[kent11202]

Getting rid of our 2013 328i and looking at a replacement among several brands/models.

Better half found a fairly well loaded 2016 328i BUT it's a South Africa build so I'd like your input on the build quality. I suspect it's fine but you people know heck of a lot more than me.

Thanks!

[Bob in IL]

I have one and zero issues in nearly two years. No squeaks, rattles or warranty issues. Just two oil changes and that's it. I read that the SA plant is highly rated.

[Jetsurly]

I have an SA build 328 sport line and I seriously cannot tell a difference. For what it's worth, I've read numerous places and was told during my BMW tour in Munich that the SA plant has higher quality control standards than in Munich. Thus backing the previous commenter. I haven't had a single issue (knock on wood). Engine still purrs like the first day I bought it and it's a 2014 CPO as well. Bought it with only 5k miles on the clock. Now nearing 22k and I still smile every time I drive her

[Alarbus]

Yeah, my SA built 2006 E90 was a lot better constructed than my 2009 Munich build. Would totally buy a SA car again, but not any time soon, since I just got the F30.

[claykin]

Do not be concerned. SA plant builds top notch vehicles. Same quality or better than any other factory in BMW system.

[e92ben]

South Africa plant has stricter quality control! It's totally on par with German built cars.

[Jaghave]

My 328i built in Germany was terrible so many electronic problems
My 340i built in SA has been running fantastic.

[goj]

The only issue is that the wait is long if you order one. But if it's on the lot there's virtually no difference in any aspect of the car

[ErkanTR16]

340i xDrive SA Build at 13K Miles. Haven't experienced any issues.

[Versipellis]

I think the SA factory won an award or something over the others, didn't it?

[insanecoder]

I would prefer a SA build
autoweek.com/article/car-news/best-bmws-arent-built-germany

[Rick4345]

I've had two of my three from South Africa. Both have been great!!

[David328M-Sport]

BMW's Rosslyn factory has been assembling cars since the 1970s, so they know a thing or two about how to build them.

I've owned 4 BMW 3 Series since 1992. E36, E46, E90 and currently F30. Each have come out of Rosslyn and each have been terrific. My 328i will soon be 4 years old and has been fault free.

Rosslyn has won many quality build awards, so fear not.

[MomoM3]

As others have mentioned, the SA builds seem to have slightly better QC.

When I ordered my 340i 6MT I had no idea my allocation was for a SA build and was immediately concerned when I found out. Luckily, posts like the above on this forum calmed me down and now 12,000 miles later my 340i has been fantastic. No creaks, squeaks, or rattles at all. Everything has been perfect so far.

I know it's different but the same is true with my US-built X5. 5 years and 55,000 miles later and she's rock solid as ever.

[kent11202]

Many thanks everyone - I suspected it was not an issue but really value your opinions.

Next step is to see if we choose to move forward and can arrive at an acceptable deal.

[cfm56d7b]

Running the risk of repeating the same positive experiences with SA built vehicles. No problems at all.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Pretty sure i read somewhere that SA BMW builds are one of the best you can get

[James550i6spd]

Important parts such as electronics probably come from one source so quality should be the same. Assembly-wise - I'd say SA is put under stricter controls since they are under the microscope of Headquarters.

I work for an OEM..the "mother plants" tend to get away with more than other plants around the world. We have triple the quality staff in our Mexico plant than most; and operates under tighter quality requirements, just as an example.

[Zangetsu]

SA plant far exceeds any BMW built elsewhere. They were ranked the #1 plant out of ALL BRANDS! Meaning they had the least defects or malfunctions out of all brands, beating out Lexus/Toyota plants!

[otay]

Piling on...

My SA build had the transmission replaced, but that was due to a sub-assembly, not final build.

Everything else has been great. It's solid...no squeaks or rattles to be found, and no electronic glitches.

(knocks on wood)

[paul e]

Please note that all engines and transmissions are German built.

[zinner]

I have a South African 335i no issues ! Almost 2 years old now.