can't wait on Telluride, buying BMW X3

[YEH]

^ An increasing # of buyers have been eschewing lux-branded vehicles for mainstream branded (including the likes of GMC) as they want all the latest tech goodies, which can get shoot up the price of a lux brand (esp. German).

But they still want a certain measure of lux - which is why Denali sales for GMC has done so well.

That being said, the Telluride and X3 (one being a compact and the other basically, the equivalent of the X7) are such different beasts, that most wouldn't be cross-shopping them.

 

[John]

...............sadly , I've had my heart broken , and I have sworn off BMW/ German ..............read an interesting report today showing LUX brands declining in sales in the 1st Q of this year , I wonder if others like me realize the badge isnt worth it due the the increased Quality/Value of the "Near" Lux brand offerings ..........dunno , but I'm not going back !

I am with you in regards to never going back. I thought I was done with European vehicles in 1996 but in 2017 I came across a 2014 SL550 for $50,000 with 40,000 miles, the original MSRP was $123,000, so I took a chance. It is like new inside and out and we love the car. But the annual general maintenance costs is absurd. Odd years it is $300.00 for a glorified oil change and even years it is $800.00 because in addition to the oil change you get a couple of filters replaced. Since the car is a extra car for us we only drive it on sunny days consequently in the winter it may go a couple of months without being driven. I have been using a battery tender to keep the battery fresh. When I took the car in for my $300 glorified oil change I ask them to attach the eyelet wiring I supplied for the battery charger to the battery. They wanted $230.00, I guess I should feel fortunate they have not started charging a fee to drive on the lot. The service people are all very nice and accommodating but I feel like they think we are morons for taking our car to them. I go to Kia, and depending which Kia I brought in, for the same service and it has been free, or discounted because of a coupon I received via email or I had to pay the full price of $57.00 which includes a free car wash. The service people may not be quite as accommodating as they are at Mercedes but every two years I am saving more than $1000.00 so I am okay with that. I have to put $200.00 in a savings account each month to cover maintenance and future repair bills on the Mercedes when repairs do arise so I am not put in a negative financial situation. I can't wait until Kia makes a sporty convertible.

 

[Eragon]

I love my BMWs and no issues for 16 years with 7 BMWs I had. I am now leaning towards other brands because of the look. Which I might just go back when BMW starts to assess that the grille has to be smaller. Mechanically BMW is just fine and the service is superb.

 

[westcoastTelly]

I love my BMWs and no issues for 16 years with 7 BMWs I had. I am now leaning towards other brands because of the look. Which I might just go back when BMW starts to assess that the grille has to be smaller. Mechanically BMW is just fine and the service is superb.

Interestingly I REALLY like the new look with the larger grills , esp the X7 ....................I think my 650 had one of the smallest grills ever , will be interesting to see how the execute the look across all the models

______________________________

 

[John]

I love my BMWs and no issues for 16 years with 7 BMWs I had. I am now leaning towards other brands because of the look. Which I might just go back when BMW starts to assess that the grille has to be smaller. Mechanically BMW is just fine and the service is superb.

I am glad you have had such success with your Bimmers. I had a 528 and a 630 in the ninetys but I was able to take my car to almost any mechanic which saved maintenance costs. Are the costs for annual maintenance service reasonable, for example under $100.00 annually? If so I will trade my car for a 6 series.

 

[Eragon]

Yeah BMW had some bad engines in the past. Ever since BMW came out with a turbo engine, I do like to wait a couple of years before I make the purchase.

Following is 7 BMWs I had and have --

-1995 E36 M3
-2003 E46 M3
-2004 Z4 3.0i
-2013 335i N55
-2014 535i N55
-2015 X5 N55
-2017 X1 B46

They all had and have the 6 years or 100k miles maintenance free program. It is very reasonable to spend an extra $2k that includes free loaner.

 

[Eragon]

Interestingly I REALLY like the new look with the larger grills , esp the X7 ....................I think my 650 had one of the smallest grills ever , will be interesting to see how the execute the look across all the models

Yeah, it either loves it or hates it with this new design. My borderline was at X1 and stopped staring at BMW when the X3 came out.