[raptor5244]

I have owned my fair share of Camaros, Trans AMs and Corvettes over the years but I have never owned a BMW before. I have met some folks that own them and they seem to have the same type of passion for their BMWs as most muscle car fans do.

So, I am curious to hear from folks who have owned both. What are the pros and cons of owning each? How do the driving experiences differ? I have always wanted to try one out but got cold feet when I hear about the reliability issues and cost to repair, etc. Some folks said to only lease them because once they hit higher mileage they fail often and need costly repairs. I assume they are not easy to work on either?

[Number 3]

There are some very fundamental differences between German and Chevrolet (Cadillac too for that matter). I've driven BMWs, and owned 2 Audis before getting a Chevy SS. I was all set to buy a 434 x-drive but the dealership on the sales part thought they were selling Kia's. But I was looking for something more "special" than my S4. That was an awesome car, and it did everything VERY well. But it just wasn't interesting if that makes any sense.

First and foremost, fit, finish and materials are far superior in a BMW. Keep in mind that although BMWs, Audis and MBs are used as taxis in Germany and all offer base models with cloth seats etc., they do have better material choices on the inside, the metal finish, quality and assembly are better.

Simply put, Chevrolet is considered below Opel in Germany and Europe and Opel is, by most counts, considered no better than VW. Audi, MB and BMW are all above that.

The other thing you will get, at least from Cadillac and Audi, is a free loaner car when you go in for service. You don't have to ask, beg or negotiate. It's assumed. Other than not having a problem and the time to take it in, luxury brands will kiss your butt. Every car has problems. But when the customer feels good about taking it in, then you can make up for it. It likely varies dealer to dealer, but the service I got at the Audi dealer was amazing. Always got a car of equal or better cost, not just an A4 for my S4.

Also Chevrolet only has a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The luxury brands have 4 year and 50,000 mile (Cadillac is also 4/50).

For ride and handling, my SS is as good as you will find. The chassis bits deliver an outstanding package. The LS3 makes up for only having a 6 speed automatic. The Germans offer 8 speed autos and 7 speed DCTs which are superior. But you paid for those in the price of the car.

Overall, you are simply asking a bigger question. A "peoples' brand vs. a luxury brand. If you can afford it and it matters, you will get an overall better experience with a luxury brand. Not always the case, but you will get more refined car and better service and warranty. But you will pay for it. The CTS V-sport is the equivalent to my SS. It has equal HP and performance with a better chassis and a far, far, far better interior. That and the warranty and service add up to a $22,000 difference in sticker price. I could have gone that route but chose LS3 over all things and am happy for it.

If you check JD Power, Consumer Reports, etc. you will see the luxury brands don't necessarily finish high. There are a lot of emotional issues beyond the numbers in those surveys, but that is an entire thread in itself. But from those studies, going year over year, not just a single data point, you will see Chevrolet is usually mid pack or better.

From a long term ownership experience, well I've only heard the stories. But the infamous Audi $2,000 brake job is not a myth. That's what it costs at the dealer and you only save 10 or 20% going to the local import service shop.

My mantra would simply be, "don't own a German made car outside of warranty". But a lot of people are driving around in 10 year old 3 series BMWs and I don't see them starving to support that habit.

I've been pushing GM to have a Gen 6 Camaro that will rival the new BMW 4 Series coupe. A lot of people jump on me for this. But you would be surprised how little it would take to make a car that good. Yes, less technology and lesser interior materials, but for the most part, styling and chassis is free and I don't even want a BMW level drive train. Just an LT1 with the 8 speed in the V-sport.

So a good question and should result in some good discussion.

[JAX CAMARO]

nice job !

[raptor5244]

Great feedback. Thanks for sharing.

I have heard the same thing from folks that are in love with the German brands. They say only buy it while it is under warranty. My father is in the wholesale car business and he says you should see how many BMWs are at the auction every week as they come off of lease or just about out of warranty.

I read an article that in Germany engineers are well respected and take a higher level of pride in their work, which results in some awesome cars, however this "over-engineering"
is what requires you to pay triple price for a simple headlight repair. On a german car you may have 3 lenses, gaskets, wiper motor, etc. :-)

A few years back I came close to buying a used 335i but decided to pull the trigger on a Lexus IS350 instead because of all the horror stories on owning a used German car. There must be something special about the Audis, BMWs, VWs, etc for folks to continue to buy them. I have had my share of issues in the past with Chevy/Pontiac products but I feel like they are easier to diagnose and you do not need to take a 2nd mortgage for repairs and maintenance.

[Number 3]

My Audi S4 was a horrible car for quality but the service was so great it didn't matter. I always got an A6 or A7 for a loaner, an SQ5 on one trip, so there was never any inconvenience.

But it had a "feeling" when you drove it that my wife's ATS can not match. A lot of intangibles made it a truly great car to drive.

But it didn't have an LS3 so it has been banished from my garage.

[shaffe]

Don't forget if you get a BMW to have the optional turn signals installed and see if you can get the instajackassdriver mod removed. also make sure you thoroughly read your owners manual "I have a BMW so I own the whole road"

[jcamaro37f]

I've had two new BMWs prior to owning my camaro. I miss the way the BMWs felt. They felt like a coaster on rails. Power is nice, they love to rev but I'm not sure how I feel about turbo 4 cylinders as they had Problems with my 335 when it came out, specifically fuel pump problems.

Every so often a light would come on on the dash or a light would go out on the exterior of the car. If you surf the forums of BMW it's quite common. The electrical is so so. My halos would work one week next they wouldn't. make an appointment with BMW to fix it for 300, and on my way there they magically turn back on.

The engine nor transmission ever gave me any problems and the car gives you a feeling only a BMW can give you. But prepared for high maintenance. costs and being upset with it. I got fed up with the little things giving out all the time.

If you're going to buy, buy new or one with warranty and a maintenance plan to give you a piece of mind. I thought I could do within and ended paying near 4900 for maintenance in one stop. Keep in mind a dealer charges 300 for an oil change and 800 per axel for brake jobs.

Good luck op, let me know if you have any questions. it may sound like I hate BMW but I'd go back in a heart beat

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by jcamaro37f

I've had two new BMWs prior to owning my camaro. I miss the way the BMWs felt. They felt like a coaster on rails. Power is nice, they love to rev but I'm not sure how I feel about turbo 4 cylinders as they had Problems with my 335 when it came out, specifically fuel pump problems.

Every so often a light would come on on the dash or a light would go out on the exterior of the car. If you surf the forums of BMW it's quite common. The electrical is so so. My halos would work one week next they wouldn't. make an appointment with BMW to fix it for 300, and on my way there they magically turn back on.

The engine nor transmission ever gave me any problems and the car gives you a feeling only a BMW can give you. But prepared for high maintenance. costs and being upset with it. I got fed up with the little things giving out all the time.

If you're going to buy, buy new or one with warranty and a maintenance plan to give you a piece of mind. I thought I could do within and ended paying near 4900 for maintenance in one stop. Keep in mind a dealer charges 300 for an oil change and 800 per axel for brake jobs.

Good luck op, let me know if you have any questions. it may sound like I hate BMW but I'd go back in a heart beat

Doesn't sound worth it to me. I would rather have a Lexus and have piece of mind.

[jcamaro37f]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

Doesn't sound worth it to me. I would rather have a Lexus and have piece of mind.

Yes, my lady has a new IS250F and her lexus and before that had a gs300 thst has 250k+ and I was shocked at how little problems it had and how much less it costs to repair.

Lexus's, Lexus', Lexi? are good cars I like them a lot and they aren't synonymous with douchebag drivers. I hated that part about going to the dealership, there was definitely a sense of that in BMW.

[jcamaro37f]

IS350 is a hell of a car though. It'd give a camaro and 335i a run for it's money.

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by jcamaro37f

IS350 is a hell of a car though. It'd give a camaro and 335i a run for it's money.

I owned an 2007 is350 for a couple years. Not the fastest car I ever owned but definitely the most refined. It just did everything well. I wonder how fun the is-f is to drive.

[stoopid]

Originally Posted by jcamaro37f

Lexus's, Lexus', Lexi? are good cars I like them a lot and they aren't synonymous with douchebag drivers. I hated that part about going to the dealership, there was definitely a sense of that in BMW.

The new Lexus commercials (for the F series) have me thinking they're trying to muscle in on BMW's "douche" demographic.

[c5Legend]

Just sayin I haven't seen a Camaro driving around with one side of their halos out, but I usually see it all the time with BMWs.. old and even new.

[RLHMARINES]

I owned a 5 series for about 10 years and put over 240,000 miles on it and I did fall in love with the driving dynamics and the overall solid nature.

I purchased it in Cali while living out in south Orange County where the service centers offered a much better price than the dealers by far on maintenance and my loaner cars were always equal to or better than my car thru rental companies they partnered with. They also automatically enrolled me in to the BMW CCA and we received quarterly newsletters to keep us informed.

When I moved back to Ga it was a rude awakening on finding authorized service shops, which are far and few as compared to what I was use to. Maintenance costs will be high if you do a lot of driving but I'm not sure if the newer models today require as much service.

Service I inspections was the lowest cost service and the most expensive inspection was the Service II inspection on my BMW. This car was my wife's daily driver/commute vehicle so if you're not driving it as much as we did you will probably not endure the higher servicing like we did. Hope this helps.