BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > Jalopnik BMW engine rant - I read this and I am pissed

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-20-2017, 03:55 PM   #1
andy_sk
Private
26
Rep
50
Posts

Drives: 535i Euro Spec M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (0)

Jalopnik BMW engine rant - I read this and I am pissed

http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/bmw-en...hit-1784684330

Your thoughts ...
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2017, 04:55 PM   #2
SD ///M4
///Multiple
SD ///M4's Avatar
United_States
2992
Rep
4,243
Posts

Drives: M4 Coupe | M3 | Z4M Roadster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
It's Jalopnik. The anti-BMW sentiment runs strong there. And basically, anyone can submit anything they want. A fertile ground for wannabe writers.

You can always submit your comments on how many times that BMW has won Ward's "Best Engines" awards but I doubt that that would sway the writer one bit.
__________________
The Coupe: 2016 M4 | Sakhir Orange | Black Full Merino Leather | CF Trim | M-DCT | More | ED 5/13/16
The Sedan: 2018 M3 | San Marino Blue | Black Full Merino Leather | CF Trim | M-DCT | ZCP | ED 7/18/18
The Roadster: 2006 Z4 | Interlagos Blue | Black Extended Nappa Leather | Carbon Leather Trim | Purchased 7/19/12


Last edited by SD ///M4; 03-20-2017 at 05:08 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2017, 05:01 PM   #3
SmokinFast
Private
SmokinFast's Avatar
25
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Louisville, KY

iTrader: (0)

What? There are rod bearing issues on the E9X platform? I want my money back.

Did I spell all that correctly and use proper grammar?


Quote:
Originally Posted by andy_sk View Post
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2017, 05:33 PM   #4
wntrsnowg
First Lieutenant
United_States
105
Rep
350
Posts

Drives: 2016 M235i
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (9)

The guy has a personal bias against it because of the bad situations he has experienced. Does that make ALL of them bad? I don't think so
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2017, 09:29 PM   #5
RichZ4
New Member
10
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Z4 coupe 3.0si
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

A lot of that stuff is true...

Lets say you really want a 540 wagon like 2000 ish as a daily beater... Found a mint one with 77k miles down the road..

You will have to change the timing rails and water pump and why not just do all the main hoses, radiator etc ? Why would you not take care of the vanos issues also?

OK. Try explaining that to a customer that doesn't understand this.

So do we have bad owners? That Camry wagon doesn't have many secrets but I wouldn't want one unless I start a new family in a third world nation.
Appreciate 1
rr006rbc1203.00
      03-21-2017, 11:57 PM   #6
Redd
Brigadier General
3851
Rep
4,133
Posts

Drives: 2010 BMW E92 M3 Dakar Edition
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Malaysia

iTrader: (0)

I wouldn't call it anti-BMW just because he's pointing out facts. For example, why should we accept rod bearing issues that spans across multiple generations of engines as 'normal'?

Gearboxes and valve covers that leak oil? Normal. Creaky interior, normal. In this day and age, from a German engineered car? Come on.
Appreciate 1
wdb4673.00
      03-22-2017, 10:11 AM   #7
davis449
Captain
United_States
423
Rep
887
Posts

Drives: 2014 Audi SQ5
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

He's not wrong...I laughed when I read that months ago.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 10:27 AM   #8
wdb
dances with roads
wdb's Avatar
4673
Rep
4,090
Posts

Drives: '07 E86, '02 996, '95 Seven
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: the perimeter

iTrader: (4)

Nope not wrong. He pushes it harder than necessary, but not wrong. I didn't, and won't, buy a used BMW to be a daily driver for this very reason. But I will buy them as toys, and (if I wasn't too much of a cheapskate) I'd happily drive a new one and let the warranty worry about that stuff.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 02:33 PM   #9
Germanauto
Major General
Germanauto's Avatar
United_States
9666
Rep
6,075
Posts

Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Jalopnik is the Buzzfeed of the automotive world.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 03:08 PM   #10
GuidoK
#buildnotbought
GuidoK's Avatar
10473
Rep
4,815
Posts

Drives: Z4 3.0i ESS TS2+
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Tinkering in the garage

iTrader: (0)

A little bit about the author:
Quote:
Tavarish writes and makes videos about
If he really knew what he was talking about he would do actual work on cars....

Think about it: if your car is broke or you want to improve it. Do you bring it to a journalist or to a reputable mechanic/shop?

People who write about cars almost per definition dont have any understanding of their true workings.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redd View Post
For example, why should we accept rod bearing issues that spans across multiple generations of engines as 'normal'?
You think an understroke engine that revs to 8k is normal?
Even honda's can have this issue and these are usually oversquare.
__________________
Z4 3.0i | ESS TS2+ supercharger | Quaife ATB LSD | Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear | Schrick FI cams | Schmiedmann headers+cats | Powerflex/strongflex PU bushings | Vibra-technics engine mounts | H&R anti rollbars | KW V3 coilovers/KW camber plates | Sachs race engineering clutch | tons of custom sh#t
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 03:14 PM   #11
MalibuBimmer
Founder, Knights of the Roundel website
MalibuBimmer's Avatar
United_States
967
Rep
1,723
Posts

Drives: 2015 M4 and 2018 AMG GT
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: The Santa Monica Mountains, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 Mercedes AMG GT  [0.00]
2018 Audi Q3  [0.00]
2015 BMW M4  [10.00]
Hyperbolic bullshit from a hyperbolic bullshitter. This phrase lets us know just how seriously to treat the opinions by this guy: "all BMW engines are monumental piles of unreliable garbage."

Having had a large number of BMWs, many with over 100,000 miles on their odometers, my engines have not suffered the same fate. Perhaps that was because I took care of them and didn't drive them into the ground.
__________________
Previously: 2014 i8; 2013 650i convertible; 2013 650i Gran Coupe; 2013 X1; 2010 550i GT; 2010 535 GT; 2010 Z4 3.5; 2008 535ixt; 2007 M6 convertible; 2006 650i convertible; 1996 Z3; 1980 633CSi; 1978 630CS; 1972 3.0CS; 1971 Bavaria. (1971; 1979-2005 & 2017 - ? -- the Mercedes years.)
Appreciate 3
SakhirM410783.00
FMLYSDN1179.50
      03-22-2017, 03:43 PM   #12
jeffc83
Lieutenant Colonel
722
Rep
1,615
Posts

Drives: 2015 328i XDrive Luxury Line
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Philly Burbs, PA

iTrader: (0)

What the hell? At the bottom, it says this about him?!

"Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez@theRealTavarish
Tavarish writes and makes videos about fixing and modifying cars on the internet. Sometimes they actually run."

Sometimes they actually run? WTF? And I want to read anything he writes about cars?
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 04:07 PM   #13
motorwerkeman
Private First Class
160
Rep
134
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

He's spot on about the N20.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 04:46 PM   #14
davis449
Captain
United_States
423
Rep
887
Posts

Drives: 2014 Audi SQ5
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GuidoK View Post
A little bit about the author:


If he really knew what he was talking about he would do actual work on cars....

Think about it: if your car is broke or you want to improve it. Do you bring it to a journalist or to a reputable mechanic/shop?

People who write about cars almost per definition dont have any understanding of their true workings.


You think an understroke engine that revs to 8k is normal?
Even honda's can have this issue and these are usually oversquare.
Umm, he does ACTUALLY work on cars. His rant comes from his own experience with BMW's tearing them apart and rebuilding them. I'm not saying he isn't hyperbolic and a bit overblown, but he does know of which he speaks.

Quote:
What the hell? At the bottom, it says this about him?!

"Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez@theRealTavarish
Tavarish writes and makes videos about fixing and modifying cars on the internet. Sometimes they actually run."

Sometimes they actually run? WTF? And I want to read anything he writes about cars?
Do you understand sarcasm and/or tongue-in-cheek remarks?

Quote:
Hyperbolic bullshit from a hyperbolic bullshitter. This phrase lets us know just how seriously to treat the opinions by this guy: "all BMW engines are monumental piles of unreliable garbage."

Having had a large number of BMWs, many with over 100,000 miles on their odometers, my engines have not suffered the same fate. Perhaps that was because I took care of them and didn't drive them into the ground.
Good for you...for everyone one of you there's one who's had the opposite experience.

I'm not anti-BMW at all...I'm just realistic about them, and every car from every marque I've owned.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 04:59 PM   #15
Viffermike
Colonel
Viffermike's Avatar
United_States
1753
Rep
2,942
Posts

Drives: '18 black-n-blue 718 Cayman
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Big D

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GuidoK View Post
People who write about cars almost per definition dont have any understanding of their true workings.
You're wrong, and here's why:

Find me anybody, in any field, who is an expert at what they do to the point where the majority of enthusiasts in that field respect that person. Now, among those experts, find me somebody who can write their ass off with minimal editing, on deadline, and in volume. Now, among those experts who can write, find me anybody who can write in a style that almost everybody can understand.

I could go on. It's not that simple. The skill set necessary is extraordinarily rare. Take it from someone who knows this firsthand.
__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.--
<<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>>
Appreciate 1
AngryBaby344.50
      03-22-2017, 05:23 PM   #16
GuidoK
#buildnotbought
GuidoK's Avatar
10473
Rep
4,815
Posts

Drives: Z4 3.0i ESS TS2+
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Tinkering in the garage

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Viffermike View Post
You're wrong, and here's why:

to the point where the majority of enthusiasts in that field respect that person.
You would be right when your statement would say the majority of experts.

This is about factual matter, not about what makes good reading for 'enthousiasts' as that doesnt say anything about their intellect.

That writer is a journalist and nowhere near an engineer otherwise he'd write an in dept column. But that's no good reading for 'enthousiasts' as it would require thinking to understand. What makes a good or bad engine is usually a very complicated matter.
If you write that down in a matter that almost everybody can understand... then you're leaving things out.

Take it from someone who knows this firsthand.


Quote:
Originally Posted by davis449 View Post
Umm, he does ACTUALLY work on cars. His rant comes from his own experience with BMW's tearing them apart and rebuilding them. I'm not saying he isn't hyperbolic and a bit overblown, but he does know of which he speaks.
Then why doesnt he speak of undersquare cylinder setups with high revs (regarding bearings), why doesnt he speak of cam timing/lobe angle (regarding vanos) or speak of specific output, torque curvers etc. Even emissions come in play.
He leaves that out because he doesnt grasp the relationship.
That is not in my book 'he does know of which he speaks'. But maybe I set the bar a bit higher than the average reader.
Says as much about them as about me I guess...

And you can also write this exact same column about any brand. Every car brand has its reliable engine blocks and unreliable engine blocks. But hey, thats boring too.
__________________
Z4 3.0i | ESS TS2+ supercharger | Quaife ATB LSD | Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear | Schrick FI cams | Schmiedmann headers+cats | Powerflex/strongflex PU bushings | Vibra-technics engine mounts | H&R anti rollbars | KW V3 coilovers/KW camber plates | Sachs race engineering clutch | tons of custom sh#t

Last edited by GuidoK; 03-22-2017 at 06:23 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 05:34 PM   #17
sygazelle
Brigadier General
11091
Rep
3,404
Posts

Drives: 2014 328i M-Sport, 2019 X5 40i
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wdb View Post
Nope not wrong. He pushes it harder than necessary, but not wrong. I didn't, and won't, buy a used BMW to be a daily driver for this very reason. But I will buy them as toys, and (if I wasn't too much of a cheapskate) I'd happily drive a new one and let the warranty worry about that stuff.

I agree that he is not wrong and he pushes it a bit hard. I'm on my 4th BMW. My E28 528 I bought new and ran it up to 150k miles and gave it to my son who put another 75k or so on it. Total issues: one water pump. My two E39 540s ('97 and '03) were both bulletproof except for pixels and radiator neck cracking (both cars). Like my E28, I sold my '97 to my son at 120k miles or so and he put another 50k in it with only one issue, a fuel pump.

So far, my F30 has 42k miles and its been perfect so far.

I think about the extra money I would have spent if I'd sold my BMWs when the warranty expired. In my case, a few problems now and again are no big deal financially compared to the cost of switching cars every 4 years just because they might break. Now, if a person wants a newer car for advanced technology or status sake, I say go for it. But BMWs can be reliable, properly maintained, for years and years. and a heck of a lot less expensive than being stuck with perpetual car payments.
Appreciate 1
FMLYSDN1179.50
      03-22-2017, 06:15 PM   #18
///M Power-Belgium
General
///M Power-Belgium's Avatar
Belgium
62740
Rep
24,511
Posts

Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Silverstone II
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

The truth never lies...
__________________
"MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion

BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 08:11 PM   #19
r20
Private First Class
United_States
87
Rep
128
Posts

Drives: BMW 328
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by andy_sk View Post
Every time I go to service my BMW there is almost always 1-2 cars in there with major engine repair.. I mean entire front end off, suspension off, engine on chains etc..

Take a peak yourself.


I also think BMW created that culture of just throwing anything away that's not functioning because of their Warranty.

I mean BMW techs are trained to be morons/ theifs.

Because BMW USA is paying... sort of like the healthcare problem in America. You keep going to the doctor because someone is paying for it.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 09:25 PM   #20
yousefnjr
salty cowboys fan
yousefnjr's Avatar
6112
Rep
3,389
Posts

Drives: ‘06 Z4MR, ‘20 X7, ‘22 M4x
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (2)

Special engines require special care water is wet, sky is blue...
__________________
she’s home! '22 M4 Comp xDrive
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 09:51 PM   #21
Viffermike
Colonel
Viffermike's Avatar
United_States
1753
Rep
2,942
Posts

Drives: '18 black-n-blue 718 Cayman
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Big D

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GuidoK View Post
You would be right when your statement would say the majority of experts.

This is about factual matter, not about what makes good reading for 'enthousiasts' as that doesnt say anything about their intellect.

That writer is a journalist and nowhere near an engineer otherwise he'd write an in dept column. But that's no good reading for 'enthousiasts' as it would require thinking to understand. What makes a good or bad engine is usually a very complicated matter.
If you write that down in a matter that almost everybody can understand... then you're leaving things out.

Take it from someone who knows this firsthand.
Oh, so you're going to be snide now. OK, gloves off:

So you're judge, jury, and executioner regarding factual matter? Please. Who made you a demigod of engineering?

You talk as if good journalists don't deal in facts. Well, "fact" is, they do -- particularly ones who deal, day in and day out, in technical topics that are easily proven or disproven. Sir, journalists can be fired for misrepresenting things easily disproven.

I ask you to prove to me that these dudes were not experts, were not good automotive journalists, and were not all that knowledgeable about engines and such:
- Patrick Bedard
- Csaba Csere
- L. J. K. Setright
- Tom McCahill
- Dan Neil
- Dennis Simanaitis
- Dan Carney
- Peter Egan
- Larry Webster

I pretty much rolled these off the top of my head. "Fact" is, every one of the writers above has extensive technical experience. Several have engineering degrees. A few have raced competitively -- including major races. A couple have built their own race vehicles. And they all wrote for mainstream publications in which the ability to explain complex topics in plain language was absolutely key to them keeping their jobs.

Ask any one of these people -- in "fact", why don't you ask the Jalopnik writer, too, since he's basically said things about BMW engines few are refuting with their own proof -- if it's impossible for them to explain what makes a good or bad engine "in a matter that almost everybody can understand," as you say. I guarantee you that to a person, none would say it is impossible. It's just not easy.

Thing is, very, very few people want a writer who is going to get that technical, man -- and it damn sure isn't going to sell papers or magazines or get click-thrus or views. So what if he's leaving things out? If he makes his point and backs it up with some reasonable and prove-able facts -- not ALL reasonable facts, just some -- really: who the hell cares except extremists like you?
__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.--
<<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>>
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 10:16 PM   #22
Beartato
Major
Beartato's Avatar
882
Rep
1,202
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Utah

iTrader: (0)

Jalopnik, ha. Didn't even click the link, the URL just screamed of clickbait, like most of Jalopnik.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:42 AM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST