Anyone have a post 2010 BMW?

[Stanley Rockafella]

I took a 2011 535ixdrive for a test drive for a buddy of mine who is interested in flying into Vancouver and driving back to Saskatchewan.

I went to check it out yesterday on my lunch break, and overall it was nice.

Here's my questions:
1. Is it common for the paint on the start button to peel off? this one is, and looks goofy and cheap

2. Is it common for the drivers seat belt to be fraying already? Seriously, my 07 Ford Focus with more than double the mileage has a newer looking drivers seat belt than this thing!

Maybe it was simply this car was driven hard so far. In that case I wouldn't care if it's CPO or not, he's wasting a huge chunk of change ($48g's here in Canada for the thing).

Overall, while it was sporty~ish, I got this overwhelming feeling of dread when things break- and they will. The interior, while it was nice, seems very cheaply made.

My buddy comes from an 08 Lexus IS350, and against my advise, really wants a BMW, over another Lexus IS series. I recommended the newer IS as they come with AWD too (and are far more reliable, but he doesn't like the style (oh boo hoo!)).

[Sea Aych]

My dad has a 2011 323i which was the dealer's test drive car for 2000km. He's up to around 30,000 now and the start button paint IS becoming a bit rough.

Not sure how common it is, or if it's because it was a show car and had people all over it for the few months it was at the dealer, but hope that helps!

As for the interior, the e90 doesn't feel cheap, at least to me (coming off a 2005 mazda 3 back when he bought it...), buttons clicked nicely, and it looks much better without the NAV unit.

[Todd Black 88]

I do, and they are much more cheaply made then my e46 was.

I don't have your two issues with mine, but I did just have my third vinyl bottom seat cover installed. The first two started to crack on the lower outer bolster.
I have also replaced the steering rack, coupler, column, sunroof rail, and passenger power window motor.
On the plus side, I have yet to need to do the brakes. At this point I had do e them twice of my e46.
Car only has 48k kilometers on it.

[Todd Black 88]

I have the nav in mine, but it's the double bubble dash, not the ones that look like they plunked a small tv ontop.

[agent]

Is it common for the paint on the start button to peel off?

Yes. If it's still within factory warranty mileage (50k miles I think?) BMW will replace it.

[naplesE30]

07 e90. Paint on start stop button is peeling. As well as th e thin rubbery paint on a lot of the plastics like cupholder etc.(FL heat and sun no doubt) Overall its well made compared to its competitors. All cars have gone cheap build quality. Overall not to many problems. Just replaced valve cover gasket, vanos motor vasket, plugs, brakes front and rear pads/dics(easy dyi) and some other maint items. Car has 113k miles and has treated us very well. CPO is the way to go. We bought ours with 9k miles CPO and only time it was in the shop was for a starter at 75k, radio at 50k, the rubber came off a button so they replaced tbe whole unit, and a lock accuator at like 30k my wife got locked in the car haha out the window dukes of hazzard style. The car has held up well for a car parked outside during the days. That said my inlaws Cadillac paint job is way better. Cadillac have the best factory paint imho.

[Stanley Rockafella]

thanks for the replies guys

I've given my buddy my feedback as well as the info provided in this thread. With that I hope he makes an informed decision.

Personally I'd stick with something Japanese for it's reliability and lack of maint. required.

thanks again

[rustyg80]

I have 06 330xi and while the paint on start button is not peeling yet, the fake wood trim has bunch of hairline cracks. Also some interior painted parts are peeling and have been for the longest time. I would have to agree that my e46 had better quality interior pieces.

[Todd Black 88]

Update!
Car is going in Saturday to replace the passenger bottom seat cover that blew a heating element, another new passenger window regulator(click, click, click), a seal around the drivers door that has split at a seam, and to investigate a new oil leak it has developed.


New cars are shiet