Is J.D. Power survey to be believed?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Depends what you mean by "believed". If you mean did JDP properly report a large sample, representative, national sample, the answer is "yes", unless there was an unnoticed unlikely data processing error, which would be quickly corrected once noticed.
If, on the other hand, you are asking do the reports of MB vs BMW drivers accurately measure the actual conditions per 100 cars, or whatever quality metric one prefers, the entire issue of subjectivity, dissonance reduction, perceptual filters, etc. comes into play. The AMC Pacer was once reported as a highly superior car, not because it was by any objective measure, but because the research accurately reported that this was the opinion of the owners (who seemed to be deep in post-purchase rationalization of their mobile hamburger bun).
I would believe the JDP report over any surveys on either this or a similar BMW forum, as forums are comprised of a very unrepresentative hyper-enthusiastic, hyper-car-involved sample vs. all buyers. Market research can accurately measure a large sample of subjective reports; therefore, all results must be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.
If, on the other hand, you are asking do the reports of MB vs BMW drivers accurately measure the actual conditions per 100 cars, or whatever quality metric one prefers, the entire issue of subjectivity, dissonance reduction, perceptual filters, etc. comes into play. The AMC Pacer was once reported as a highly superior car, not because it was by any objective measure, but because the research accurately reported that this was the opinion of the owners (who seemed to be deep in post-purchase rationalization of their mobile hamburger bun).
I would believe the JDP report over any surveys on either this or a similar BMW forum, as forums are comprised of a very unrepresentative hyper-enthusiastic, hyper-car-involved sample vs. all buyers. Market research can accurately measure a large sample of subjective reports; therefore, all results must be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
2013 C250 Sport
totally don't agree with that survey. I drove numerous 2012 328i loaners when my bmw was getting worked on all the time and the quality was pretty low. Very cheap looked interior. Start/stop annoys you to no end. But everyone is sucking on the BMW tit right now.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Agreed the interior material choices on the 3 Series of hard plastics everywhere and the greasy-feeling seat material is truly disappointing.
However, because of 20% less HP, the insipid electric steering (BMW has gone back to hydraulic hooray!!!) and the horrible 7G transmission, the W204 is falling further behind. Here is a recent comparison test. Safetywise, the Merc has far superior systems:
However, because of 20% less HP, the insipid electric steering (BMW has gone back to hydraulic hooray!!!) and the horrible 7G transmission, the W204 is falling further behind. Here is a recent comparison test. Safetywise, the Merc has far superior systems:
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I would believe the JDP report over any surveys on either this or a similar BMW forum, as forums are comprised of a very unrepresentative hyper-enthusiastic, hyper-car-involved sample vs. all buyers. Market research can accurately measure a large sample of subjective reports; therefore, all results must be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.
In market research we have seen a similar swing in SA. From W204 first in class a year ago to 3rd now. Evaluation criteria similar but more exhaustive.
I postulate that the main reason is comparison of a model at the end of it's life cycle with a new model from BMW. The average man in the street expresses this in different ways with different perceptions. The new 3 Series is a large step forward in perceived quality over it's predecessor. Especially the interior dependent on preferred package.
If Benz has done it's homework properly on the W205 one would expect a swing in the other direction once launched.
What always unstitches BMW in our market is long term reliability. They do not make old bones well in a market that has greater life expectancy of vehicles than the US.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Interestingly our local car scribes consider the 328i to be a step backward in terms of dynamics & that the "ultimate drivers car" has become softer & more Benz like. I concur ~ it's lost that edge but is far more comfortable.
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