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04 Acura TSX vs Certified 04 BMW 325i vs 04 Saab 9-3 Aero

34 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2007 at 8:45 AM

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What is this discussion about? Acura TSX, BMW 3 Series, Saab 9-3, Sedan

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#29 of 34 Re: Are you serious? [matrsoskin] by cotmc Apr 17, 2007 (12:24 pm)
Replying to: matrsoskin (Apr 16, 2007 6:08 pm) "...if the car is still under a warranty, and all the recommended service was properly performed at the respective dealership, the manufacturer will assume full responsibility for the engine failure."   I've gone both ways on this argument.   When BMW introduced the E46 3-series for MY1999 with oil change services every 15K miles (on average) or 1-year intervals, I was skeptical. My initial thoughts were:   1) BMW is attempting to reduce their costs for their factory scheduled maintenance program.   2) Hey, the drivetrain warranty is only 50K miles! How much risk is BMW taking??   After talking with several service advisors/technicians, as well as reading articles and info within forums such as this one, I have since taken a more "neutral" view. If I remember correctly, other European manufacturers also went to a similar oil change service schedule, such as Mercedes.   Another point is the BMW CPO warranty. Most BMWs that are returned to the dealer, via trade-ins or lease returns, typically become Certified Pre-Owned vehicles with 100K/6yr warranty coverage from their in-service date. If the standard maintenance program was risky or problematic, I doubt BMW would be willing to warranty all the major components for a full 100K miles.   As for me, I don't plan on keeping my car past 100K miles. Therefore, with the CPO warranty, I am not worrying about performing additional oil changes. I'll keep to the standard BMW maintenance program. However, I suspect I would consider a 2x normal service interval, such as every 7500 miles, if I purchased it new and planned to keep it well beyond 100K miles. Just my $.02.
#30 of 34 Re: Are you serious? [matrsoskin] by fedlawman Apr 18, 2007 (10:18 pm)
Replying to: matrsoskin (Apr 16, 2007 6:08 pm) Changing oil at 15,000 mile intervals will not cause an immediate catastrophic engine failure. It will cause premature wear and loss of performance over time - which you probably won't detect until more than 100K miles. Most people are happy with BMW's maintenance coverage because they don't plan to keep the car that long - heaven forbid that Buffy should have to open the hood and touch some icky engine thingy!   "A mix between KMart and BMW?" So, because you own a BMW, you should spend $200 for an oil change? Thanks, but I think I'll stick with $30.   I didn't include the cost of a filter because, although you may want to run your oil for 15,000 miles, I couldn't conceive of you not doing at least one interim filter change. And what's up with your "disposal fee?" Don't you know that most auto parts stores accept used motor oil for no charge?   I wish you lived near me. I'd change your oil for $125 - you save $85, and I make $85 (not bad for 1/2 hours work)!   Call it DSC, STC, VSA, ESC or whatever you want. Whether you drive a BMW or a Buick, it works the same way. Here's a quote from the company (Bosch) that makes it for BMW, Volvo, Toyota, Buick, Mercedes, Subaru, etc...   "ESC incorporates anti-lock brakes and traction control but goes a step further."   http://www.bosch.us/content/language1/html/734_2240.htm
#31 of 34 In regard to safety"stars" by saablcp Apr 19, 2007 (10:59 am)
My suggestion is to mostly disregard NHTSA's crash test ratings.Their testing methods are outdated and not stringent enough,hence the abundance of 5 star rated cars.Much more demanding standards are used by I.I.H.S.,The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.They use the much more demanding frontal off-set collision.a side impact that simulates an SUV hitting the car and rates rear end collision /whiplash protection.If you consult their test results you will see that the Saab 9-3 has a much higher safety rating than either the BMW or the Acura(either TL or TSX).As a matter of fact it rates higher than any competing sport sedan ,Euro or Asian with the sole exception being the Audi A-4,which shares the same triple "BEST PICK" Gold level rating. Replies to this message: fedlawman (Apr 19, 2007 5:35 pm) saablcp (Apr 20, 2007 7:43 am) fedlawman (Apr 20, 2007 8:45 am)
#32 of 34 Re: In regard to safety"stars" [saablcp] by fedlawman Apr 19, 2007 (5:35 pm)
Replying to: saablcp (Apr 19, 2007 10:59 am) No doubt the Saab is a safe car (it is born from jets, after all ).   Looking at the IIHS test measurements, it looks like the BMW has much better numbers though.   I don't know if I would "disregard" the NHTSA's ratings. They are obtained with different tests, but they are no less valid.   Do you know the difference between the how the NHTSA and IIHS conduct their Side Impact tests? Replies to this message: saablcp (Apr 20, 2007 7:43 am) fedlawman (Apr 20, 2007 8:45 am)
#33 of 34 Re: In regard to safety"stars" [fedlawman] by saablcp Apr 20, 2007 (7:43 am)
Replying to: fedlawman (Apr 19, 2007 5:35 pm) where are you looking on the IIHS website? IIHS vehicle ratings have the 3 series as G(good) front off-set collision,G for side impact,and depending on seat option either A(acceptable)or P(poor).The 9-3 is given G(good) across the board and because the scores were substantially above the basic G rating standards was then given a 2007 "Best Safety Pick" rating along with,as I previously mentioned,the Audi A-4. Replies to this message: fedlawman (Apr 20, 2007 8:45 am)
#34 of 34 Re: In regard to safety"stars" [saablcp] by fedlawman Apr 20, 2007 (8:45 am)
Replying to: saablcp (Apr 20, 2007 7:43 am) Yes, I clicked the link for "technical measurements" and compared the measurements...   http://www.iihs.org/ratings/datatables.aspx?class=15&type=f   It appears the BMW is significantly better than the others (though they don't appear to have observed the major B Pillar intrusion that NHTSA noted).   Personally, I don't put much thought into crash test scores. I figure the tests are so standardized, that any manufacturer can build a car to "exceed the standard" and still cut corners elsewhere in the structure.

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