Today I handed back what must be the most awful car I have ever had from a rental company. I've had 4 days of driving it more than 600km. It had a 2.0ltr turbo Diesel engine that on this forum has been widely praised, it wasn't anywhere near as smooth as my 2.2TD in the evoque, yes it had tons of torque but applying to the road was somewhat scary in the wet but at least the TC cut in plenty soon enough to calm it down. The vehicle's interior was "nice" but not well put together and the quality of the load space linings was "cheap" it even rattled far more than any Evoque I have travelled in. The car had scary roadholding on streaming wet roads and in the gusty cross winds we had for the week the car was blown all over the road, the light back end didn't help, neither did the rear wheel drive, my Evoque is far more capable in the same conditions. This wasn't a high miles rental hack, this was a car with less than 80kms on the odo. It was a BMW 320td SE................... a more horrible car to drive a long distance in poor conditions I could not imagine and the nicest thing about it was handing back the keys at Copenhagen Airport this morning - I would even prefer to drive my Defender in the same conditions, at least it has comfortable front seats and doesn't get blown all over the road when its windy!
I have allways said BMW's are way over rated.
I've driven loads and loads of different cars, but strangely never a BMW, sounds like i'm not missing much!
(31-10-2013 11:18pm)The Valeter Wrote: [ -> ]I have allways said BMW's are way over rated.
The older BMW's such as the E46 3 Series were nicely made - I had two, both 3.0l petrol sport models and the engine and auto box were superb. My E83 X3 which was based on the same platform as the E46 was appalling, even though it had the same engine and (supposedly) same gearbox. Build quality and quality of materials was dreadful. Was just so glad to get rid of it.
When I looked to change, I investigated the replacement X3 and just hated it. The Evoque was in every way just so much better, although I am concerned now about the build quality and longevity. Considering mine cost me just shy of £50k, I'm not convinced the quality of interior materials, fit and finish is there.
(01-11-2013 09:32am)Trapdoor Wrote: [ -> ]The older BMW's such as the E46 3 Series were nicely made - I had two, both 3.0l petrol sport models and the engine and auto box were superb. My E83 X3 which was based on the same platform as the E46 was appalling, even though it had the same engine and (supposedly) same gearbox. Build quality and quality of materials was dreadful. Was just so glad to get rid of it.
When I looked to change, I investigated the replacement X3 and just hated it. The Evoque was in every way just so much better, although I am concerned now about the build quality and longevity. Considering mine cost me just shy of £50k, I'm not convinced the quality of interior materials, fit and finish is there.
I agree, & in the past one did aspire to owning a BMW but not nowdays. I drove a 320d a few weeks ago, it was a new car that was lent to one of my customers, very slow off the mark & I really couldn't work out the stupid indicator switch.
(31-10-2013 11:48pm)PhilSkill Wrote: [ -> ]I've driven loads and loads of different cars, but strangely never a BMW, sounds like i'm not missing much!
I had three BMWs in succession (a 320i then two 325is) and they were among the best cars I ever had. I only changed to Mercedes (which I also rate highly) when they introduced a coupe with a metal folding roof (a novelty at the time).
People do seem to have strong opinions about some makes, both positive and negative (including the Evoque!) so I'd try one before I condemned it.
Not only do I think JLR are up there with the German brands now, if not leading in some areas, I take great pride in buying a product designed and made in Britain.
The less cars we import the better for our economy
I used to be a massive fan of BMW but their products have become monotonous and uninspiring.
(01-11-2013 10:44am)Donny Dog Wrote: [ -> ]People do seem to have strong opinions about some makes, both positive and negative (including the Evoque!) so I'd try one before I condemned it.
No Worries, I always make up my own mind about anything, but always interested by other opinions on things
I had a close call with LRA and Enterprise, they were going to give me a Chevrolet Matiz because they couldn't find a D3 but they came up trumps and found one that had just been returned at another branch.