new here. I think we all know that the new 3 series is a softer,gentler, Chinese-friendly version of the icon. If you want a sports sedan it's no longer the obvious choice. That article said it best....the old 3 series was a sport sedan with some luxury bits stuck on...the new 3 is a luxury sedan with a sport setting.

Tread carefully now  And yeah, I haven't driven this new generation 3 series and have almost zero inclination to do so. This from a big 3 series fan and a (kind of a) driving enthusiast.

[sailor723]

Nothing new here. I think we all know that the new 3 series is a softer,gentler, Chinese-friendly version of the icon. If you want a sports sedan it's no longer the obvious choice. That article said it best....the old 3 series was a sport sedan with some luxury bits stuck on...the new 3 is a luxury sedan with a sport setting.

Tread carefully now  And yeah, I haven't driven this new generation 3 series and have almost zero inclination to do so. This from a big 3 series fan and a (kind of a) driving enthusiast.

What?     I think it's pretty widely known that the new 3  was "softened" to increase it's appeal in China.

[5 Wheel Drive]

Power steering failure at 15k miles...wow!

[2JDM]

Power steering failure at 15k miles...wow!

Imagine you were on a road trip and that happened. Trip over. 

[johngenx]

I am surprised at the mechanical failure.  Not the electronic glitches.  FGC's usually have robust mechanicals and crappy "anything electrons run through."

[rrocket]

I am surprised at the mechanical failure.  Not the electronic glitches.  FGC's usually have robust mechanicals and crappy "anything electrons run through."

IIRC, that's not a traditional hydraulic power steering though.  That's the electronic power steering, isn't it?

[sailor723]

I am surprised at the mechanical failure.  Not the electronic glitches.  FGC's usually have robust mechanicals and crappy "anything electrons run through."

IIRC, that's not a traditional hydraulic power steering though.  That's the electronic power steering, isn't it?

Good point!  I hadn't thought of that but you're right.   FGC+electronic system=failure 

[Thinking Out Loud]

Nothing new here. I think we all know that the new 3 series is a softer,gentler, Chinese-friendly version of the icon. If you want a sports sedan it's no longer the obvious choice. That article said it best....the old 3 series was a sport sedan with some luxury bits stuck on...the new 3 is a luxury sedan with a sport setting.

Sounds like how most people describe the C class Mercedes Benz efforts relative to the (old) 3.   

[whaddaiknow]

Disappointing. BMW is getting cocky riding on its badge. Won't be for much longer if the trend continues. Lots of hungry automakers there eager to take the spot. Lexus and Caddy already present a good alternative to the FGC compact triplets.

[No H2O]

So, why can't the Germans make electronics work in cars?

Don't know.    Maybe they took lessons from the Prince of Darkness...Lucas. 

[ArticSteve]

For some time now it seems there is no correlation between price and build quality.  In fact, it might be an inverse relationship.

I'd agree with that. The more expensive the car the more complex and elaborate the electronic systems and the more prone they are to failure

 It's interesting but except for one leaking seal (incorrectly seated) that showed up in the first month, my ML has had no issues that were not electronic/computer related

Can't own these units outside of the bumper to bumper warranty.