[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by skw

So question on the supplier part of the subject. With a plant in Germany, South Africa, Mexico, and South Carolina, all producing vehicles that can be had with dakota leather, is there one supplier that ships the leather seat covers to all 4 plants? Or do they have a different supplier in each country/region? I am only using the seat leather as an example of a same part that is used at several plants.

I guess the answer is "it depends". One important factor being transportation costs. Another is free trade between the specific regions. Also, supplier capacity and scale.

Some parts are probably single source while others are regionally sourced.

[AndrewC1989]

If I remember correctly VW moved Jetta production to Mexico a few years back and there were tons of quality control related problems. Hope bmw doesn't follow in their footsteps.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by andrewc89

If I remember correctly VW moved Jetta production to Mexico a few years back and there were tons of quality control related problems. Hope bmw doesn't follow in their footsteps.

Yeah, VW really screwed that up. A VW problem rather than a Mexico problem IMO. Lots of other manufacturers here that build with no issues. Some even winning worldwide plant quality awards.

[paul e]

VW now being the hallmark of a finely run company with no issues.

[Dieselmd]

Originally Posted by Domotron

good ! not a big fan of that dump anyways

I hate making assumptions so please explain to us all why South Africa is a dump?

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by JDubz

Where do I send my resume?

https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/mx/es.html#jobfinder

[LMK5]

My MY2017 330i was built in SA and has zero issues of any kind. Haven't had that car to the dealer once. My MY2014 328i built in Munich had an obvious paint defect, buzzing in the steering column, squeaky seat belt latches, and steering wheel shimmy. If I had a choice I'd have my next one built in Rosslyn.

[kern417]

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

Yeah, VW really screwed that up. A VW problem rather than a Mexico problem IMO. Lots of other manufacturers here that build with no issues. Some even winning worldwide plant quality awards.

yeah i was going to mirrow this comment. i have yet to find any issues related to assembly on mine. all of my issues have been design flaws (intake manifold, injectors, water pumps, etc. all fixed with updated designs). and i know it is the same for many people with german built GTIs

[lilian]

Loving this! sub'd

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

from a brand new factory with brand new equipment with workers trained solely on the brand new equipment? whats the problem there?

You mean just like Takata airbags?

[uncleruckus]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

You mean just like Takata airbags?

Was the Takata airbag issues related to design or build ? Not exactly fair to blame the production plant, if the design of the airbag was faulty.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by uncleruckus

Was the Takata airbag issues related to design or build ? Not exactly fair to blame the production plant, if the design of the airbag was faulty.

There are three separate issues. Two of them are design, one quality control.

The first couple years of inflators did not have a desiccant installed to prevent moisture contamination of the explosive.

After the first couple years, they started using a desiccant, but were still using ammonium nitrate. So it just delayed how long it took to become contaminated with water.

Ammonium nitrate gets more powerful when contaminated with water.

Third issue was quality control at the Mexican plant. The plant was allowing a defect rate 600-800% higher than acceptable limits. Faults of bad welds, rust and they even found chewing gum in the explosive.

Problem is, they don't know which inflators went into which cars.

https://blog.caranddriver.com/massiv...cted-vehicles/

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/def...tory-coahuila/

[uncleruckus]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

There are three separate issues. Two of them are design, one quality control.

The first couple years of inflators did not have a desiccant installed to prevent moisture contamination of the explosive.

After the first couple years, they started using a desiccant, but were still using ammonium nitrate. So it just delayed how long it took to become contaminated with water.

Ammonium nitrate gets more powerful when contaminated with water.

Third issue was quality control at the Mexican plant. The plant was allowing a defect rate 600-800% higher than acceptable limits. Faults of bad welds, rust and they even found chewing gum in the explosive.

Problem is, they don't know which inflators went into which cars.

https://blog.caranddriver.com/massiv...cted-vehicles/

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/def...tory-coahuila/

Thanks for the info!

[misterjim]

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

If you look at window stickers from SA and DE F30s they are both 60% DE and 5% US parts content (2013)

Where they put the car together mostly has to do with taxes and cheap labor. Where they get the parts from mostly has to do with how cheap they can get them and the relationships they have with the suppliers. That would generally mean they get parts from one source unless they can't meet the demand.

Makes sense but where is the other 35% part content from? I guess they only require listing us content and the other majority country.

[zinner]

My F30 8/14 built has been a great car, glad to see they are getting a new line to produce.

[Alpine3s]

It's sad to see some of the comments made here, specifically around where a manufacturer chooses to build their vehicle offering.

Whether it be Mexico, Japan, China, even USA, build quality is up to training and professionalism of employees. Most of the workflow or heavy lifting are nowadays robotic, but does not discount the human factor. Yes, we can argue working conditions, training, pay, benefits, etc, all affect a workers quality and willingness to produce/labor a good product, but let's not make this about stereotypes and assumptions.

We've all had experiences where items made in our own backyard, USA, have turned out of poor built quality, no matter how much quality control and well paid workers we have. There may be higher QA issues in global factories, but it's honestly a control the builder or provider has to address. Whether it be craftsmanship quality or assembly, with the proper training and worker treatment, a great product can be achieved.

I can go on for hours about this, but honestly, a great product can come from ANY global factory or location, that's my 02 cents for all it's worth

[Golo2016]

You all act like this cars are hand assembled like a rolls royce or an amg engine. Smdh

[Alpine3s]

Originally Posted by Golo2016

You all act like this cars are hand assembled like a rolls royce or an amg engine. Smdh

Saw the x3 build video yesterday, Several
Hands on stations, but overall fairly simple tasks otherwise intricate for robotics.

[Medjd11]

Well I guess it's time to buy another model. Don't want one built in Mexico. With the success of that plant and very few cars with issues I hate they are changing this.

[DerDichter]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Hahaha, good luck future buyers

What do you mean?

I would rather buy a car built in Mexico than in the US or Canada of any brand. Having worked in all 3 contries in multiple plants and differetn brands I definitely talk with knowledge.

[DerDichter]

Originally Posted by NormanConquest

The workmanship coming from Mexico promaster and 200 have been horrible. Hopefully bmw will have super strict QC to make sure the new g body 3 series doesn't become utter crap.

That has nothing to do with the country, but the brand (FIAT the Chrysler of Europe)

[DerDichter]

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

As a matter of fact, I think we can actually talk of "the NAFTA ecosystem" for building cars. Lots of parts cross the border in both directions. Our cheaper labour actually helps US plants to stay open and competitive with say, plants in China or Europe.

Trade is not a zero sum game. Since NAFTA, the auto industry has expanded in all 3 countries, partly because the free trade among us enables greater overall competitiveness.

I am sure there are risks involved in starting up a new auto plant anywhere. I am also pretty confident that BMW has the processes in place to do it well.

Agreed, I also live in el Bajio and have worked in couple of plants in the region.

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

Interestingly, Mexico tends to do factually better when you are under a republican administration. Even though the rhetoric may be more aggressive.

I am frankly surprised at how little negative impact on us the new US administration has had so far. I was extremely pessimistic after your election and braced for a recession.

None of that has happened. And it's looking increasingly that NAFTA may be updated including some things that I think we definitely can use the pressure on:

- Anti-corruption chapter (this is critical and the bane of Mexico)
- A requirement to raise wages and standard of living. We cannot continue to base our competitiveness on cheap labour. That path is stupid, so I am actually thankful for the pressure in that area

True.

Originally Posted by e92ben

SA cars were great quality. Have had tons of customers with them and they were literally more reliable haha. When VW made the switch to Mexico plants. Terrible quality came with. Same will happen with the 3 series.

Every new launch (I do this for a living) comes with its issues regardless of country or even years operating. Some are engineering or manufacturing flaws and some are assembly issues, however the difference I've seen is how QA really works. Some plants they just love to point out issues but do nothing substancial to fix it. Some plants are very good at eliminating the root cause