It's going back in the morning

[@MARK]

That would be my suggestion - the 'new' 3 series. Or what about a 5 series touring?

There isn't a new 3 series touring for another 12 months

As for the 5. I did drive one and was disappointed at how detached the drive was but the main reason is the same reason for not buying an E350 CDI. I simply don't need/want something that big especially with some of the underground hotel car parks I find myself in sometimes.

 

[Peter T]

Are BMW's that much better?

Probably not!

I've got an e39 540 with 140K miles on the clock and I love it, but it still has its foibles!

A feature of this model is creaking noises from the door seals. I find that I can alleviate this by cleaning/waxing the door shut areas regularly. It's just something that happens and I've learned to live with it. I once saw a description of this on a BM forum as "Creaking and groaning like a square rigger under full sail", which, for me, added to the charm.

Would this be acceptable in a brand new car? Probably not and I'm sure I would kick-off at the dealer about it.

 

[snoop51]

There is a rattle from somewhere near the passenger seatbelt

Mark I have an issue like this on my W212, took me a while but it turns out if the seatbelt is twisted when it is taken off the buckle gets trapped between the seat and the door pillar. I don't know if this is what you are experiencing it's just a suggestion. I'm thinking of banning the wife from getting in the car for this reason.

Sorry you have other issues as well you shouldn't have to put up with things like you have described on a "Premium" brand car.

BTW, about that French maids petticoats, how exactly did you make them rustle??

 

[rob_miller]

Mark, I was just wondering if they have sorted out the lemon yet?

 

[@MARK]

Mark, I was just wondering if they have sorted out the lemon yet?

NO

They sent somebody out however it was chucking it down with rain so you could not hear the clicks and rattles over the noise of said rain on the windscreen.

And if they can't here the squeeks and rattles they can't fix them!

So they were going to come back to me and arrange another day.

They haven't bothered!

Currently reviewing my options

 

[rob_miller]

NO

They sent somebody out however it was chucking it down with rain so you could not hear the clicks and rattles over the noise of said rain on the windscreen.

And if they can't here the squeeks and rattles they can't fix them!

So they were going to come back to me and arrange another day.

They haven't bothered!

Currently reviewing my options

It looks like you have one of those dealers that dont care.

Have you spoken someone higher up in the dealer about this, they probably wont be interested but it is worth a try. Failing that why dont you give MB customer service a call.

Just out of interest which MB dealer is it that you are using?

 

[@MARK]

It looks like you have one of those dealers that dont care.

Have you spoken someone higher up in the dealer about this, they probably wont be interested but it is worth a try. Failing that why dont you give MB customer service a call.

Just out of interest which MB dealer is it that you are using?

So I rang their head office in Lincoln the other day and to be fair, the following morning said mechanic was on my drive (with a loan car just in case). Due to the weather however he was unable to hear for himself

The dealer will always react instantly when prodded but that's the problem.

I don't have time to keep prodding them.

 

[Michael111]

Are BMW's that much better?

Am sure they have horror stories as well!

Yes don't buy a 3 series coupe the frameless windows rattle!

 

[mjrennie]

Yes don't buy a 3 series coupe the frameless windows rattle!

I had a 335i convetible for 3 and a half years. There were issues, not least the utter failure (known) of the High Pressure Fuel Pump and the subsequent recall to replace it and 1 or up to 6 of the injectors. That was preceded by a very reluctant admission that the run flat tyres were causing the 19 inch alloys to crack. 1 of mine did. And the glovebox locked itself shut. And the roof rattled a bit.

 

[bpsorrel]

That reminds me of my neighbour who has an '07 335d, from new, that has had the BMW customer service car round and the mechanic fiddling with it so many times now that he has his own reserved parking space! Problems range from injector issues to windscreen leaks! Great eh!

 

[wxmclk]

Are BMW's that much better?

Am sure they have horror stories as well!

Well it varies really. I currently own a BMW E92 (325 M Sport 3 Series Coupe) which I like lots.

That said paint finish on it is poor (orange peel effect), panel fit in terms of wing gaps, bonnet fit could be better- but I am VERY fussy about such details even used digital calipers to check widths!!

Before this I had the same car (E92) but the 320i model. This was utter garbage and suffered from the dreaded injector failure- multiple times.Worst car I have ever owned- had it 5 months only last year.

I had a CLK280 (W209) before this (2009-2011). This had better paint finish, but annoying niggles like wind noise from near side driver window (known issue I know) and the dreaded left 'drift'. This really got on my nerves and even correction at WIM improved it but didn't cure it. In the end this was why i sold it- I expect a car to drive in a straight line!
Before this the MB Sport Coupe (C200K)- A NICE CAR.

So, are BMW any better than Merc's? - I flit between both marques and think it's choice rather than which is best. Some things BMW do better, and some things MB do best.

Sorry if I bored anyone.

 

[wxmclk]

Yes don't buy a 3 series coupe the frameless windows rattle!

Don't want to tempt fate, but I haven't had that problem with either the current one (325i) or the last lemon (320i).

Did though suffer this on my W209.

 

[wxmclk]

'Problems range from injector issues to windscreen leaks! Great eh'

'recall to replace it and 1 or up to 6 of the injectors'

A huge problem with the 4 cylinder models. I know as I owned the 320i 'lemon' model. Utter, utter rubbish.
With BMW more than with me.
__________________

 

[Michael111]

Don't want to tempt fate, but I haven't had that problem with either the current one (325i) or the last lemon (320i).

Did though suffer this on my W209.

You have been very lucky I gave up on the car in the end because of this.