[mgeog]

I have been driving BMW cars for about 25 years. Picked up a new G60 mdport pro and have to say while the car looks very good on the outside, there are many things that make this car a big departure in quality from all the previous BMW cars I’ve owned summarised as follows:

1. Lots of very poor quality plastic finishes through the interior. It’s worse than other cars in this class from what I see.

2. No sil guards or trunk guards.

3. This model does not have run flats and has no option to jack the car or s spare wheel. Very poor sealant can alternate.

4. Many many faults it seems with the breaking system in the first 2K.. Physical and software in my case. (There have also been recalls for this) Now some parts must be changed but they don’t have the relaceplacement part until next year.

5. HK Audi quality is poor.

6. No assessories available yet but I can somewhat understand this with a new model.

7. Basic controls buried in many many menus in new idrive

Over years driving BMW cars I notice components get removed and in some cars replaced with cheaper or no alternatives. Take for example. Spare wheel and jack removed no good replacements, removal of mud flaps, removal of pockets in rear of seatsetc, no adaption of pocket opening handles and orientation of cockpit. Controls for right hand drive markets, seating and interior material on a nosedive in quality and moving mostly towards polymer based materials. All this while the price increases

First time ever that I have been left very disappointed with BMW

[G30Nashville]

Why did you buy it if all these things bothered you?

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by G30Nashville

Why did you buy it if all these things bothered you?

My thoughts exactly. Did you not look at the car first, examine the vehicle interior, listen to the audio, test drive it, etc.?? I never understand people who acquire a car and then proceed to complain about many things which are fairly obvious had someone done even some cursory research, taken a test drive, sat in the car at the dealer for a while, etc.

[Igor_M5]

Because with a 25 years of commitment and ownership to a brand, one should, and would simply trust the brand to offer something that wouldn’t make you question the idea of leaving the brand as a whole to begin with.

I know countless owners including myself who placed an order or simply jumped into the next gen from multiple previous gen ownerships without wasting time on researching and test driving a predecessor to their existing car.

No different from owning an iPhone since its inception, cause no one jumps to an android after owning 15 versions of one device.

Very common senario with clearly uncommon expectations with this gen so far.

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by Igor_M5

Because with a 25 years of commitment and ownership to a brand, one should, and would simply trust the brand to offer something that wouldn’t make you question the idea of leaving the brand as a whole to begin with.

I know countless owners including myself who placed an order or simply jumped into the next gen from multiple previous gen ownerships without wasting time on researching and test driving a predecessor to their existing car.

No different from owning an iPhone since its inception, cause no one jumps to an android after owning 15 versions of one device.

Very common senario with clearly uncommon expectations with this gen so far.

I think the issue is that these issues have been surfaced and subject to multiple posts here since the second half of 2023. It seems as though this is quite common across several model ranges with BMW these past couple of years. Other manufacturers are also seeing some questions raised around the quality of their interiors - MB has their “creaking plastic” issue for instance, on top of awful reliability scores, Audi’s OS makes iDrive look supremely capable etc. I think this cost cutting/shift to more generic materials is a trend across much of the sector right now, and this is the 5 series version of this.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

I think the issue is that these issues have been surfaced and subject to multiple posts here since the second half of 2023. It seems as though this is quite common across several model ranges with BMW these past couple of years. Other manufacturers are also seeing some questions raised around the quality of their interiors - MB has their “creaking plastic” issue for instance, on top of awful reliability scores, Audi’s OS makes iDrive look supremely capable etc. I think this cost cutting/shift to more generic materials is a trend across much of the sector right now, and this is the 5 series version of this.

Right, we used to trust BMW to get it right from generation to generation and across series. But we can’t simply trust them anymore as in the past. Very off putting for longtime owners. Don’t bring up Audi, nice interior finishing but otherwise a VW with lipstick. That’s what’s holding me back from a Porsche. The DNA is definitely there, but the platform, or engine, or both are still Audi. I say this as a former Q7 owner.

[aabc]

I suspect the majority of these issues are Covid / supply-chain related problems given that it's applicable to a number of cars across the range starting in 2022/23. Can only hope that the LCI rectifies a lot of these problems. If not then it's a profitability objective and not supply-chain limitation. Guess we'll find out in 2026/27

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by aabc

I suspect the majority of these issues are Covid / supply-chain related problems given that it's applicable to a number of cars across the range starting in 2022/23. Can only hope that the LCI rectifies a lot of these problems. If not then it's a profitability objective and not supply-chain limitation. Guess we'll find out in 2026/27

I just fear that bmw will have 0 incentive to change back to higher quality materials and therefore I have no expectation they will do so. I do not think they will be a class leader in this and other luxury brands have shown similar cost cutting. So unfortunately, the easier mindset will be if no one else is doing it why should we.

Despite the interiors, they still drive significantly better than Audi and MB and will remain my brand of choice.

[Valvecap]

[QUOTE=mgeog;31739985]I have been driving BMW cars for about 25 years. Picked up a new G60 mdport pro and have to say while the car looks very good on the outside, there are many things that make this car a big departure in quality from all the previous BMW cars I’ve owned summarised as follows:

1. Lots of very poor quality plastic finishes through the interior. It’s worse than other cars in this class from what I see.

2. No sil guards or trunk guards.

3. This model does not have run flats and has no option to jack the car or s spare wheel. Very poor sealant can alternate.

4. Many many faults it seems with the breaking system in the first 2K.. Physical and software in my case. (There have also been recalls for this) Now some parts must be changed but they don’t have the relaceplacement part until next year.

5. HK Audi quality is poor.

6. No assessories available yet but I can somewhat understand this with a new model.

7. Basic controls buried in many many menus in new idrive

Totally understand the frustration with a few of these but I knew when I bought my 530e that it’s a g60, not a g30. The plastics in the cabin are definitely different - perhaps BMW have cheaped out here but I knew that when buying. Same with the sil guards - daft omission IMHO but hey, I’ll buy some when they inevitably land as accessories. Touch wood not had any problems (July 2024 build) as yet. HK audio for me is more than adequate but I’ve heard mixed reviews. Learning idrive 8.5 has definitely been a change but slowly getting there. Overall
I’m happy with the vehicle, drives great, looks great…. Tech is off the scale (I’ve specced tech pack plus though). Definitely feels like the designers have cut corners in a few areas to save money, but I looked at and test drove the car thoroughly, knew what I was buying and am happy with it.

[RichardInCA]

I suspect that looking to the first Neue Klasse vehicles that are launched may be a good forward-looking indicator around BMW’s future design aspirations rather than back at say the G30. Time will tell, but I think the first NK vehicle will be the iX3?

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by G30Nashville

Why did you buy it if all these things bothered you?

Exactly. Can’t stand posts like this. Did he test drive the car? Do any research at all??

[Tinbad]

Aside from the obvious things already called out here (did you not test drive/extensively research the car before buying??), I also completely disagree with the observations, especially around interior quality/materials. And I’d be the first to bash BMW for not delivering a good product.

In my experience, the i5 is a huge step up in solidity and overall build quality. I have OCD when it comes to creaks / rattles and subpar materials and the i5 exceeded all my expectations. It is truly impressive how well built it is, especially for its price point. You can go around and push every panel and nothing creaks or bends, everything is super solid and multiple levels up from even the G30, which was a huge step up from the F series. The G30 still had some horrible spots like climate controls/vents and upper console area that would creak horribly, none of it with our G60.

Our “flagship” fully loaded 2020 X7 that’s nearly twice the MSRP of our G60 i5 doesn’t feel nearly as well built and has many more creaky plastics and questionable fit and finish. I’m truly impressed with how much BMW has improved with interior quality just in the last few generations. Credit where credit is due BMW has done a great job. Even the vegan/fake leather is now nearly as good as the real thing. Especially if it stands the test of time and is more durable/less maintenance prone as the Merino, I would choose it all day long now.

Now only if they would bring back physical (climate) controls. The new idrive and its complexity is definitely valid criticism and I made sure to point that out in the BMW survey.

Otherwise the G60 is an excellent vehicle that is the best overall in its class. On paper, it doesn’t do justice how good the driving experience, comfort and overall well packaged it is.

[aabc]

I would say final judgement can only be passed once the LCI is launched.

If the same issues (material quality, removed features from previous gen, etc.) are still there then it was a conscious decision by BMW.

If they come back (partially, fully) then it's more likely a case of a car's final development phase coinciding with a global pandemic that messed up supply chains for nearly every component...

Hope it's the latter and not the former, for BMW's sake

[mgeog]

Thanks all for your comments. Appreciate all your perspectives.

A few clarifications, yes, I did a test drive prior to purchase however when I got my car it was not the same drive feel at all.
I also had a physical issue with the braking where discs and pads had to be replaced at 2K kilometres!
For me the car does not feel like a BMW drive but drives resonanly well now.
Let’s hope the LCI fixes some things with components internal and external of a higher quality commensurate with pricing!

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by mgeog

Thanks all for your comments. Appreciate all your perspectives.

A few clarifications, yes, I did a test drive prior to purchase however when I got my car it was not the same drive feel at all.
I also had a physical issue with the braking where discs and pads had to be replaced at 2K kilometres!
For me the car does not feel like a BMW drive but drives resonanly well now.
Let’s hope the LCI fixes some things with components internal and external of a higher quality commensurate with pricing!

What was the brake issue?
Curious bc I have an i5 m60 with 3800 miles now and the brakes have not felt great since I picked it up with 2100 miles. Can almost feel a texture like surface when the brakes are applied and a clank (not just squeak) when the car comes to a complete stop - not squeaking when braking only when stopped.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Tinbad

Aside from the obvious things already called out here (did you not test drive/extensively research the car before buying??), I also completely disagree with the observations, especially around interior quality/materials. And I’d be the first to bash BMW for not delivering a good product.

In my experience, the i5 is a huge step up in solidity and overall build quality. I have OCD when it comes to creaks / rattles and subpar materials and the i5 exceeded all my expectations. It is truly impressive how well built it is, especially for its price point. You can go around and push every panel and nothing creaks or bends, everything is super solid and multiple levels up from even the G30, which was a huge step up from the F series. The G30 still had some horrible spots like climate controls/vents and upper console area that would creak horribly, none of it with our G60.

Our “flagship” fully loaded 2020 X7 that’s nearly twice the MSRP of our G60 i5 doesn’t feel nearly as well built and has many more creaky plastics and questionable fit and finish. I’m truly impressed with how much BMW has improved with interior quality just in the last few generations. Credit where credit is due BMW has done a great job. Even the vegan/fake leather is now nearly as good as the real thing. Especially if it stands the test of time and is more durable/less maintenance prone as the Merino, I would choose it all day long now.

Now only if they would bring back physical (climate) controls. The new idrive and its complexity is definitely valid criticism and I made sure to point that out in the [...]

Bmw has openly admitted to active cost cutting.

Maybe things are glued together pretty solidly, which is what i originally thought when getting the car, but my i5 m60 creaks like no bmw I have ever owned. the countless reviews and BMW themselves agree with the majority opinion so far.

That being said, the g60 is a solid car and the G30 wasn’t perfect I can see your point on cheap materials used in there too in some spots. But overall, I still think it had more luxury touches than the g60. But the g60 appearance of solid build and glued together well, as well as modern setup, makes it look more luxurious IMO.

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Bmw has openly admitted to active cost cutting.

Maybe things are glued together pretty solidly, which is what i originally thought when getting the car, but my i5 m60 creaks like no bmw I have ever owned. the countless reviews and BMW themselves agree with the majority opinion so far.

That being said, the g60 is a solid car and the G30 wasn’t perfect I can see your point on cheap materials used in there too in some spots. But overall, I still think it had more luxury touches than the g60. But the g60 appearance of solid build and glued together well, as well as modern setup, makes it look more luxurious IMO.

Wow I’m shocked my i5 is absolutely rock solid not a creak or anything. I do agree with some of the criticisms of some of the plastics etc though, but the build quality I’m thrilled with.

[Tinbad]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

Wow I’m shocked my i5 is absolutely rock solid not a creak or anything. I do agree with some of the criticisms of some of the plastics etc though, but the build quality I’m thrilled with.

Exactly this - it’s so quiet I through I discovered a rattle the other day but no, it was the water bottle my wife left in the door pocket.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

Wow I’m shocked my i5 is absolutely rock solid not a creak or anything. I do agree with some of the criticisms of some of the plastics etc though, but the build quality I’m thrilled with.

Originally Posted by Tinbad

Exactly this - it’s so quiet I through I discovered a rattle the other day but no, it was the water bottle my wife left in the door pocket.

I still get the same sound. Unfortunately wasn’t a coffee mug in the passenger side that I was hoping.

It sounds like someone cracking their knuckles, but the car version of that. It’s a one time crack per drive. I’m at a loss as to where to even start.

[mgeog]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

What was the brake issue?
Curious bc I have an i5 m60 with 3800 miles now and the brakes have not felt great since I picked it up with 2100 miles. Can almost feel a texture like surface when the brakes are applied and a clank (not just squeak) when the car comes to a complete stop - not squeaking when braking only when stopped.

Brake discs and pads worn out - may have stuck - same feeling you describe when breaking at low speeds.
It is better with the new discs and pads (should not need this at 2K kilometers) however this is also linked to the software update recall and the IBD will be replaced sometime in Q1 I’m told!

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by mgeog

Brake discs and pads worn out - may have stuck - same feeling you describe when breaking at low speeds.
It is better with the new discs and pads (should not need this at 2K kilometers) however this is also linked to the software update recall and the IBD will be replaced sometime in Q1 I’m told!

My car is in the shop today. Said everything is normal and probably just moisture. Such a billshit answer. Yes it’s moisture that never goes away and is there every day yet it’s also moisture that appears on no other car I ever drive on the same day….

[aabc]

Originally Posted by mgeog

Thanks all for your comments. Appreciate all your perspectives.

A few clarifications, yes, I did a test drive prior to purchase however when I got my car it was not the same drive feel at all.
I also had a physical issue with the braking where discs and pads had to be replaced at 2K kilometres!
For me the car does not feel like a BMW drive but drives resonanly well now.
Let’s hope the LCI fixes some things with components internal and external of a higher quality commensurate with pricing!

My hope is that someone makes some better quality aftermarket components for the interior like the window switches or those incredibly scratchy plastic surfaces. Wishful thinking 🤞🏽