[wolke9]

Hello. .

I have recently been obsessing about the new E90 and was wondering if any of you are concerned about 1st year production problems common with newly introduced vehicles. Is BMW better/worse than other manufacturers in having new models free from production/engineering issues that frequently occur the 1st and 2nd year of production?

I recently test-drove a 330i 6sp/sprt pkg/prem pkg, silver ext/blk int. I was thoroughly impressed with the car. I have never owned a BMW before due to (perceived) reliability/maintenance cost issues. I can only say that this is the most balanced, smooth, sporting, and driver-oriented vehicle I have ever driven and one of the best-looking cars out there. I hope to someday own one and have already started my savings for one. The maintenance costs still scare me, but I guess I can always put more $$ away for those times. If I purchased, I would most likely keep past the 4yr/50k warrantee.

Any input on previous history of 1st year models would be appreciated. I'm glad that this site is available for E90 enthusiasts (wanna-be owners) such as myself.

[AlexP1760]

I know that the 1st year production of the 7-series was overwhelmed with many many problems.

[Jason]

wolke, hopefully some members will share their first year model experience with you here, but also check out these past threads for some insight to your question (and to BMW 3 series reliability in general):

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=356

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=maintenance

[bozo5521]

Good thread..I know the 7 series had a bucket load of problems, and you can get a 2000-01 X5 for under 20 grand because of all the problems they had...

I have to say though, I think they got it right this time with the E90...But hey, thats what warranties are for...

[Armen52]

My cousin's 2001 X5 had SO MANY problems that they finally got a lawyer and got 90% of their money back for it after almost four years!

The engine would die in the middle of driving among other things. Yikes!

Funny enough her mom bought the exact same car, same config, same color, she never had any problems with it. Sometimes you're just unlucky.

I'm crossing my fingers for my E90 :-/

[voltron1011]

My theory is this: I think the first few months of production will see better quality. Since the workers are getting used to a new production line they are going to be more aware. It normally takes at least a year until people fall into the "production zombie" mode. That's just me though...

[timzerofive]

Oh you know what I have to add to this thread? I test drove another 330i down in Irvine again this past weekend. It was a silver 330i manual with everything except navi. I tried to go open the sunroof, it didn't work! We fiddle around with the window lock, unlock button, sat there and tried to open it for about 5 min and it wouldn't work. The sales person kept saying someone broke it. Then half way through the test drive, we went and pressed it again and this time it tilted up, then it opened half way, and wouldn't close up. It will close half an inch and stops, I had to keep pressing it over and over until it completely closes. Wow, I hope my car won't have too many bugs.

[E90Fleet]

7 Series problems were mostly software related, and fixed by later updates

[garymazeffa]

Yes...we do need to be careful here. BMW does have a reputation? of year one problems. Their attitude is somewhat cavalier to boot. Some blame it on the technology that BMW introduces with the new models. I am not so sure about that. A lot of the problems are related to mundane parts and features.

[DK_12]

It is more than just software. Like I said in another post about my '01 coupe, i've had problems with control arm bushings, broken sunroof clips, falling door seals, rattling rear deck...other known problems are window regulators, steering, rear subframes and rattling from doors. That applies to every model year E46 and not just 1st year productions. Not just software, try poor quality of parts and design flaws.

[jiggax23]

i have several problems w/ my e90 already, i've had it for a week and 3 days. the problems started occuring, or i found out about them, about 2-3 days of owning my car. i have lots of rattles (from the center console under the radio, from the passenger side door panel, and from the rear deck like supadan). my bluetooth also does not work, and there are glitches in the navigation from time to time.

[Athos]

Originally Posted by jiggax23

i have several problems w/ my e90 already, i've had it for a week and 3 days. the problems started occuring, or i found out about them, about 2-3 days of owning my car. i have lots of rattles (from the center console under the radio, from the passenger side door panel, and from the rear deck like supadan). my bluetooth also does not work, and there are glitches in the navigation from time to time.

Jiggaz23,
Thanks for these specifics. Please let us know what you find out about these problems as you work through them. I think you are the second person that's complained about a center console rattle. Rattles can drive you nuts as you try to figure out what's causing them.

[Athos]

Oh. Sorry about the typo on the name. Should have previewed my post.

[bmw330ipty]

*hopefully* i will be ordering my 330i this week and maybe it will be produced around June-July.. do you think that the cars made around this time have better chances of no-gremlins than the cars produced around April-May??

Howabout cars with September production date?

[ravinxd]

You might be interested, for initial quality, BMW ranked #3, behind Lexus and Jaguar (we all know the electronic gremlins that used to lurk with Jag, and that reputation is still with them!). So, maybe BMW has improved.