Quote:
Originally posted by gills
But the build quality is still better than most if not all japanese cars. I'm not talking electrical stuff. I'm talking the way everythings shuts, opens, goes over bumps, resistance to rattles, handles, steering feel, shifting feel, clutch, transmission, brakes, all of it. All of it is the best in a BMW and I will say Lexus is right there behind BMW with all the copying they do
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Hmm..this is turning into a good debate.
As far as "build" quality overall, including mechanical and electrical, I guess it's all a matter of taste. I mean, Lexuses, Infinitis and upper end Acuras have all been ranking higher in that category under JD Power's surverys, in the "overall satisfaction in the first 90 days". Now, Japanese luxury cars will continue to have provide this satisfaction for years to come, not just during those 90 days.
Lexus, Infiniti and Acura all have been proven to be more reliabe than their German/Euro counterparts since their introduction in the late 80's. Now you have to look at how this reliable factor translates into "build" quality. Like you said, how "everything shuts, opens, goes over bumps, resistance to rattles, handles,...." is all a matter of taste, and NOT an indication of build quality.
Take every single car in the Lexus lineup, (except the IS300, I haven't been in it yet). You are TOTALLY isolated from the road. Almost no noise, no nothing. Some people prefer this. Rattles in a Lexus? Naw.. haven't heard one yet. While my friends's rear quarter panel windows in their 3 series keep clanking away, along with some other rattles and squeaks. Yeah, the 3 series is teh bottom of the BMW's, but a friend with a 540 has similiar problems.
I know some BMW owners whose cars have lil or no problems. But I know more with cars that have frequent, nagging problems. It seems with Euro cars, to be more of a hit or miss thing, getting a car that's gona be problem/trouble free. Whereas with the Japanese luxury brands, you rarely hear about such problems. Actually, I've never heard a Lexus, Infiniti( I only know a few of these) and Acura owner complain of some repetitive problem or any problems at all.
Are these BMW owners happy? Yeah, they are happy. They've accepted the "virtues" of a bimmer and would rather drive the "sportier" lux car than have, lets' say, a LS430. But nope, build quality belongs to the Japanese Luxury car makers at the moment, and it has been that way since Lexus started boating cars over here. And this is simply documented fact in publications like Consumer reports, C&D's long term tests and surveys like JD & Power, all of which are respected in the auto industry.