Recall what happened when some Merc models shifted production from Germany to South Africa. Terrible quality problems as a consequence for a long time.Why do people feel that a BMW built in China by presumably predominantly Chinese workers, using BMW build methods and quality processes will be a poorer product not worthy of its price tag?
I’m sure if BMW didn’t think it would stand scrutiny in Western markets they wouldn’t sell it?
Genuine questions.
I remember the outcry when the 190/W217 was replaced, was that the same time period?Recall what happened when some Merc models shifted production from Germany to South Africa. Terrible quality problems as a consequence for a long time.
Yes it was. It has all come good now but it took a long time for MB to recover from the reputational fallout. Lots of suspension and transmission problems. Wealthy friend had an MB in that era and after five years of expensive repairs he said never again and went and bought a BMW. And that proved to be a pile of ..................I remember the outcry when the 190/W217 was replaced, was that the same time period?
A quick Google suggests that the SA plants rank very highly.
That was a problem for MB, they were too good and lasted too long. The car would last for ever, 300k miles was possible. The body was so stiff and strong they felt as if they had been carved out of stone and had no problems coping with bad roads anywhere in the world. .My father had a 190 estate as the family workhorse back in the day, I don’t think he ever forgave them for discontinuing it!
this was my thought, the price point is wrong for meI might be interested if the price was sensible. Seems nearly £20k more than the diesel but maybe high spec.?