What is going on with BMW build quality lately?

[bigx5er]

Those of you who had the E53 will remember the famous door handles that peeled all the time. They really seemed bothered by sunscreen for some reason. I went through a few of them.

So far my E70 has been defect free on the interior (knock on wood). Still have a "loose" tailgate and went through a few fuel pumps, but it has been perfect the last 20K miles (outside of ditching the bleeping run flats)

[MCX5]

Originally Posted by brian5

No need to slam U.S. companies. These cars are being built better than I expected than I thought they would be.

My wife's 2000 MB ML320 (MADE IN AMERICA) is still running well and looks great. And that's supposed to be a troublesome model...

Why not???

Slam any company that produces inferior products....

We have the same issues in Australia they cant build cars for Sh#t .... then complain when people buy imports.

I was a bit dubious about buying a US built car but so far the build quality is up to par ... fingers crossed

[RLR]

I agree, really poor build quality.....
Mine is currently at the dealer for

1. Seat stitching coming apart,
2. Glove box leather trim coming apart,
3. CD stuck in front loader, (third time now)
4. "Loose" tailgate,
5. Front passenger door panel coming loose from the bodywork,
6. Moon Roof being replaced due to defective mechanism (supposedly)
7. Rattles from side front vents,

I'm pretty sure there was more, but can't seem to remember right now. Vehicle is at the dealer for a week already, probably only gonna get it back some time next week........

Even with all these problems, really missing it......

[jimsaq]

Originally Posted by MCX5

Why not???

Slam any company that produces inferior products....

We have the same issues in Australia they cant build cars for Sh#t .... then complain when people buy imports.

I was a bit dubious about buying a US built car but so far the build quality is up to par ... fingers crossed

+1

[GPSnV1]

Here is my short list, but bigX5er what do you mean fuel pumps?
This is 2008 4.8i

1. fuel pump - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ul-vendor.html
2. stepper motor that still bothers me - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...oise-am-c.html
3. cracklin' noise - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...rear-tire.html
4. rubber on the headlight switch like OP
5. low tire pressure warning - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...e-warning.html
6. transmission jerks - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-smoother.html
7. green tint in outside mirror still comes around - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...de-mirror.html
8. will have to replace tires at 16K (now) - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nt-rotate.html
9. Those tires make worse a plastic rattle noise worked on Monday and here is what tech wrote: "Removed AC vent and rattle was still there. Removed CID and rattle was still present. Removed IHKA and rattle got better. Removed CCC and rattle went away. Placed felt tape in several different places on brackets and rattle is better now."
10. noise with brakes - they said pads are okay so I wonder if there is a suspension issue from the above (#1) towing incident but also http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...campaigns.html
11. can't store name in nav - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-name-nav.html
12. the heated seats are not as warm as 2005 4.4i

[brian5]

Originally Posted by MCX5

Why not???

Slam any company that produces inferior products....

We have the same issues in Australia they cant build cars for Sh#t .... then complain when people buy imports.

I was a bit dubious about buying a US built car but so far the build quality is up to par ... fingers crossed

Huh? Yes, slam any company that produces inferior products. It was the generalization by a Canadian that I was objecting to. And I'm not that concerned about it...

[motordavid]

Hard to discern what the real current "build quality" is, out of the SC plant, based
solely on a few dozen anecdotal posts on this board...not defending the SC plant
or, any car brand, built anywhere, actually. What I think we are seeing is cost
containment, cost cutting/reduction, hammering on vendors, etc. Some of that
action is bound to seep into the "parts" that BMW, et al, are getting in their
JIT assembly processes.

It is sad to see, but inevitable that things like those posted, will creep into cars
today. Jes' my 50Cts...
GL,mD

[bigx5er]

Originally Posted by GPSnV1

Here is my short list, but bigX5er what do you mean fuel pumps?

I am on my third fuel pump. First two died along with the control unit. My SA said they had a bunch go bad this past winter. Knock on wood since the last repair all has been perfect.

[GPSnV1]

Originally Posted by bigx5er

I am on my third fuel pump. First two died along with the control unit. My SA said they had a bunch go bad this past winter. Knock on wood since the last repair all has been perfect.

Well, my X5 just died in the driveway and I am certain it is the fuel pump again - same behavior, not out of gas, engine icon on, etc.

I was getting ready to buy new tires and am having second thoughts. I don't suppose my wife would let me trade but the August failure (see link in post #25) is something I don't need to deal with again.

[Penguin]

In some states the lemon laws say three strikes on the same problem and you're out. You might want to check about a buyback, new replacement vehicle under your state's Lemon Laws.

From what I have heard, BMW is rather responsive to Lemon Law requirements.