Originally Posted by Penguin

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings...tings-by-brand


Consumers Reports:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/car...liability.html

"For the first time in recent years, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (V6 RWD) is no longer below average, although an all-new C-Class has been introduced for 2008. Despite this, Mercedes-Benz still hovers near the bottom in Consumer Reports' predicted reliability scores comparison."

Originally Posted by BGM

Porsche doesn't have back cameras, does it ? Does the new ML have the cornering front headlights ? The e70 has more technology on it. I agree it should always work but when electronics go bad they cause more problems. Which surveys are you referring to that MB scores higher than BMW ? You can make the same argument that MB doesn't score as good on Consumer Reports as other brands. Surveys are just that--surveys. Sorry to hear about your BMW experience. I've had an e53 for 7 years now that I bought new and the only thing really wrong with it has been a rear window regulator.

Originally Posted by deutsch100

A-ha, one knows never to trust Consumer Reports for cars. They are only useful for washers and toaster ovens. Anyone with the slightest bit of car knowledge and insight, knows that Consumer Reports is basically just a bitch to sell Camrys, Accords and Civics. I don't even consider Consumer Reports an option for car reviews, unless the car is from Japan, and under $25k (and then, that wouldn't be a car in my eyes ;). That's just the plain truth.

Originally Posted by deutsch100

Actually Mercedes does have the cornering headlights and foglights, and every other option that BMW offers. Actually it seems that BMW, MBZ and Audi basically have all the same features & options due to the fact that everything today (especially German) is SO highly competitive. For one, JD Power & Assoc. rates MBZ much, much higher than BMW. Don't get me wrong, I think BMW makes truly amazing cars, but the last few years, they seem to just be slopping the models & technology around. I'd personally rather have a model without every gadget, if all the gadgets I do have work, and work all the time!!!

Originally Posted by BGM

No I'm pretty sure the ML does not have the cornering headlights nor are they self-leveling. I think you mentioned you have had 3 BMWs in 3 years---you run a greater % chance of have a lot of different issues when having that many new cars in that short period of time--unfortunately.

Originally Posted by deutsch100

A-ha, one knows never to trust Consumer Reports for cars. They are only useful for washers and toaster ovens. Anyone with the slightest bit of car knowledge and insight, knows that Consumer Reports is basically just a bitch to sell Camrys, Accords and Civics. I don't even consider Consumer Reports an option for car reviews, unless the car is from Japan, and under $25k (and then, that wouldn't be a car in my eyes ;). That's just the plain truth.

Originally Posted by deutsch100

The ML, GL have cornering adaptive headlights, as well as foglights. The G Class only has cornering fog lights. It's on the MBZ website!

Originally Posted by Penguin

CR is very biased when it comes to their verbage, but their reliability data is quite accurate and compiled mechanically, with no personal bias inserted into the results.

If you check with experienced mechanics who work on the vehicles, they will confirm that the CR reliability data is quite accurate, e.g., when it shows 2001 Ford Focus's had engine issues, Ford mechanics will confirm it.

Check out their past data on BMW problem areas and compare with what you see posted as to problem areas -- you will find a close match.

The CR reliability data is quite good, and That's a fact, whether or not you like the answer.

P.S. Here's one example. The CR reliability data for the Z4 shows the fuel system as below average reliability for 2003 models, but above average for 2004. Guess what? BMW did a recall on all 2003 models to fix a vapor lock problem because owners were reporting engine stalling at at high ambient temepratures/altitudes.

Originally Posted by BGM

Too bad they will never love anything but a Honda or Toyota.

Originally Posted by Penguin

I guess you aren't aware that in the past CR said the BMW 5 Seires was the best car they ever tested.

http://www.channel3000.com/gas-price...14/detail.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series

"Consumer Reports found the E39 5 series their best car tested in 2001-2002."

Another article which shows Consumer Reports said the 2003 530i was"the best car tested:"

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/...in543403.shtml

CR described it [2003 BMW 530i] as having "excellent handling and exceptional comfort with advanced safety features, responsive performance, and exquisite fit and finish. It effectively combines sportiness and luxury, something few vehicles can match."


I have found CR to be a valuable source of information, you just have read it carefully to understand where they are placing their priorities. Typically when I personally disagree with CR it isn't that I disagree with the facts or information they have reported, rather it is because they have placed a different weighting on the decision factors than I have.