http://www.forbes.com/video/?expire...ideo/fvn/auto/bmw5series.asf&_requestid=18020 http://www.forbes.com/2003/06/02/cx_mf_0602feat.html
Why are the Germans and Japanese able to make high quality, well constructed cars in places like South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee, yet the domestic car makers seemingly cannot, even though they have a more experienced workforce? Is it the union issue? Is it management?
Read The Reckoning by David Halberstam. Basically Detroit was offered the plan to revamp its quality of junk manufacturing in the 50's. The man who developed the methods was scoffed at. He goes to Japan, who at the time was manufacturing even worse crap, and they welcomed him with open arms. This instilled the incredible sense of quality culture into the the Japenese manufacturing psyche. Detroit started to catch on in the last ten years.
they are not. my experience with a mercedes built in alabama has been horific. i have owned 6 different benzes--- all fantastic cars but one--the one built in alabama. my experience only, but i may never buy another benz due to this nightmare. best, surfer
Max, thanks for the Forbes links. Very interesting. The "poll" seems to favor the design. (I didn't know Candletrader was involved with Forbes). Gotta hand it to BMW for sticking their neck out. Maybe they will be the Saabs of this decade. Meanwhile, the bottom line is that they drive incredibly. But even that is somewhat subjective. Peace, RS
it is beyond iffy. it is a 2001 ML and it has been in shop 23 times. yesterday i recd a recall notice stating that the power steering could fail at anytime resulting in loss of control. not the kind of car i want my nanny driving the babies in--for sure. on the other hand, my range rover-- a car known for many issues--- has driven flawlessly for 55k miles. one just never knows . take care, surfer
Surf (Lizard King), I am amazed to hear that!! 23 times? Can't you exercise your "lemon law" rights? I am guessing they are state to state statutes, but I would imagine CA has some kind of consumer protection. Almost as amazing as how unreliable your ML is, is how good your luck has been with the Rover. British cars are supposed to be in the shop all the time. You must be living in your own Twilight Zone. Maybe having things backwards in your life is why while the majority of people are losing money trading, you are successful. Different works!! Bizarro World Surfer. You ride out and paddle in? Peace Brother, RS
GEEE SYS WILL YOU JUST BUY A DAM CAR WHAT YOU NEED A QUORUM FOR KRYST SAKES QUIT BORING US YOU FREAKIN GIGALOW WE COULD CARE LESS JUST BUY SOMETHIN YOUR WIFE CAN AFFORD LIKE CHEAP CAUSE REMEMBER YOUR WIFE GONNA MAKE THE PAYMENTS HEH
I have seen a few of these new Infiniti G35 Coupe's recently and they look sharp. They come with a 6 speed manual transmission as standard and have about 287 HP. 0-60 times were around 6.1 seconds and its fully loaded for around $34k. Basically, its the Nissan 350Z except that it is a 2+2. I have to say this is a hell of a car for a reasonable price tag...