does it matter

[beemergirl]

I have noticed in the yahoo forums that BMW has been known as a Big Money Waster. Hint BMW and that the ones who are assembled and put together by Bavarian Motor Works and then shipped over here already to go , seem to be made and seem to last longer. Now you must think there are no speed limits on the highways in Germany the majority anyway which means more wear and tear on your car. Also they have inspections that are allot stricker there then here.
Basically I was told if you can afford BMW you can afford to have it shipped from Germany . Which in all respects its actually cheaper to buy from there then here. since the dollar and euro differance. Anyway, my question is. Do you feel it matters on where you buy the car America or Germany on the quality or do you feel its all the same?

[funkymarcus]

I have noticed in the yahoo forums that BMW has been known as a Big Money Waster.

People say all kinds of stupid things that they think are funny. Anyway, I think "Break My Wallet" is funnier.

which means more wear and tear on your car

Less wear-n-tear than stop-n-go traffic.

Which in all respects its actually cheaper to buy from there then here. since the dollar and euro differance

Yup, but that's not the reason.

Do you feel it matters on where you buy the car America or Germany on the quality

No.

or do you feel its all the same?

Yes.

[RS1060]

Personally, I have driven U.S. cars here and german spec cars on the autobahn(E36 M3 and 325). I do not feel that there is any appreciable difference in build quality, although, the maintence is taken very seriously overseas, which may account for the misinterpretation of a superior build from the higher mileage cars. The German M3 was naturally much more powerful, but did not feel much different from the american version as far as driveability is concerned.

[Jeron]

Don't know how many opinions you are looking for but I agree with funkymarcus on all points.

The reason for Germany delivery that he alluded to is that in the past you could save enough on the price of the car to pay for your vacation over there to pick it up.

The idea is to spend a few weeks in Europe with your new car before it is shipped to the states. I think there is still potential savings for European delivery so if you're buying new check it out. There are articles in the Roundel about it all the time.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Interesting... The Conventional Wisdom in the Porsche world is that the "grey-market" cars--converted European-spec vehicles, generally imported in the 80s--will be in worse condition than regular US-delivered vehicles. The notion, I take it, is that the Germans (in particular) treat these cars as disposable items, so they run them very hard and only do the minimum maintenance required.

Or at least, that was the tendency in the 80s.

"Tourist delivery", on the other hand, is quite different. That's where you buy a brand-new US-spec car (through your local dealer, paid in US funds), and take delivery of it in Europe. You drive it there for however long, then the automaker ships it to the US through their normal distribution channels.

Two different ideas.

--DD

[beemergirl]

I am not sure I follow the inputs however I am Bias. When I buy another BMW it will be from Germany with no doubt.
If all I have had to replace in my car is the O.B.C, starter and the ball joints and flex disk besides normal wear and tear items. I am in love and I am not complaining about german quailty. I was just wondering if american bought BMWs if you all felt the same about your car and quality as I do mine.

[Jeron]

The ball joints and flex disk are normal wear and tear items.

The starter and OBC are made by subcontractors so the assembly location and destination of the car will not change the reliability of these parts. Of course, that can be said for most of automobile parts.

Besides your car was made in Germany and shipped here and I doubt the assembly line workers knew or cared about its destination.

[jamin325i]

can only think of 2 important considerations.

-is model engineered and assembled to pass u.s. emisssions requirements?
-does final cost make it a better buy than in u.s?

all that other stuff is irrelavant.

[blkongry]

I would never import a car unless it was something unique. I mean, they are building BMW's over in China now, and they are built to the same quality. It doesn't matter which country's skies it is built under, but rather to what standards the build quality is at. The U.S. spec'd cars are of as good of build as the German bound cars. I wouldn't waste the time importing, bring an imported car up to U.S. safety and crash standards, and what other costs are associated with it.... unless it was something unique and rare.

For the most part, when you read some clown writing something stupid for what the BMW acronym stands for and complaining abot repair costs, they are just disgruntled about a certain repair they had to do.... it's not like it's a Ferarri or anything. I know people with Toyotas who have had to replace their entire engines. What about these guys and their Mitsu Evos loosing engine rods and it costing $8K to get them repaired (and at owners expense if Mitsu find they participated in any sanctioned event). Any repair work now-a-days is expensive. The BMWs are actually very clean and well made in regards to a design. there is a lot of thought in the layout, right down to the rear mounted battery! Mine is 10 years old and drives tight and smooth almost like it was new. Things are wearing on it, but anything does after 10 years. BMW doesn't use the cheapy crap plastic that GM does that bleaches and crumbles after years in sunlight (which I appreciate to no end since I have a convertible). These are well made cars.

All in all, you'll get a great deal here in the states if you are looking for another car. No reason to import. By the way, nice to see someone on here from NM... I lived in Albuquerque for a decade... I'm missin' green chile and Blake's Lotaburger!!

[beemergirl]

Yeah I have a 1992 325i, and like I said before I have only replaced only wear and tear items things are going in the interior but at its age I am still not complaining. Your right the cars exterior paint is awesome, no cracks, no wearing from the harsh sun which is nice since it seems to eat cars down here like a cancer. I just keep it waxed. I thank you all for the feed back! Seems like the majority of BMW owners are pretty satisfied. American or not.

[MDFAuto]

euro and dollar are just about equivalent anyways...........

[BMWCowboy]

They just recently started building BMWs here and they started with the Z-3.....most of the BMWs are still built in germany.

[beemergirl]

Actually MDF I make 4,000 euros a month, and when I change it to american dollars which I have to since hubby is in the german airforce its 5 grand maybe alittle over. Depending on how low and high the dollar is.