to buy a BWW or not
 

Wrong place, but question to Porsche people (I trust you folks).

I gotta get the wife a car soon (will be trading in her SUV/van). I want something affordable, yet kinda fun for me to drive.
My questions, what do you guys like??? Besides Porsches.
Yesterday I drove the Lexus IS350 (WAS FUN, but WAY too TIGHT). The Infiniti g35 sedan had more room, was more fun, yet slightly slower (not much). Next the BMW 325i and then the 330i, still smaller than wanted, but much more fun. The wife wants one, she likes the 330i sports package auto. Sadly her last vehicle sucks on trade in and I gotta work on options for a while to get the price NEAR what we want (we are working folk with a HUGE mortagage, and too many payments).
C'mon guys, I want German type engineering, but the Mercedes have lost a lot since Chrysler got involved. My limit is less than wanted, especially since my trade-in is worth little more than nothing.
The 325i seemed weak, the 330i tolerable. But holds resale.

What splits performance/resale/ family needs?

Thanks guys... :cool:
Corrected the typo

What is your budget?
If you want German engineering you could consider a V6 Passat, I hear the new one is pretty neat. Of course you have no bragging rights or elite appeal with a VW. Audi may be a little better option if you want/need that. BMW has the highest luxury appeal right before Mercedes. Mercedes are ok but pretty expensive and the c-class is very small.
As far as bang for the buck I think you could not beat a VW Passat V6.
I have never been a fan of Lexus (souped up Toyota). Infinity sedan (g50) looks neater to me.
One of our other cars is a Jaguar s-type, pretty neat car, relatively cheap if you buy used (texascarsdirect.com) in Dallas, but definitely reliability and maintenance issues.
Well that is my 2 cents, enjoy looking around and comparing models.

I'd look for a CPO 2004/2005 330i zhp (performance package). Or maybe the new Passat?

Here is a link to a Passat article:
http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050803.005/page/1/volkswagen/1.html
0-60 in 6.6s sounds pretty good for a price less than 30k. Definitely more fun than a SUV/van

Why not consider a CPO 5-series BMW coming off a 3-year lease? Price should be right - and it's a lot more car than the 3-series.

My wife drives a 2004 525i. We love it! It's very well engineered, quick, roomy and quiet. The engine is so smooth you'd think it was an electric motor. We drove the Mercedes too and were only mildly impressed.

Buy the BMW. You and your wife will not regret it.

I think you should set your sights lower and get your budget under control.

Thanks guys,
No VW per my previous ownership. I agree the Passat is better, but the wife said no VW, MATTER NOT. She also said no Japanese stuff, but ALLOWED Infinity and Lexus. She hates Toyota THAT bad, they offered us the worst car ever built. Never worst.

So I ALSO HAD A BAD Datsun, and a bad VW, while also a bad MG. Complain about US stuff? Geez, I was blessed owning even Ramblers.

I need BMW stuff (current). My wife wants a current semi performance car, and is bigoted towards Euopean or American. That is why I love her. She also had bad Japanese stuff and we see alike.

Get an E30 325i or 325is. Those go for about $3000. Then you can go race prep it for an additional $15-20K. 190 HP or so. Weight will depend on how much stuff you're willing to jettison (how spartan you're willing to endure). Track car (I recall guys really being happy running those in the Pro3 class) that can also be streetable (barely). It's a BMW. It's sporty. And it'll be good for both street and track.

Seriously, the most important question: what's your budget? It's impossible for us to help without this information.

My latest purchase. I think its the best sedan you can buy. A stealth, unbadged M5.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1136341132.jpg

We live in an area where most folks make 10x what we do, our neighbors pay $4-5+k per month per house note, or more. My daughter is as good as theirs, but she ONLY drives a new Mustang. Her boyfriend drives a NEW H3, her other boyfriend drives a viper. My budget is tight( by my standards), but if I make $x it matters little (as my wife makes a lot more), my question was one of car stuff.

If I asked stuff for my brother who makes $10m+ PER YEAR would budget matter?

I guess, I invest most of my budget, I want a car for her without upsetting my investments. If i REALLY wanted, I'd buy a BUGATTI. My question was to keep my budget in control, BUT I want to retire with a few $.

Am not asking for retirement info, am asking for info on an auto I believe my wife is worthy of. We skrimp often, but she needs a car better that one I offered for the last 30 years. Sad if I offended folks, she is worthy of more than a VW (SHE PUT UP WITH MY SORRY ASS).

I agree with Kurt, but obviously you seem concerned about your neighbors. So, I agree with the used 5 series. Lots of car for the money, and since you obviously have at least one older child, she can actually fit in the backseat of a 5 with comfort. A 3's backseat is ok, but I wouldn't want to spend much time there. You can easily find a E39 528 for under $20k, and a nice 540 for around $20k. Upwards from there depending on how new you feel you need.

Tom has the best choice of all, but a nice E39 M5 is still upwards of $30k. Nice call on the debadging though, I love a sleeper!

Focus on your family, not what you think the neighbors want to see parked in your driveway.

Prolly the best advice ever offered and is so true.

That said, I have great neighbors and ones CARING little what cars are parked here. My house is easily 2-3k sq ft smaller than any on my block, maybe 4-5k smaller, but I am happy. I want what I can afford (and enjoy).

I have a 03' 325i. I wished I would have got the sports package. It is a great option. My daugter has a O5' Honda S2000 (very fast). They are a fun car but two seater.

I have the 330ci with the sports package and love it.

I should caution you though that it has a very firm ride - particularly with the 18 inch wheels. This is fine here in God's country where the roads are well maintained - but whenever I get on the freeways south of the border my kidneys and fillings take some serious punishment.

The car itself is beautifully balanced (neutral) and very nicely finished. But skip the sports package if you are driving largely on poorly maintained highways.

My experiences with BMWs have been like your experience with VW and your wife's experiences with Toyota and Datsun.

Does she know that a Lexus is Toyota with a different badge? Infiniti a Nissan (Datusn) with a different badge? Both brands were just concocted for Americans.

I've had a couple Audis -- have one now -- and they are a very good alternative, IMHO.

E36 M3 is now in the teens and many come with 4 doors.

I have had excellent experiences owning and driving the heck out of all manner of Volkswagens. I have never experienced mechanical issues.

We owned an Audi A4 Quattro for 4 years and loved it too. Audis are impressive in every way and worth the $. It is just a matter of whether or not you are willing to pay.

We did trade in our A4 for a BMW X3 3.0 this past August. So far, I am pretty much blown away by it. It is small for an SAV (built on the 3 series platform), but it is big enough to fit our needs. Moreover, the driving dynamics are very surprising. The X3 is fun as hell to drive. It handles great due to 50/50 weight distribution and placement of the wheels on the extreme corners (like the Mini). BMW also went to extremes to keep the center of gravity as low as possible.

If the X3 does not have any mechanical issues down the road, I would say it is a perfect 10 for fitting our needs.

If you need a reasonably sized family vehicle that is a blast to drive, take a look at the X3.

Sincerely,

Mike

We love our 99 323i (most of the time). There's an occasional problem, but it still drives like new, which means it drives great. A year or so ago I suggested replacing it with a G35 and the wife said she'll never drive anything but a BMW. Of course she only likes to drive RWD manual transmission cars (did I pick a winner or what?). We'll probably replace it with 2007 330i.

I'll leave the financial advice to your adviser and give you some opinions on cars. Call me crazy, but I like the new BMW series. When you see them compared to the older ones, the older ones seem positively dated, like there out of the 80's. I'f I don't plan on owning one, they always have decent leases on these cars because of the value retention. I own a X5, but I've got the itch for a sedan again and I'm looking at the 5 Series all wheel drive. Since I put very little miles on cars and have never owned one longer then 3 years (except 911) buying new is foolish for me. I have bought used also. A certified used 7 series with a warranty is also an option for you. The BMW warranties are nice since they cover everything except tires for the length of the lease.

Thanks for the advice guys,
I really am wanting to buy this for the wife, not the neighbors. All advice offered is valued. I want the wife (and family) in a nice car, not just something to dive. There are many Fords, Chevys, and even VWs on this block, the wifes FORD van fits in fine. This is not about impressing the neighbors, this is about getting a good car for the wife.
I prefer buying new, but considered buying a program car (or lease return). I have college costs coming up, limits $$$ right now. The 330i kinda fits the budget, but jeez, drive the Lexus 350, that car is a rocket (still a Toyota as techweenie points out, and WE already discussed that point).
The wife deserves a decent car (she puts up with me), so it is looking like a 330i at this point (and not for the neighbors). Sorry if it looked like to keep up with the joneses. It is not. My house shows I'll never keep up with them.
It's really about a car.

Oh, I blew 3 motorsin a 68 bug (in 18 months), the list of Toyota problems would consume this page, my Datsun 610 required constant work, as does my Porsche. My Subarus were rock solid, but ugly as crap.
I usually do weeks of research before buying any car (as in the Eale Vision TSI) that car was fun. But the wife wanted a van- now we have a great van worth squat.
Still leaning toward the 330i.

My father and I each drive mildly modded E36 325is'. Combined, we have well over 350k on our cars. They have both been the best combination of reliability, ease of repair, utility, performance, and driving dynamics either of us have ever owned.

E46 is a mild revision of the E36 generation. Many of the supposed ills of these cars are greatly overblown.

New bimmers make me sick to my stomach. They look like japanese cars. No wonder sales are up. gross.

Ideally, I'd drive an E34 535i or M5, the last of the non-CAD designed ones that are super overbuilt.

Ricochet for the record the DaimlerBenz and Chrysler "merger" has yielded virtually no tech sharing flowing from Chrysler to the Daimler Group on the other end of the stick Mercedes Benz has been trying to quell their own "quality issues" that stems largely from putting too much technology into cars that the Japanese then copy and improve. The flow of technology and engineering has come to Chrysler where their innovative styling and design has finally been paired up with extraordinary engineering with suppliers like Continental Teves whoose Electronic Stability Program has long been in the Mercedes cars and trucks and has trickled into even the base Jeep Liberty so in fact Chrysler has been able to dip into the parts bin of DaimlerBenz without the crippling cost of research and development.
If you can't discuss a topic without accurate information then say nothing and see if you can learn a thing or too, my intent here is not to insult anyone but when people are blinded by their ignorance on a subject with which I am intimately familiar I feel it is my duty to correct them. Good luck in your search...

I forgot that part. Compared to every other car I've owned, the bimmer has the absolute best warranty. The dealership usually makes the difference though.

Duh, I asked to learn. Did I insult Dodge in my first post? I thought my post was to gain info!

if you do consider buying a BMW, make sure you inspect inside the valve cover - take a look into the oil fill opening, make sure it isn't sludged up.

Some of these cars (any BMW for that matter) if the PO followed the dealer's advice and only changed the oil at 15K intervals have serious sludging problems. It's nearly impossible to get rid of the gunk unless you disassemble the engine.

The 15K oil change (paid for by BMW of course) is bogus. They should be doing it every 7500 or less but the free maintenance will not pay for it...

rjp

OH, I see in the informal forum you cite my run on sentences. I never said the word stupid, you did, so you must be so. I will concede that MB are for an older buyer who is not looking for a spirited driver for that the AMG group handles well, albeit not going full tilt at that. MB's wares are luxury, safety and comfort, read heavier and less nimble. I don't know what models you are comparing, the R class and the Pacifica but the similarities end with the physical appearance. The saddest thing about this discourse is that you are looking for a car that is as unique as you are and an automaker could not make a dime manufacturing Yugos (sorry couldn't resist). What I really mean is that automakers are all chasing after volume, largely because share prices and shareholder profits are determining what is built. Chrysler has a lot of brilliant ideas that simply die on the floor because they cannot afford to loose on a gamble. La Paz

Quality issues? Chrysler isn't quality. Yes, Chrysler may have technology "shared" with MBZ, but it doesn't change the fact that the cars are simply garbage. I've owned one, (99 Sebring) and I personally know several who own Durangos and what not, and they're all trash - all have problems.

Oh, and if you want a good laugh - check out the resale value! Now there's something to look forward to!

This is great advice. I bought my 330ci new and according to the dealer the car did not need a first service (including oil change) until 25,000 km!! WTF? Everything I have ever learned - about new cars in particular - is that it is prudent do some fairly frequent oil changes in the first 20,000 km. BMW told me this is no longer necessary due to new synthetic oils etc.

Fortunately I know a good BMW mechanic - who tells me the BMW party line on oil service intervals is crap - and that I ought to do oil changes more frequently.

So far my only disappointment with this car has been that B.S. that BMW tells you about oil change intervals - thereby seriously compromising the integrity of the cars they sell.

Hey RandtP,

I (finally) had some time and contacted my sales guy. He said only the later 3 series cars offered 15k oil changes, but they would do them (under warranty) whenevr I requested. Whenever is too ambiguous! He said come down and ink the deal. I said, give me a week.
I accept oil today is much better than oil several years back, but as BMW warranty is geared towards covering them for 50'000 miles, I guess poor oil would likely get them 50'000 miles (with their overseeing this every 15,000 miles) then their shops would likely make their money again. As I have friends who tell me (their dealerships) make no real profit on sales, but keep the doors open due to service, this really makes sense.
Duh, is this my stupidity? Sorry, but I believe something else. IF I SPEND THIS MUCH I WANT THE CAR TO LAST, not just till their coverage is over! I really want a car to last at least half of what my Ford trucks last, even if I abuse the car HALF as much as I abuse my trucks. I want this car to take my well wife past my life, even with maintenance. My truck may only give me another 10 years trustworthy (based on my last couple of abused, heavier used trucks).
I can easily get 200-300k+ from a truck that I abuse (4wd) shouldn't I expect that from a decent car?

Sorry guys, MY ONLY BAD CARS (so far) have been foreign. I even abused a Taurus for 150,000 miles- I even changed oil (at least) every 20,000 miles. And never added more than 1/2 quart between changes (what a piece of crap car- is what I read).
I want a car that is near that dependable, but one that is worth a few dollars after I drive it for years (that car I got every dollar it was worth, and much more). I trusted that car for my 1700 mile trip untill I traded it, but she NEVER failed me
I apologized for stuff I offered to SCHNELLE, I was wrong, was taken wrong by me. My finances are just mine, I want a car for the wife (not you). I corrected ANY problem before many were born. Address my question or butt out, please.

Am leaning towards a 330i with auto and packages. If I can or can't afford this is not the question, nor should be part of your response. I WILL TAKE CARE OF THAT PART. I wanted easy, and wanted stuff related to the late BMW stuff, nothing more.

Obviously, I voted the same way you do. all my BMW's have been decent cars. Concerning the oil changes, that sales guy is just saying that - try to get the service dept. to comp oil changes on the word of the salesman - that will be a feat.

All I say, is buy one without the sludge and just be prepared to fix stupid things like radiators and expansion tanks and the occasional control arms and I forgot to mention the sudden death SRS systems (mine got traded with the light on- the dealer coudn't diagonose - the airbag light wouldn't shut off). It's not as bad as it seems - you'll be spending money on 'em at the 60K mark, that's all.

The virtues - solidly built, fun to throw around, safe, lots of parts available since they're common cars, easy to maintain (cheap assuming you stay the hell away from the dealer- I do all my own scheduled maintenance) decent resale value, good looking cars. A decent maintenance schedule to follow would be the one from the late 80's early 90's maintenance schedule - except change the plughs every inspection II)

For what kind of car they are, I couldn't imagine owning anything else. It isn't bad, just a bit more expensive than a Japanese car.

If you have an auto, be prepared for one hell of an expensive ($300+) fluid change around 70K - don't rely on the lifetime fluid claim - if you don't and you abuse it expect it to die around 100k - don't track it unless money is burning a hole in your pocket. I'd do a 5 speed if the Mrs. can hack it.

Good luck

rjp

Shoot, reread the post. If you want something bigger-

Buy a E39 530I sport. One of the greatest non M cars that BMW has produced (IMHO of course). I absolutely, positively love that car - and even better built than my the E46 it replaced. It's the first car that I've owned didn't want to hack with mods - I think it's that perfect. You can score one under $25K with low miles if you look hard enough.

Just be prepared for non-flip down seats, that's all.

rjp

Edit: I always take a 2nd look at it whenever I park it - getting weepy eyed thinking about it

(sorry, went out drinking tonight and I'm passed stupid right now ;) )

Toyota problems? What year of vehicle are we talking here?

If your wife does not want a Lexus, don't buy her one. But year after year, the numbers don't lie...Lexus has been 1# in quality for ages.

Great....now I have to hear the BMW folks drone on and on about how my Lexus has never done the Nuremberg ring....like I give a **** about the Nuremberg ring when I am on my way to Starbucks, watching my neighbor get his BMW piece of crap flat bedded to the dealer for the 3 time this year.....


(*disclaimer* Although my drunken ramblings sound harsh, I will likely be selling by left nut to get my hands on the new Z4 hard top coming out this summer.....so don't take me too seriously...)

Ha ha! u hammered too? I went to the Paragonon Queen Anne to wish a buddy farewell - too much Crown on the rocks!

and I like Lexus - all my pals own 'em and I can't get disclaim the killer reliability

LOL. Yeah, I've had a few.

I got the urge to clean my pistol, and the fumes from the Hoppes gun solvent is not helping matters. I'm sure its killing brain cells....but only the weak ones.....

Despite personal experiences, as somebody else said, the numbers don't lie. Toyota has been a consistent leader in reliability and resale value for a long, long time. Being a Toyota as well, this also applies to Lexus. 43k on our '03 4Runner, and it has been flawless, still like new.

As far as the sludging problem, I've seen some pics on bimmerforums, scary stuff. Image a head with clumps of chocolate pudding in it to get the idea. If you buy used, buy one with good records. New, even if the dealer only pays for every 15k, pay out of pocket to do it more often. Even with synthetic, I can't bring myself to go over 5k. Do that, and a BMW will last a long time.

I do have to say, even though I think the E34 is a timeless design (but I'm biased;) ), I like the new E60 and E90. I like the curves that the convex styling gives to the new 3, and the 5 just looks sinister. I love it. I applaud BMW for taking risks with their styling, they're moving ahead, while many are going backwards (retro crap).

That's interesting. Have you heard of Toyota's sludge problems in their V6's? Oh, sorry, Toyotas are perfect.

http://yotarepair.com/Sludge_Zone.html

"This page and section started off somewhere in Jan. 01 when I was seeing and getting an increasing number of engines that had severe sludge build up internally. At that time all the blame was being placed on the owner with the reasoning that they were not taking care of the engine as Toyota suggested. I felt that with the shear number of vehicles affected that something else was at the root cause. In February 02 Toyota finally acknowledged the condition, without taking real blame for any engineering problems, and started to correct the affected engines. They had some conditions that had to be met but their Special Policy Adjustment was a good start. Now this week, April 3, 02, they finally showed their true corporate stance on the unfortunate problem. They have broadened the scope of the coverage, within the years and models affected, and they are due a well earned thumbs up for this effort to stand behind what I still believe is the best product on the market.

This seems affect mostly Avalon, Camry, Sienna, Highlander, Celica and most Lexus 300/RX series models with the model years after 1997 thru 2001. Toyota made a change in the engine design that actually attributed to the problem.

My biggest question is do I qualify? Here are the guidelines Toyota is using to establish the engines that are prone to having the sludge (gel) condition:

Camry 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01
Camry 6 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01
Solara 4 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01
Solara 6 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01
Sienna 6 cyl. Produced 7/97 - 5/01
Avalon 6 cyl. Produced 7/96 - 5/01
Celica 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 4/99
Highlander 6 cyl. Produced 11/00 - 7/01

The actual cause of the problem is an inability of the engine's crankcase ventilation system (PCV) to move the normal gases from the engine. When these gases stay longer in an hot engine it allows deposits to form on the metal parts of the engine. When enough deposits are present "Sludge" is formed. In my opinion the reduced flow of the PCV is related to the vehicle emissions. This presents a problem since to correct it may require Toyota to recertify the engines, come up with a solution acceptable to the EPA and then they still have to repair or assist in repairing the affected engines. The costs would be staggering but ignoring the problem, in so many of their best selling vehicles, may be worse in the long run. In the various articles I've listed below, if you want, you will learn more about the cause an effect."



http://yotarepair.com/Automotive_News.html

Automotive News / February 08, 2002

LOS ANGELES - In September 1999, Maggie Alemany, a 47-year-old medical transcriptionist, drove off the lot of Kendall Toyota in Miami with a new 2000 Toyota Sienna minivan equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6.

Having leased two Previas previously, Alemany says she felt comfortable with Toyota and confident of its quality. But just over a year and 29,000 miles later, she took the Sienna back to Kendall for service because the oil indicator light stayed illuminated.

That's when Alemany got yanked out of her Toyota comfort zone.

"When I got there," she recalled in a telephone interview last week, "they told me I needed a new engine and that they wouldn't pay for it."

Kendall Toyota quoted the repair at $8,000.

Like more than 3,000 other owners who have complained to Toyota about vehicles equipped with two of the automaker's core engine families - the 1MZ V-6 and 5SFE in line 4 - Alemany suddenly found herself at loggerheads with a company she had long associated with high quality and caring customer service.

Her engine was choking on a buildup of sludge, oxidized oil in the form of mucky goo that can seize up an engine. But because the problem can be caused from failure to change the oil regularly, Toyota steadfastly has refused to cover it under its five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty - even when evidence of regular maintenance has been furnished, as it was in Alemany's case.

Her Sienna has been parked in her front yard, undriveable, for the past year while she argued unsuccessfully with Toyota over responsibility for the problem.

That part of her ordeal appears to be over, though.

New repair policy

In a letter sent last week to more than 3.3 million owners of vehicles equipped with the two engines, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. says it will pay repair costs for sludge damage in cases where customers can provide proof of "reasonable efforts" to maintain the vehicle.

The so-called special policy adjustment, requiring proof of only one oil change in a year, is good for one year. At the same time, though, the U.S. sales arm refused to veer from its position that negligent owners, not the product, are the source of the problem.

"We're not aware of any cases of oil gelling in properly maintained engines," said Bob Daly, general manager of Toyota Customer Services, in a press release that admonishes owners to maintain their vehicles properly.

"Toyota understands that customers can sometimes be confused about how to properly maintain their vehicles. We're confident that this program will remind customers of their responsibility as well as reassure those who have had regular oil changes that they have nothing to be concerned about."

Toyota and Lexus owners manuals stipulate oil changes every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions, and 5,000 miles or four months under severe driving conditions.

But to Alemany and thousands of other complainants who have vented on the Internet, to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, to lawyers, to radio talk show hosts - and to Toyota - the company's stance is the worst kind of distortion. In the view of these angry owners and some experts, the problem stems from design or quality flaws in some of the 3.3 million engines produced between 1996 and 2001.

Alemany said she showed her dealer oil change receipts from Jiffy Lube showing that she had changed the oil in the Sienna regularly.

"I might not have done oil changes every 4,000 miles," she said. "I have some at 4,000 and some at 6,000 - but I have had oil changes. But they wouldn't accept my Jiffy Lube receipts."

Although it's not clear why the two Toyota engines are so susceptible to sludge buildup, some independent experts say the concentration of complaints within two engines and a narrow time band points to either a design flaw or a quality defect.

Larry Perry, an A.S.E.-Certified Master Technician,repair-shop owner and host of a radio talk show in Orlando, Fla., says he has discovered an apparent design flaw in 3.0-liter V-6s produced between 1999 and 2001. He says he sees a disproportionate number of the engines coming through his shop on 1999 and 2000 Siennas.

"We believe Toyota reduced the size of cooling passages to the cylinder heads in those engines in order to increase combustion temperatures for more of a complete burn to reduce exhaust emissions," Perry said.

Excessive heat makes oil more susceptible to sludge. Perry says he has measured cylinder-head temperatures as high as 260 degrees in those engines - 30 degrees higher than in earlier models.

Perry also points out that this engine series uses a lifter bucket instead of a rocker arm to open and close the valves.

"The lifter sits in the head and gets sludge and debris compacted up underneath it. So when it gets compacted by the camshaft, it's squeezing oil into the combustion chambers," he said.

In this case, he said, the solution is to use only 100 percent synthetic motor oil.

Another Toyota Sienna owner, who declined to be identified, said an analysis of her oil by Valvoline Co. in Lexington, Ky., found traces of chemical glycol - pointing to the likelihood of a leaky head gasket, allowing coolant into the engine chamber.

That also would raise engine temperatures, leading to sludge buildup.

Last week, Toyota said that its policy change is not an admission that there is any defect in the engines. Rather, the company says, it is an attempt to calm an inordinately large number of concerns about sludge while encouraging customers to maintain their vehicles properly.


E