[solstice]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Fair points. Again if you insist on 100% German manufacture, then seek out for models within BMW that meet such criteria.

Yes, I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that but I think it’s a pity if the option of German made and euro delivery is pushed further up making it unreachable for those 3-series buyers who aren’t as lucky.

[KGB_123_99]

My Pre-LCI came from Germany and my LCI came from South Africa. The only difference I see between the two is that the LCI had an annoying rear parcel shelf rattle that took me forever to find. No other differences in terms of quality.

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by hans007

C63 sedan and all the AMG SUVs are made in Alabama. And GLC production for the US is moving to India too.

GLC production will not be moving to India for global consumption as the Indian plant is a CKD plant and not a full production plant. Valmet in Finland is supporting the overflow of GLC production in Bremen, Germany. There is a possibility that the C Class hall in Alabama will be converted to GLC/Electric SUV production for the next generation.

It is inevitable that brands like BMW, Audi, and MB will use global production facilities to be closer to their customers as they continue to grow and produce over close to 2 million cars a year. The days of producing all 1 million cars in Germany are gone. As they continue to grow, you will see more and more of this as with mainstream brands such as Toyota and GM. Audi produces the Q5 in Mexico for global markets...even sends them from Mexico to Germany...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

These workers are getting top-notch training, so their (mis)perceived level of "education" really isn't relevant. Proper training and proper work ethic is what matters here, and there's no reason to believe either would be better if these were produced solely in Munich or Shenyang.

We had a difficult period in the UK with car production and quality in the days of British Leyland and previous associated companies, as some will know from our UK motoring history. I worked for a Rover/Triumph dealer during that period. We saw how the product was suffering due to poor management and a poorly motivated workforce.

When Honda started building their production facility in Swindon (UK) there was a lot of talk that Honda cars made in the UK would never be like the Japanese built models. That didn't prove to be true at all. Honda trained the workforce. The Honda plant became an example of how cars could be produced in the UK with the right management and a motivated and trained workforce. Guys were wanting to get into the plant, going on a waiting list, to be part of the success story.

One of my lads who I had trained, (in our repair body shop), went to Honda. Worked his way up in the paint plant to the post production remedial line. I remember him telling me the skill levels were second to none, and as a result they produced the goods.

I see success in any plant will depend on BMW, the workforce is just one factor in the bigger scheme of quality production.

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by 320iG20

Mercedes C-Class models with 4-cylinder engines come from South Africa since 2015:



From 2017 on also C400 and C43.

Only the T-model is still completely produced in Bremen, Germany.

I didnt know Germany was getting South African made W205's ....seems like we have been getting a few in the US to support the Alabama plant...although, the engines are still made in by Nissan in Tennessee and sent to South Africa

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by solstice

Yes, I'm fortunate enough to be able to do that but I think it's a pity if the option of German made and euro delivery is pushed further up making it unreachable for those 3-series buyers who aren't as lucky.

The *majority* of North America G20 buyers won't be interested in Euro Delivery.

Erosion of value for a small number of customers vs greater efficiency/lower costs for BMW NA.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by solstice

Yes, I'm fortunate enough to be able to do that but I think it's a pity if the option of German made and euro delivery is pushed further up making it unreachable for those 3-series buyers who aren't as lucky.

I would say though that if you are able to get behind the wheel of a new G20 you will enjoy a nice set of wheels, ED or not.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

The *majority* of North America G20 buyers won't be interested in Euro Delivery.

Erosion of value for a small number of customers vs greater efficiency/lower costs for BMW NA.

I like the idea and romanticism around the ED experience, but it has never been a deciding factor in purchasing a BMW. Someday though..

Also ED doesn't seem to be the great deal it once was... Free non-stop airfare for 2, etc.

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I like the idea and romanticism around the ED experience, but it has never been a deciding factor in purchasing a BMW. Someday though..

I'm pissed off that as a UK buyer, I can't do ED myself. Having been to the Welt and seen/read about the experience, it's very nice, just not open to Brits.

[320iG20]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

I didnt know Germany was getting South African made W205's ....seems like we have been getting a few in the US to support the Alabama plant...although, the engines are still made in by Nissan in Tennessee and sent to South Africa

The Audi A3, TT and many engines come from Györ, Hungary.

https://www.audi.com/corporate/de/un...weit/gyor.html

[ska///235i]

With a car that ugly, dont matter where its built...dont @ me

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I like the idea and romanticism around the ED experience, but it has never been a deciding factor in purchasing a BMW. Someday though...

Was thinking a similar thing. But as already said, we in the UK don't have the 'factory pick up' association with BMW, simply pick up at the dealer. For some users the car is simply dropped off at the work place, or at home, by a lease company.

For most UK buyers/users, (even enthusiasts) it's the bottom line, the monthly payment, that matters.

Most BMWs bought/leased over here are daily workhorses. Yes, they carry a premium badge, but don't mean much more than that to many users.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I would say though that if you are able to get behind the wheel of a new G20 you will enjoy a nice set of wheels, ED or not.

Of course, what we discuss here is is only one of the many aspects of buying a BMW. It will be a nice car to drive either way . Though that can be said of most of it’s competitors as well. The whole experience, brand identity, history, dealer backup, brand of coffee in the waiting room...etc. matters on some level for different buyers.

[positiveions]

People don’t be blinded by the fact this or that made in here or there. Let’s face it, even made in Germany had issues. A human is a human and no matter where, people are bound to make mistakes.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

I'm pissed off that as a UK buyer, I can't do ED myself. Having been to the Welt and seen/read about the experience, it's very nice, just not open to Brits.

That's is an interesting piece of info. I always was under the impression that ED Delivery was pretty much available to anyone.

[SW19]

This video from the other thread says that all initial 3 series production worldwide will come from the Munich plant.So it looks like production in Mexico hasn’t started yet.Order now if you want a German 3 series.The problem is that they aren’t producing the M340i until the spring.

[Mr.SugarSkulls]

Trump must be ecstatic and eager to get one

[deadserial]

Originally Posted by Jerich0

Mexican made cars “tend” to be a bit better than 1st world country made cars for a number of cultural reasons that I wont talk here among other things... I can assure you given the chance I would take a Mexican made car vs ROW, they have one of the finest manufacturing workforce that actually take pride on their job vs looking down upon it like most 1st world countries.

My only experience was my 2014 grand Cherokee had the heads built in mexico and there was a huge issue with them. Mine threw a check engine light after 140 miles and I had to have the whole top end rebuilt because of the “lack of quality control” I was told by jeep corporate.

[einscot]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

If you were in the trade, you'd know it's "keys" not "kilos".

maybe i didn't want to call attention to my line of business

[einscot]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

If you were in the trade, you'd know it's "keys" not "kilos".

maybe i didn't want to call attention to my line of business

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by hans007

C63 sedan and all the AMG SUVs are made in Alabama. And GLC production for the US is moving to India too.

So AMG engine is signed by Billy rather than Fritz?

[hans007]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

So AMG engine is signed by Billy rather than Fritz?

Pretty sure the engines are still made in europe