Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: IK3 on May 22, 2005, 11:02:13 PM

Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: IK3 on May 22, 2005, 11:02:13 PM
My aunt bought a bimmer 3 series @ BMW of San Fernando, L.A.

it is used - 2000

$18,000

She's happy with this status car

A day later... car broke down

She went to the repair shop

Problems... faulty battery, engine "shaking"

Repair cost - don't even mention it

Final word from a Japanese mechanic... "Body goooood, engine shake, rattle, and roll":D His Advice, get a Lexus!

Ban BWM!

It's worse than GM!

:D

(seriously, BMW's fuggin over-rated)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Chairboy on May 22, 2005, 11:26:40 PM
Is the engine "shaking" because of a "broken engine mount"?  Seems kinda premature to just give up on it, if that's all.  Bimmers can be awful nice.

If she doesn't want it, I'll give ya a hundred bucks.  :D
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: 1K3 on May 22, 2005, 11:29:15 PM
too late

she returned it to the dealer today :D

i'll persuade her to get Lexus instead
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Drunky on May 22, 2005, 11:43:47 PM
Somewhere Rip feels a disturbance in the force.
Title: Re: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Masherbrum on May 22, 2005, 11:53:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by IK3
My aunt bought a bimmer 3 series @ BMW of San Fernando, L.A.

it is used - 2000

$18,000

She's happy with this status car

A day later... car broke down

She went to the repair shop

Problems... faulty battery, engine "shaking"

Repair cost - don't even mention it

Final word from a Japanese mechanic... "Body goooood, engine shake, rattle, and roll":D His Advice, get a Lexus!

Ban BWM!

It's worse than GM!

:D

(seriously, BMW's fuggin over-rated)


How many miles?

You think a Lexus is going to be ANY cheaper if something goes wrong with it?  

Karaya
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Siaf__csf on May 23, 2005, 12:12:23 AM
Even though lexuses are a bit more reliable than mercedes/bmw, your aunt won't be able to get anything similar for $18k. Lexuses design starts to look old (like 90% of japanese cars) after 2 years, which won't happen with bmw or merc. That means your aunt will be getting a brand new lexus (estimate $30k+) every 2 years or drive a car that looks like last years Nissan.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 23, 2005, 09:02:32 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Drunky
Somewhere Rip feels a disturbance in the force.


First, why Rip? There are many BMW owners on this board.

Second, where did you get the idea that I was brand-loyal? If I have any brand of anything that breaks on me, I question it.  I tend to stick with brands that give *me* good service.

Third, I'm looking seriously close at the 2006 Shelby Cobra...okay so maybe I'm dreaming, but sometimes dreams come true!
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Saintaw on May 23, 2005, 09:33:29 AM
No pricing on that one yet? ;)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: beet1e on May 23, 2005, 11:57:14 AM
BMW is overrated. Mercedes Benz is a better make.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Chairboy on May 23, 2005, 12:04:21 PM
(http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=14572&stc=1)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 23, 2005, 12:34:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Saintaw
No pricing on that one yet? ;)


Aye...but Mama gets the next new vehicle, its her turn. :(
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Hangtime on May 23, 2005, 12:35:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by beet1e
BMW is overrated. Mercedes Benz is a better make.


LOL. Buy a Chrysler, keep the change.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 23, 2005, 12:36:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by beet1e
BMW is overrated. Mercedes Benz is a better make.


I wouldn't know, I don't own one and they're out of our price range.

I do know I've had 4 good years and flawless service (61,000 miles) out of my 3'er though.  However, I keep wearing out tires,  imagine that...:p (Ordering my 3rd set of tires sometime this month)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Hangtime on May 23, 2005, 12:36:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Drunky
Somewhere Rip feels a disturbance in the force.


Fish ON!
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: nuchpatrick on May 23, 2005, 01:13:13 PM
I'd rather own a BMW then a over priced Toyota.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: bigsky on May 23, 2005, 01:19:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hangtime
Fish ON!

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/176_1109896979_oldman-lg.jpg)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: 1K3 on May 23, 2005, 02:00:23 PM
gee why can't BMW make something EXTRAVAGANT that is also PRACTICAL...

(iDrive's the worst feature ever implemented by BMW)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 23, 2005, 02:50:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by 1K3
gee why can't BMW make something EXTRAVAGANT that is also PRACTICAL...

(iDrive's the worst feature ever implemented by BMW)


Anyone who drives a slushy (automatic) should be riding the bus.  Stick shifters rule the world!
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: midnight Target on May 23, 2005, 03:14:38 PM
This one's a fighter....
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: beet1e on May 23, 2005, 04:03:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Ripsnort
Anyone who drives a slushy (automatic) should be riding the bus.  Stick shifters rule the world!
Bollocks.

I've driven both, owned both, like both. I'm interested in the new Audi/VW "DSG" gearbox - a 2-pedal system but with a pushbutton gear change...
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Skuzzy on May 23, 2005, 04:06:15 PM
Let out a little more line,...let him run a bit....

BMW is as good as any other car.  All of them have quirks.  If you know them and are willing to do what it takes to satisfy the quirks, then it is all good.
There are very few well made automatic transmissions around.  When I say that, I am meaning in the context of strength and longevity of a good standard gear box.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: beet1e on May 23, 2005, 04:22:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
There are very few well made automatic transmissions around.  When I say that, I am meaning in the context of strength and longevity of a good standard gear box.
Well, you have to have them serviced. In the US, you have Aamco. Here, the dealer does it. I had a Toyota Supra 3.0-turbo automatic for 6½ years - the automatic gave no problems, even after 84,000 miles.

However, many years ago the Swedish police force switched to automatics - the reason being that there would be less wear and tear on them, ie. better longevity.

:confused:
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Skuzzy on May 23, 2005, 04:45:54 PM
Any of them can be abused and it all depends on who made the standard as well.  There are some lousy standard, as well as lousy automatics on the market.

My automatic Infinity I30 has over 130,000 miles on it, and has never had a single problem, of any kind.  The fluid and filter have been replaced twice.

The wife's Volvo S60 has over 80,000 miles and no problems with its automatic either.

However, if it is a Honda, then it will be a standard.  The Honda slush box sucks.


It just depends on who built them.  Some companies make better automatics than standards and vice-versa.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 23, 2005, 04:49:11 PM
The automatic vs. stick arguement is as old as the automobile itself.  But basically it comes down to women.  If you bought an automatic, its because your significant other forced you to. Real men drive stick shifts. :cool:
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Skuzzy on May 23, 2005, 04:50:32 PM
Hey Rip, ever tried to drive a Taurus with a stick?  If you did, you would ammend that statement.  :D
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 23, 2005, 04:55:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
Hey Rip, ever tried to drive a Taurus with a stick?  If you did, you would ammend that statement.  :D


Okay, there *are* exceptions to this rule. :)
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: GreenCloud on May 23, 2005, 05:27:00 PM
if you dont have a sequential gear box..you are not  really driving
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: beet1e on May 23, 2005, 05:39:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
It just depends on who built them.  Some companies make better automatics than standards and vice-versa.
I didn't think the car maker built them. I thought they used assemblies by companies like ZF and Borg-Warner.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Siaf__csf on May 24, 2005, 12:55:39 AM
Beet1e if they changed to auto for longevity, it was for the longevity of the engine not the gearbox.

The automatic gears will force the driver into a certain range of revs which are generally more accepted by the engine. With manual gears drivers use revs which wear the engine.

Any manual gearbox will beat any auto in durability anytime. Auto boxes need frequent oil and filter changes, they wear discs, they can't take 400+hp without extensive modifications etc. You can destroy an auto very very quickly with the wrong kind of use.

The worst you can get is those new 'tiptronic' autos which will fail after 100-150 000km and cost a measly $15000 to replace.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: 1K3 on May 24, 2005, 01:34:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Siaf__csf


The worst you can get is those new 'tiptronic' autos which will fail after 100-150 000km and cost a measly $15000 to replace.


$15,000???
:eek:
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: beet1e on May 24, 2005, 01:34:58 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Siaf__csf
Beet1e if they changed to auto for longevity, it was for the longevity of the engine not the gearbox.
Ah, roger that.

So was I just lucky with my Toyota? It was a powerful car (150mph+) and I had no probs with the auto after 6½ years and 84,000 miles.

As for longevity - I had a Chev Camaro Type LT automatic when I was in the US in the early 80s. I did indeed have to  have a transmission rebuild which cost me $500, and it was guaranteed for 6 months.

However, a fellow Brit who also had a Chev Camaro, but a manual one (godawful column shift IIRC), had to have his transmission rebuilt - twice. It was $500 each time, and he only got a 1 month guarantee from Aamco. His take on it was that a manual transmission was more open to abuse than an auto - hence the shorter guarantee.
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: hyena426 on May 24, 2005, 01:59:26 AM
Quote
However, a fellow Brit who also had a Chev Camaro, but a manual one (godawful column shift IIRC),
colum shift tranz are weak..allways have been.the linkage on column shifts allways bind up....top loaders are the tuffest and linkage ones second..autos are better for heavy traffic..but sticks get better gas milage..autos rob a little horse power
Title: Ban / Boycott Bmw!
Post by: Siaf__csf on May 24, 2005, 02:20:02 AM
Well there are many variations with auto boxes as well as manual boxes. Some last some don't. Many US autos are extremely durable and cheap to repair. Most auto's used in euro cars are extremely expensive to repair which means the user should see extra care on its service.

For example a Mercedes-Benz transmission is supposed to be 'perma-lubed' meaning it doesn't need oil changes during its lifetime. Well I guess that's fine if you expect a lifetime of 200 000km max. Professional drivers change the tranny oils at 60 000 - 100 000km durations minimum.