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#1
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bmw's more reliable than mb?
Everyone knows mb has thier share of problems. After searching other forums it seems bmw has fewer problems over all. Are there any bmw owners here past or present that can verify this?
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#2
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I know there was a certain engine that had the wrong lining in the cyliders that reacted with US gas, the NIKASIL lining I think. There was no way to cure this and I think BMW did some kind of engine replacement deal for a while because of it. I think it was the 3 litre v6 around the 89-91 period but correct me if I am wrong
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88 300E 03 911 C4S 2008 Triumph Speed Triple My pics --> www.BrettAdamsDesign.com |
#3
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The 3.0 liter V8 was only used in the 530 in 1994 and 1995, and yes, I believe this is the engine that had the problem with sulfur in our gasoline, ruining the lining of the cylinders.
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Paul S. 2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior. 79,200 miles. 1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron". |
#4
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the early 90's E36 3 series had interior problems where the interior would seperate from the doors etc. I have never seen this happening in any benz made in the last 30+ years.
It all depends on what is considered the definaition of the relaibility. If you say for instance based on consumer complaints, are fit and finish issues a relaibility complaint? are interior squeeks a reliability issue? Things like that to me are not relaibility issues. Reliability should be based one two factors.. Vehicle Mechanicals and Vehicle Crash structure. In most benzes, these two items are very reliable if maintained properly. Any vehicle that has not been maintained will turn to crap. I had been looking at 1995 325IS BMW's when searching for a car. I passed up on a 1995 325IS with full service records, to get my 1992 300CE, with no records and 30k More miles. The Reasons? The benz felt Safer, Heavier, More solid, and more reliable. So far my car has proven its relaibility, save for maintenance that hadn't been done by previous owner causing items to break, the car has been excellent. I only just replaced a bunch of stuff because the car was at the mechanic, and I figured why not do certain repairs as long as its in. Any car can be very reliable, I think when you try to judge reliability, you have to factor in one missed item, and thats the Owner. Is the owner reliable enough to maintain the vehicle properly and on time, or is the owner not reliable enough to even get the oil changed after 3-5k miles? Alon
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'92 300CE - Sold 2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio 2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon |
#5
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The problem with reliability surveys is some owners are picky and some are not. For people that just see a car as transportation, probably don't pay close attention to every aspect of their car. So when something "minor" comes up they don't notice/report it. Whereas for people who are "in tune" with their cars will notice these things. Does that make their car less reliable? It's all relative.
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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi) 2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi) 2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi) MBCA member |
#6
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I agree with Alon about the feel of the Bimmers v.s. MB my 528e seems to have as much plastic as a GM. The one thing I will give My BMW is that it never left me out on the road it always makes it home. (40 mile drive) The 500 would run fine but if it did'nt start there was no hope. I think it is about even IMO.
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#7
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The early 2002's where the best BMW's ever built. The 3 series....well I won't go there. Mercedes rule without question and are not even closely pursued by BMW.
Just my two cents! Let the statistic show: Owned 1 Beamer.....11 Benz's
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Brandon 2008 S550 1957 Dodge D100 1967 VW Microbus 21 Window 2001 Suburban 2004 Beach cruiser bicycle -----------------GO DUKE!----------------- "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776 |
#8
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Although I am primarily a MBZ tech, I do work on a handful of BMWs....... not because I "want" to, but because they belong to good MB customers that I can't say "NO" to.
One thing I have noticed is that parts for BMWs seem to be more expensive than the same items for an MB of similar model. I have also seen BMW do some very VERY stupid stuff, like some cars having plastic impellers on the waterpumps DUH, now THERE'S an overheating problem waiting to happen. They just don't have the "heavy-industrial" type construction that I am so used to on MBZ stuff. (even compared to MBs recent "lighter is better" type builds) |
#9
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I work on alot of Benzes and we also do beamers. From a technicians point of view experienced in both lines I would say they are about even. BMW was smart where they placed their evaporators. They only went with can data and drive by wire for a little while. They didnt screw up on their harness' . Now Mercedes was smart on their computer diagnosis. Mercedes made blower motors easy to access. Mercedes didnt come out with a crappy transmission that looks like it is out of a ford pickup. They cost about the same to service and parts are along the same price line mainly. I like both lines. Every company has downfalls with every line of car , thats just the buisness. Most expensive Mercedes to maintain is a 140. Most expensive BMW to maintain is a 740il. So there is no differance its all up to the people who drive them which one is better in their eyes.
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euro 287 Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai) 2000 Dodge Durango 98 Mazda truck |
#10
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I see MANY, MANY more 60s/70s/80s MBs on the roads in Atlanta than I do BMWs from the same era.
I've heard of lots of 300, 500, and even over 700,000-mile Mercedes cars....heard of any half-million mile BMWs lately? I didn't think so.... Mike I'm only a LITTLE biased.....
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_____ 1979 300 SD 350,000 miles _____ 1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy _____ 1985 300TD 270,000 miles _____ 1994 E320 not my favorite, but the wife wanted it www.myspace.com/mikemover www.myspace.com/openskystudio www.myspace.com/speedxband www.myspace.com/openskyseparators www.myspace.com/doubledrivemusic |
#11
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I've found Bmw parts to be much much cheaper. Unless it is made by good old BOSCH.
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#12
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Hmmm, I just did front brakes/rotors on a 97 v8 model and almost fell over when I saw the retail price of the parts.
I've also seen it with o2 sensors, spark plugs, exhaust parts.... .....of course BMW & MBZ parts are CHEAP compared to jag parts |
#13
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blackmercedes (John),
I think your list is dead accurate. That's exactly how I'd rank 'em based on my experience and those of others around me.
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Paul S. 2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior. 79,200 miles. 1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron". |
#14
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As for BMW not getting high mileage on them , not true. We service alot of BMW's and they come in just like Mercedes , anyware from 150k all the way up to 500k. I prefer Mercedes but I would buy a bmw anyday for the fact that Mercedes and BMW are reliable and well made.
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euro 287 Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai) 2000 Dodge Durango 98 Mazda truck |
#15
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Alain
I'm planning to do brakes (upgrade) next on my 528e and was very happy to see the prices. Cross drilled and sloted rotors costing around 50 dollars each and good street/race pads 4 for 50 dollars. I guess prices have changed a lot on them newer cars. Personally I would still like a MB but I think BMW's are fun to fool with and try to tweak them a little. |
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