BMW didn't do too well in the 2009 JD Power Dependability Survey
03-19-2009, 04:51 PM
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Model Year: 2008
The 2009 JD Power Dependability study came out today. This focuses on problems over three years, so 2006 model year cars are the subject of the 2009 study. Lo and behold, Jaguar and Buick came top, with fewest defects per car over the three year period.
BMW appears to have come 15th, placing behind Chrysler.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1237503026...=googlenews_wsj
BMW appears to have come 15th, placing behind Chrysler.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1237503026...=googlenews_wsj
03-19-2009, 05:01 PM
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In that it is based largely on number of customer complaints/problems, it's no wonder BMW is lower. We pay a premium for these cars, and everyone on this forum, myself included, won't hesitate to take his car to the dealer for the slightest issue. WE help skew the numbers ourselves. Buick owners, on the otherhand, expect problems and accept them more willingly. Hence, they are less likely to report issues. That doesn't account for all areas, but it is a factor.
03-19-2009, 05:07 PM
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Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by CWS530' post='821543' date='Mar 19 2009, 06:01 PM
In that it is based largely on number of customer complaints/problems, it's no wonder BMW is lower. We pay a premium for these cars, and everyone on this forum, myself included, won't hesitate to take his car to the dealer for the slightest issue. WE help skew the numbers ourselves. Buick owners, on the otherhand, expect problems and accept them more willingly. Hence, they are less likely to report issues. That doesn't account for all areas, but it is a factor.
03-19-2009, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='821550' date='Mar 19 2009, 09:07 PM
I don't think that necessarily holds true. No one tolerates quality issues, no matter what car you have. The other counterpoint is that Jaguar owners also pay as much of a premium as BMW owners.
03-19-2009, 06:35 PM
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This years survey removed the trips to the dealer for routine service. As we know, BMWs don't go to the dealer for routine service very often and I'm sure this hurt their score.
edit: My bad - routine fixes were eliminated (I still believe this hurt BMW as these "routine fixes" such as wipers are just done as part of the included maintenance as opposed to being screwed over by the dealer wanting $35 to do it.)
"Oddes said this year's study was redesigned to exclude routine fixes from a vehicle's list of problems. For example, the study no longer counts tire or windshield wiper replacements as a reportable problem. The intended result is a study that focuses on actual glitches with a vehicle, Oddes said, though it also makes it difficult to make year-over-year comparisons."
edit: My bad - routine fixes were eliminated (I still believe this hurt BMW as these "routine fixes" such as wipers are just done as part of the included maintenance as opposed to being screwed over by the dealer wanting $35 to do it.)
"Oddes said this year's study was redesigned to exclude routine fixes from a vehicle's list of problems. For example, the study no longer counts tire or windshield wiper replacements as a reportable problem. The intended result is a study that focuses on actual glitches with a vehicle, Oddes said, though it also makes it difficult to make year-over-year comparisons."
03-19-2009, 06:39 PM
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Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by doug_999' post='821634' date='Mar 19 2009, 07:35 PM
This years survey removed the trips to the dealer for routine service. As we know, BMWs don't go to the dealer for routine service very often and I'm sure this hurt their score.
03-19-2009, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='821637' date='Mar 19 2009, 09:39 PM
The survey only records issues or defects in the first three years of ownership. Routine servicing has no impact on the dependability numbers.
03-19-2009, 06:47 PM
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I think Buick scored so high because both of their customers haven't driven more than a few miles in the last three years due to their age... 
03-19-2009, 07:10 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by Rudy' post='821644' date='Mar 19 2009, 09:47 PM
I think Buick scored so high because both of their customers haven't driven more than a few miles in the last three years due to their age...
I didn't mention Jag. Of couse Jaguar and Lexus owners will complain as vociferously as Bimmer owners. However, many American car owners consider certain squeaks and rattles as normal due to years of sub-par expectations. I know this as I know people in that category.