BMW ranks 14th in CR reliability studies

300hp · 10-27-2014, 03:24 PM

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...ible/18008451/

Interesting part is the 320i and 328i were the worst rated BMW models. The 4er was the best BMW in terms of reliability.

TheCamboRambo · 10-27-2014, 04:11 PM

Probably doesn't make a difference, but I'd be interested to know the sample size for the these cars. I wonder if the 4 series, only have been out for 2 years, makes a difference on it's rank compared to the other models.

Also, whether it's ranked by number of defects total, or defects per vehicle sold.

KneeDragr · 10-27-2014, 05:00 PM

Well thats out of 28 cars, so its right in the middle which is about where you would expect BMW to land. They are not Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Acura, but it looks like they are doing better than a lot of Ford and GM products which is good, and they are pretty close to Hyundai's high volume models.

X2 Monstah · 10-27-2014, 05:10 PM

These studies are bogus. BMW drivers, in general, are anal about their cars. We hear a squeak, rattle, etc, we run to the dealer, while other drivers accept it. All these trips to the dealership count against us in these reliability studies. That's my theory anyway.

tuned2ride · 10-27-2014, 06:01 PM

My E90 Steptronic is messed up again. The 2nd time in 80000 miles. The 1st was on warranty. I use it daily and no preventive maintenance could help. I have an half dozen other examples.

If I was in the USA, I'd lease on every 3 years. Unfortunately we pay 1000$/mo for what you pay 600$/mo.

Cyberdemon · 10-27-2014, 06:06 PM

Some things to keep in mind:

-Car manufacturers improve their cars from the 1st model year through the end.

-The 3 series is the highest volume seller - more cars, more problems. The problems with the 2012 cars are well known on here.

-The 4 series has barely been out a year, therefore there are very few cars, and the 4 series benefited from all of the improvements that went into the current 3 series.

It's like when I worked in IT at a school and everyone said "Dell computers were the worst". When 95% of the computers on campus are Dell, yes - they'll earn a bad wrap as soon as something goes wrong.

Labeef · 10-27-2014, 07:12 PM

We all know that these cars consume them selves to give use an awesome driving experience. They are not the most reliable, but people should know that coming in. Reliable is boring. Find me a car that is just as fun as any F30 that is reliable.

In AWD We Trust · 10-27-2014, 07:40 PM

My 435 GC has been rock solid for over 5000 km and almost 2 full months of ownership.

f30luxline · 10-27-2014, 07:47 PM

My 2012 is flawless.

Most car studies are for the shitter. They never make a good comparison.

Falafel Combo · 10-27-2014, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In AWD We Trust

My 435 GC has been rock solid for over 5000 km and almost 2 full months of ownership.

lol! BMW has set the bar pretty low I see. 😃

300hp · 10-27-2014, 09:34 PM

This is now my 4th BMW since 2011 and here is my take. My 2011 X5 35i was flawless. Zero issues until it was written off after an accident. My 2013 X5 d has had check engine light issues due to faulty sensors. These have been replaced 3 times and it seems fine now. These are no big deal, I don't have an issue with it since BMW takes care of the car but my wife thinks it sucks for a truck at this price point. I think most people will agree with my wife. My 2013 335i was replaced by BMW due to DME issues and some issue with bearings. It was replaced after just over a year and 17000 miles. Around the time I took the car back the steering wheel seemed to be making some weird sounds when turning the car. My 2014 335i has had zero issues.

I think BMW is exactly where it deserves to be, average. However the customer service is exceptional. Bmw has been very responsive in every case where I have needed them to step up. It's as if they have a we will do whatever it takes to rectify your situation attitude and money is not an issue for them.

I have not even spent a cent towards all these issues so I think they acknowledge their weaknesses and work to correct it. Everyone wins at the end of the day

dreamspeed · 10-27-2014, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Quote:

Originally Posted by In AWD We Trust

My 435 GC has been rock solid for over 5000 km and almost 2 full months of ownership.

lol! BMW has set the bar pretty low I see. 😃

Lol, exactly.

To me a reliable car should easily get to 100k miles with no problems and 200k miles with minor issues as long as maintenance is kept up

Not having problems within the warranty period should be a given.

hollandog · 10-28-2014, 12:10 AM

I had the drivetrain malfunction couple times but went off after restarting. So I didn't bring it back to the dealer.

No major issues other than that.

shivaswrath · 10-28-2014, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSM F30

These studies are bogus. BMW drivers, in general, are anal about their cars. We hear a squeak, rattle, etc, we run to the dealer, while other drivers accept it. All these trips to the dealership count against us in these reliability studies. That's my theory anyway.

That's what I'm thinking...it's dealer based analysis, right?

I've gone in for everything. And it took awhile to get it just right, and squeak free, and that meant that I had to take in consistently. My dealer "repair" record is so long!

shivaswrath · 10-28-2014, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300hp

This is now my 4th BMW since 2011 and here is my take. My 2011 X5 35i was flawless. Zero issues until it was written off after an accident. My 2013 X5 d has had check engine light issues due to faulty sensors. These have been replaced 3 times and it seems fine now. These are no big deal, I don't have an issue with it since BMW takes care of the car but my wife thinks it sucks for a truck at this price point. I think most people will agree with my wife. My 2013 335i was replaced by BMW due to DME issues and some issue with bearings. It was replaced after just over a year and 17000 miles. Around the time I took the car back the steering wheel seemed to be making some weird sounds when turning the car. My 2014 335i has had zero issues.

I think BMW is exactly where it deserves to be, average. However the customer service is exceptional. Bmw has been very responsive in every case where I have needed them to step up. It's as if they have a we will do whatever it takes to rectify your situation attitude and money is not an issue for them.

I have not even spent a cent towards all these issues so I think they acknowledge their weaknesses and work to correct it. Everyone wins at the end of the day

Yeah, it's so hit or miss.

My wife thinks my BMW is a POS - from the rusty seats, to a random squeak that eventually was pinpointed to rubber in the cup holders (I had them replace literally everything, including the NAV and AC fan!), to the steering wheel noises (rack was replaced, and now every year it needs to be lubed to keep it quiet for some odd reason).

The Acura TSX we traded in for this had literally no issues at all for the 45k miles we owned it. My BMW has been in the shop probably 6 weeks total since I owned it.

But that smile I get when I floor it going from 70 to 110mph, they way it hugs curves, and the refinement it provides that I didn't get from other rice-rockets (Evo's, etc.) makes it to me an unparalleled experience. Until I test drive a M2 or M3.

Ali Shiralian · 10-28-2014, 08:28 AM

No issues whatsoever with the 335 nor the X5 after 10,000 km on each. Glad to see the Civic and the Forester also ranking high. Can't wait for the snow to arrive and compare the Xdrive to the Subie symmetrical AWD

335BOY · 10-28-2014, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSM F30

These studies are bogus. BMW drivers, in general, are anal about their cars. We hear a squeak, rattle, etc, we run to the dealer, while other drivers accept it. All these trips to the dealership count against us in these reliability studies. That's my theory anyway.

I would suggest that BMW owners HERE are anal about their cars. Most dont care any more than any other owners. They were bought by people that like the roundel and what they think it stands for. Look at the brake dust on every BMW you see today....hasnt been washed in weeks. Thats what its like around here anyway.

In AWD We Trust · 10-28-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

lol! BMW has set the bar pretty low I see. 😃

Yup, don't look forward to the first real bugs lol.

crono06 · 10-28-2014, 12:31 PM

My car has a lot of brake dust and has not been washed in weeks D=

335BOY · 10-28-2014, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crono06

My car has a lot of brake dust and has not been washed in weeks D=

Mercs are worse!

crono06 · 10-28-2014, 02:24 PM

Lol this is true. Especially in the Mississauga area as it seems like nobody likes to take care of their cars. I always feel out of place driving a shiny, clean car.

kppanic · 10-28-2014, 02:36 PM

My 328i sounds like it's got lifter tick problem and has developed a constant knock that is getting louder and louder at idle. Passengers in the back seat always ask me WTF is wrong with your car. It's louder in the back seat. At red lights, the car sounds like it's literally going to break. A 2002 Ford Windstar with 210k km sounds quieter than my car at idle in comparison. This is INSIDE the cars, mind you.

Dealers won't fix it. No light = No fix. Sick and tired of them saying it's a "normal" sound and within normal spec, insulting my intelligence.

No matter if the engine is cold or hot.

Very very dissappointed with the brand.

10-27-2014, 03:24 PM	#1
300hp Brigadier General 317 Rep 3,619 Posts Drives: X5 & 335xi Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	BMW ranks 14th in CR reliability studies http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...ible/18008451/ Interesting part is the 320i and 328i were the worst rated BMW models. The 4er was the best BMW in terms of reliability. __________________ EBII 2014 335i xDrive 335HP, Sport AT, 19" Wheels, MPE, Prem, Tech, Cold, HK, Driver Assist & DH pkgs Deep Sea Blue Metallic 2013 X5 35d Sport Prem, Convenience, Cold and Premium Sound packages
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10-27-2014, 04:11 PM	#2
TheCamboRambo Private First Class 10 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 15' 335XI M Sport Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (0)	Probably doesn't make a difference, but I'd be interested to know the sample size for the these cars. I wonder if the 4 series, only have been out for 2 years, makes a difference on it's rank compared to the other models. Also, whether it's ranked by number of defects total, or defects per vehicle sold. __________________ 15' 335i XDrive - M Sport, MPPK, Dynamic Handling Package, Tech Package, Driver Assist, Harmon Kardon, Sport Automatic, Heat Front Seats, Enhanced Bluetooth.
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10-27-2014, 05:00 PM	#3
KneeDragr Lieutenant 41 Rep 516 Posts Drives: Planning 2015 ED :) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Arlington VA iTrader: (0)	Well thats out of 28 cars, so its right in the middle which is about where you would expect BMW to land. They are not Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Acura, but it looks like they are doing better than a lot of Ford and GM products which is good, and they are pretty close to Hyundai's high volume models.
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10-27-2014, 05:10 PM	#4
X2 Monstah Captain 301 Rep 718 Posts Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (1)	These studies are bogus. BMW drivers, in general, are anal about their cars. We hear a squeak, rattle, etc, we run to the dealer, while other drivers accept it. All these trips to the dealership count against us in these reliability studies. That's my theory anyway. __________________ Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
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10-27-2014, 06:01 PM	#5
tuned2ride Lieutenant 35 Rep 430 Posts Drives: E90, S5 SB, looking for a M340 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hell iTrader: (0)	My E90 Steptronic is messed up again. The 2nd time in 80000 miles. The 1st was on warranty. I use it daily and no preventive maintenance could help. I have an half dozen other examples. If I was in the USA, I'd lease on every 3 years. Unfortunately we pay 1000$/mo for what you pay 600$/mo.
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10-27-2014, 06:06 PM	#6
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,332 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Some things to keep in mind: -Car manufacturers improve their cars from the 1st model year through the end. -The 3 series is the highest volume seller - more cars, more problems. The problems with the 2012 cars are well known on here. -The 4 series has barely been out a year, therefore there are very few cars, and the 4 series benefited from all of the improvements that went into the current 3 series. It's like when I worked in IT at a school and everyone said "Dell computers were the worst". When 95% of the computers on campus are Dell, yes - they'll earn a bad wrap as soon as something goes wrong. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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10-27-2014, 07:12 PM	#7
Labeef Captain 265 Rep 807 Posts Drives: 320I Sport/Xenon Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	We all know that these cars consume them selves to give use an awesome driving experience. They are not the most reliable, but people should know that coming in. Reliable is boring. Find me a car that is just as fun as any F30 that is reliable.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2014, 07:40 PM	#8
In AWD We Trust Private First Class 9 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 2015 435i GC xDrive Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Ice & Snow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 435 Gran C ... [0.00]	My 435 GC has been rock solid for over 5000 km and almost 2 full months of ownership. __________________ BMW 435i X Drive Gran Coupe\|Alpine White on Coral Red\|///M Sport and Performance Pack\|Executive\|Premium
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10-27-2014, 07:47 PM	#9
f30luxline e92 - 335i 179 Rep 743 Posts Drives: thisonetimeatbandcamp Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Orlando iTrader: (1)	My 2012 is flawless. Most car studies are for the shitter. They never make a good comparison.
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10-27-2014, 09:34 PM	#11
300hp Brigadier General 317 Rep 3,619 Posts Drives: X5 & 335xi Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	This is now my 4th BMW since 2011 and here is my take. My 2011 X5 35i was flawless. Zero issues until it was written off after an accident. My 2013 X5 d has had check engine light issues due to faulty sensors. These have been replaced 3 times and it seems fine now. These are no big deal, I don't have an issue with it since BMW takes care of the car but my wife thinks it sucks for a truck at this price point. I think most people will agree with my wife. My 2013 335i was replaced by BMW due to DME issues and some issue with bearings. It was replaced after just over a year and 17000 miles. Around the time I took the car back the steering wheel seemed to be making some weird sounds when turning the car. My 2014 335i has had zero issues. I think BMW is exactly where it deserves to be, average. However the customer service is exceptional. Bmw has been very responsive in every case where I have needed them to step up. It's as if they have a we will do whatever it takes to rectify your situation attitude and money is not an issue for them. I have not even spent a cent towards all these issues so I think they acknowledge their weaknesses and work to correct it. Everyone wins at the end of the day __________________ EBII 2014 335i xDrive 335HP, Sport AT, 19" Wheels, MPE, Prem, Tech, Cold, HK, Driver Assist & DH pkgs Deep Sea Blue Metallic 2013 X5 35d Sport Prem, Convenience, Cold and Premium Sound packages
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10-28-2014, 12:10 AM	#13
hollandog Major 448 Rep 1,056 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nyc iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [9.00]	I had the drivetrain malfunction couple times but went off after restarting. So I didn't bring it back to the dealer. No major issues other than that. __________________ 2016 340i \| Estoril Blue \| Coral Red \| M Sport
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10-28-2014, 08:28 AM	#16
Ali Shiralian Lieutenant Colonel 813 Rep 1,986 Posts Drives: 2014 335i xdrive, 2014 X5 3.5d Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Owen sound, Ontario, canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Lexus RX 350 F ... [0.00] 2017 Jaguar F Type ... [0.00] 1990 Miata [9.00] 2014 X5 [9.00]	No issues whatsoever with the 335 nor the X5 after 10,000 km on each. Glad to see the Civic and the Forester also ranking high. Can't wait for the snow to arrive and compare the Xdrive to the Subie symmetrical AWD
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10-28-2014, 12:31 PM	#19
crono06 Captain 127 Rep 764 Posts Drives: 2013 335i and 2018 X3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Toronto ON iTrader: (0)	My car has a lot of brake dust and has not been washed in weeks D=
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10-28-2014, 02:24 PM	#21
crono06 Captain 127 Rep 764 Posts Drives: 2013 335i and 2018 X3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Toronto ON iTrader: (0)	Lol this is true. Especially in the Mississauga area as it seems like nobody likes to take care of their cars. I always feel out of place driving a shiny, clean car.
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10-28-2014, 02:36 PM	#22
kppanic Private 7 Rep 88 Posts Drives: 2015 Macan S Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	My 328i sounds like it's got lifter tick problem and has developed a constant knock that is getting louder and louder at idle. Passengers in the back seat always ask me WTF is wrong with your car. It's louder in the back seat. At red lights, the car sounds like it's literally going to break. A 2002 Ford Windstar with 210k km sounds quieter than my car at idle in comparison. This is INSIDE the cars, mind you. Dealers won't fix it. No light = No fix. Sick and tired of them saying it's a "normal" sound and within normal spec, insulting my intelligence. No matter if the engine is cold or hot. Very very dissappointed with the brand.
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