Interior build quality and finish of new BMWs (rant)
Discussion
I had the misfortune of having my E39 M5 serviced this morning at BMW (and they managed to strip the sump plug that now needs to be heli coiled, but that is another matter) and therefore spent some time sitting in various new BMWs.
Came away impressed by the new 7 series (but at 90.000 euro for a fully loaded 730d it should impress!) but with a feeling ranging from disappointed (3 series), to pretty bad (1 series) to simply not acceptable (X1).
The plastic used around the gearlever (automatic) was thin, shiny stuff that would be more appropriate on something Korean or an entry level Fiat, and the instrument cowling was horrible thin plastic that LEGO would not even consider!
Overall feeling of being in a cheap car (though this particular X1 2.0D was certainly not at 45.000 euro) where everything that could be touched or moved had a nasty feel and finish.
What has gone wrong? How come Audi (yes, I said it), Volvo or even a Skoda (!!) can make interiors that has much superior fit and finish?
All this said without doubting that they all drive well and do a fantastic MPG, but if it means sitting in plastic hell, I would rather stick with my old heavy drinker!
Came away impressed by the new 7 series (but at 90.000 euro for a fully loaded 730d it should impress!) but with a feeling ranging from disappointed (3 series), to pretty bad (1 series) to simply not acceptable (X1).
The plastic used around the gearlever (automatic) was thin, shiny stuff that would be more appropriate on something Korean or an entry level Fiat, and the instrument cowling was horrible thin plastic that LEGO would not even consider!
Overall feeling of being in a cheap car (though this particular X1 2.0D was certainly not at 45.000 euro) where everything that could be touched or moved had a nasty feel and finish.
What has gone wrong? How come Audi (yes, I said it), Volvo or even a Skoda (!!) can make interiors that has much superior fit and finish?
All this said without doubting that they all drive well and do a fantastic MPG, but if it means sitting in plastic hell, I would rather stick with my old heavy drinker!
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