BMW Places 2nd in Consumer Reports Auto Brand Score

[Lady Jane]

Attachment 2534899

[reward72]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

The Macan S is somewhat reasonably priced and is a hoot to drive, better than most "sport" sedans honestly, but you'd have to put up with owning a crossover. I like sitting low and knowing the dimensions of my car.

At some point there were rumors of an upcoming Pajun (baby Panamera) coming to market. I would be all over it, even with such an awful name.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by reward72

At some point there were rumors of an upcoming Pajun (baby Panamera) coming to market. I would be all over it, even with such an awful name.

The "Pajun" ended up being the Taycan.

A Macan-sized sedan could be my dream daily driver, but in these times when everybody's buying crossovers I don't think Porsche has any plans to produce a smaller ICE sedan.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by JCLBoston

C classes for the US market are built in Alabama.. could be something about that.

But even beyond where they're built, I've noticed more discussion re: cheap interior fit and creaks and such on MB's lately.

Finally found the OT area, lol. Obviously I'm a newb here.

To the point, I almost bought an MB (CLA45) but deals are very hard to get for AMG models I think. One thing I was shocked about was the crappy quality of the center stack (?) where the audio and HVAC controls are located in that car. Totally flimsy and cheap, certainly not up to par compared to its peers in that price range.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I feel similarly. The 3-series hasn't driven like a 3-series in 9 years, the C-class and A4 are whatever, the IS is on the sporty side but I can't get over that dated interior, and the Giulia does not offer a mid-level engine in the 300hp range. The options are to either buckle up for an absurdly expensive Porsche or opt for an M2, Supra, or Mustang GT.

The Macan S is somewhat reasonably priced and is a hoot to drive, better than most "sport" sedans honestly, but you'd have to put up with owning a crossover. I like sitting low and knowing the dimensions of my car.

The 3 still drives better than the other cars you mentioned in the first paragraph despite your opinion on its decline.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by fastboatster

Or those ratings are basically baloney. I wonder how that dependability rating is measured. If it’s based on what the owners are saying then I would not put too much stock into it.

Yeah I kind of feel that way about JD Power's surveys on customer satisfaction. I don't think it tells the entire story about vehicle ownership. I'd trust Consumer Reports more actually. I also look for long term fleet car reviews by reputable publications like Car and Driver, Motor Trend, etc.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I'd argue the Giulia actually drive's the best. It feels closer to an E90 in its feel.

I suppose if you like the E90 feel, that's a possibility. The Giulia isn't good enough to get my money.

[Fantastic 5]

The new 3 series is the best overall car right now. I have driven both the 330i x-drive and the M340i x-drive. Both are just amazing cars for what they are, particularly the M340.

I am lucky enough to have a M5 Competition, and it's awesome. But with the 3 series, you don't necessarily expect it to be as good as it is.

Mercedes are really crappy now except for the S-class, and they know it. My family has had 5 Mercedes of various types. All but 2 were junk.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I suppose if you like the E90 feel, that's a possibility. The Giulia isn't good enough to get my money.

The Giulia definitely has its flaws. The lack of an M340-like engine aside, it's interior tech and build quality and dealership experience come up short. But it's universally acclaimed as the best driving car in its segment for a reason. There's no denying the 3-series is an overall better car (best in segment actually), but it's no longer for me.

[Mtl128_25]

Having had multiple BMWs since year 2000, last year I leased the G20 2020 thinking it would be my last one.

I must say I am always truly impressed by this car, not only driving pleasure but also functionalities(finally remote car starter) and dependability.

My other ones did so many trips to the dealership in their 1st few years. This one seems to be really different and makes me reconsider continuing with BMW.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

The Giulia definitely has its flaws. The lack of an M340-like engine aside, it's interior tech and build quality and dealership experience come up short. But it's universally acclaimed as the best driving car in its segment for a reason. There's no denying the 3-series is an overall better car (best in segment actually), but it's no longer for me.

I have a neighbor who always had BMWs parked in his driveway and garage. Then he suddenly added a Giulia to his stable.

I asked him for his view on comparisons as there are not many who own both. He told me that while he liked the BMW, he preferred the Giulia.

He did tell me that the dealership had two Giulia's for loaners. After that, one is on his own. That has been my biggest concern on the Alfa...that one ends up with reliability issues and gets chryslers and Fiats as loaners.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by fastboatster

Or those ratings are basically baloney. I wonder how that dependability rating is measured. If it’s based on what the owners are saying then I would not put too much stock into it.

I don't understand this sentiment. If you are interested in finding out the reliability of any consumer goods would you sooner trust the people that bought and used the product or the manufacturer? I certainly wouldn't trust any manufacturer to admit the various issues with their products. I can't imagine any other way of fairly judging manufacturers than the current methods of surveying the consumers that purchased them.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

I haven't owned an MB but in my dealings with dealers I've always found them arrogant like they are selling Porsches when most of their lineup is equivalent to Audi and BMW. Is there dealer network like this everywhere?

Owned an MB once, will never do so again. One of the most underwhelming and overpriced experiences in my life.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Owned an MB once, will never do so again. One of the most underwhelming and overpriced experiences in my life.

@The Libertine Which year and model MB?

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by chassis

@The Libertine Which year and model MB?

2010 C300

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I feel similarly. The 3-series hasn't driven like a 3-series in 9 years, the C-class and A4 are whatever, the IS is on the sporty side but I can't get over that dated interior, and the Giulia does not offer a mid-level engine in the 300hp range. The options are to either buckle up for an absurdly expensive Porsche or opt for an M2, Supra, or Mustang GT.

The Macan S is somewhat reasonably priced and is a hoot to drive, better than most "sport" sedans honestly, but you'd have to put up with owning a crossover. I like sitting low and knowing the dimensions of my car.

If only BMW made a 2 series gran coupe (I mean a real 2 series, not the misleading fwd focused one).