2011 Consumer Reports Car issue rating

[montana]

The 135i got the second highest road test score (97) after the Lexus LS 460L (99). CR also rated the 135i as the best car for "driving enjoyment (most fun)" But CR gave the top pick in the sporty car category to the Ford Mustang even though it had a significantly lower road test score because of "reliability issues" with the 135i. They rated the reliability of the the 135i to be "significantly below average". I have some problems with how CR rates their cars, but relative to reliability, has anyone seen any recent 135i statistics as to the type of problems they experience and how frequently the problems occur? Some issues from years ago, having to do with the rear light assemblies, appear to have been resolved. But I bought my 135i coupe in January 2011 and already had the third brake light replaced. It was cracked in several places and peeling off on one side. Anyone else? That issue has been going on for years. Are people still having problems with the fuel paul (HPFP)? Any other common repair issues people are experiencing with the 2011 model year?

[montana]

Sorry for the typo in my first posting.

[Walt White Coupe]

The only year that they (CR) had enough feedback to make a reliability statement about was for the 08 135i. Their "projected" reliability for the 09, 10 and 11 135i are based on the reliability of the 08. So those conclusions for "predicted reliability" for the later years are highly "questionable."

[MPFit]

I was thinking the same thing- seems the reliability of the N54 has continued to influence the predictions and ratings of the newer N55 1-series.. I have heard of some people having HPFP issues with the N55 but overall I'd say it is much more reliable..

[NYC6]

I dont see to many 2010 complaints with HPFP issues. Mine has been perfect in just over a year(knock wood).
Even if it does go, the extended warranty has me breathing easy. I dont worry about it. All the positives the 135 has far outweighs the pump problem.

[Diver]

Bought my car in Nov 2010, it was an early 2011 build. Third taillight broke just like yours. Passenger side window would not go all the way down. Both fixed under warranty. Amazing about the taillight that they could not get it right after three years. Car is in the shop for a clunk coming from the rear suspension, second time.

I drove the Mustang GT four times and could never warm up to it. If you need an automatic, it is only available with a truck style unit, no sport shifting. The ride is very hard because of the solid rear axel. With the Brembo brake package the ride is almost painful. It does have a great motor. MT might have driven it around a track in almost the same time as an M3, but I bet the brakes would not have lasted a second lap.

[NYC6]

what makes you believe the Mustangs Brembos would go away that fast?
A cars ride isnt hard due to a live 'axle' but rather from the particular suspension.

[Walt White Coupe]

Originally Posted by NYC6

what makes you believe the Mustangs Brembos would go away that fast?
A cars ride isnt hard due to a live 'axle' but rather from the particular suspension.

Not quite right. The problem with a live axle is that the differential and axle assembly is very, very heavy compared to independent suspensions. That unsprung weight makes the rear very difficult to be "soft" or compliant.

[NYC6]

In the days of old Cadillacs, Lincolns.....all have live axles. In fact, most cars had them. They were all pretty cushy rides. Way more a factor of suspension settings to make a car handle better. Besides the engine thats why the new mustang can run with the M3.
I also drove the new GT. I didnt find it overly 'hard'. In fact, my Z51 Vette with independent suspension is way stiffer and harder than the Ford.

[1SerieStud]

0 issues here. Car has been flawless since day 1.

[Prof T]

Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe

The only year that they (CR) had enough feedback to make a reliability statement about was for the 08 135i. Their "projected" reliability for the 09, 10 and 11 135i are based on the reliability of the 08. So those conclusions for "predicted reliability" for the later years are highly "questionable."

Yes, There is insufficent data to lump the 2010/11 with the 2008. The data was charted from respondents who are CR subscribers. The "prediction" was based on two year old limited data. No trouble with my 2010 135.

[SteDevote]

IMHO, it was the HPFP that's been eating BMW's collective lunch. The 335i also has poor reliability predicted.

[roo97ss]

Originally Posted by SteDevote

IMHO, it was the HPFP that's been eating BMW's collective lunch. The 335i also has poor reliability predicted.

agreed, it's gotten some national press and it's a problem in nearly new cars that leaves you stranded.

we take lots of weekend drives and when i was having symptoms and kept getting the run around with software, 'pressure testing the pump' (just before the recall came out and they seemed to be trying to get by) we wouldn't take the car on the weekend. Good thing, when it went about a month later i was about 2 miles from house. I was able to limp back at about 15-20 mph and get my other car so i could get to work, have this one picked up and towed.

But if i was 2-3 hours away on a weekend what would happen. get it towed to local dealer, rent a car from enterprise, get it fixed the next week and have to waste my time getting back to the car the next week. Not what you're looking for in a new car, i can understand the ratings and honestly for i'm sure more than 1/2 the bmw drivers, it just makes sense for them to avoid the problematic car and buy the na 28 models.

My car in 10k miles has been to dealer 5 times for issues, once for service 6-16k miles.

[Impervious]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I feel like there has been alot less talk about the HPFP issues on the forum. I know we're getting more and more N55's daily but it seems like the latests fixes have been working...

[RoundelM3]

Consumer Reports is what you read to buy a refrigerator or other non-automotive appliance. Stick with a good automotive publication/website if you want to get opinions from people who do more than compile statistics based on lame surveys.

[rsjean]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Consumer Reports is what you read to buy a refrigerator or other non-automotive appliance. Stick with a good automotive publication/website if you want to get opinions from people who do more than compile statistics based on lame surveys.

And they are not even good for that.

My first run in with them was as a product manager for Sanyo. Sanyo at the time had a particular VCR platform that was made on the same assembly line in Japan as a Sanyo, a Fisher and a Sony. All that was different was the faceplate and name badge.

According to Consumer Reports the Sanyo was the lowest ranked VCR in a roundup. The Fisher was average and the Sony was ranked the highest.

They were all the same machine. The Sony was $50 higher priced than the Sanyo. Some reliable test report eh....

I’ve had many more issues with them over the years.