3 or 5 series anyone?

[Buller_Scott]

bmw has always been a brand that i've respected. to be completely honest, i havent liked their cars as much as VW (preferred the idea/look of vr6 as opposed to that era's M3) but i'd happily drive one on a daily basis.....

OR WOULD I?

from link: http://www.brillianceauto.com/main.html
Company at a Glance

General Overview
Brilliance China is one of the leading automotive manufacturers in China through its subsidiaries, associated companies and joint ventures in the PRC. The Group's operating segments are divided primarily into the manufacture and sale of (i) minibuses and automotive components, and (ii) sedans. Its commercial vehicle brands include "JinBei" and "Granse" minibuses and its sedan brand includes "Zhonghua". In 2003, the Group also established a joint venture with BMW to produce BMW 3-series and 5-series sedans in China. The Group is also engaged in the manufacture of gasoline engines for use in minibuses, sedans, SUV and light trucks and automotive components, including but not limited to window moldings, strips, axles, stamped parts, etc.

this company also produces these cars (tested at 40mph in germany):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvhuFvkX688

scary.

p.s. the 'brilliance' auto spokesperson in the uk apparently reckons that the 1 star safety rating wont hurt sales, as 'sensible people who drive carefully should have no reason to be in an accident in the first place' lol.

[dubbed]

They should be banned from making anything less than 4-stars these days.

And we don't buy Chinese built BMWs anyway.

[madglf3]

Do you really think all BMW are 3 and 5 series are 1 star rated?

[NickZ]

They should be banned from making anything less than 4-stars these days.

And we don't buy Chinese built BMWs anyway.

I agree,

There was an article in the NRMA magazine about the new chinese Great Wall utes which will be sold in Australia. They had a pathetic star rating (from memory 1 or 2 stars) and apparently the driver airbag didn't even do its job in protecting the driver in an accident.

Now, because they are probably a few grand cheaper than an equivalent Toyota / Nissan / Holden, some businesses looking to save a buck will buy them.

To me, if you can't build a 4 star safety vehicle, you should not be allowed to sell it in this country.

Back on topic, VW and plenty of other manufacturers also have cars made in China. They are also not sold here, although if I am not mistaken the Vento was made in China?

[Buller_Scott]

Do you really think all BMW are 3 and 5 series are 1 star rated?

not at all.

but then again i wouldnt buy a well reviewed steak from a restaurant that is also well known for serving dishes with toe nails, pubes, and flecks of crap in them either.

[Buller_Scott]

Back on topic, VW and plenty of other manufacturers also have cars made in China. They are also not sold here, although if I am not mistaken the Vento was made in China?

and the 9n2 polo sedan, i believe... although you dont see many of them around... perhaps many have been totalled in horrific 40km/h accidents, b-pillar meets a-pillar and engine penetrates firewall into cabin?

[anthony]

The Vento was made in Germany,but the booted Polo Classic sedan was built in China for Australia.