When is a BMW not a BMW?

[marks]

"For this reason, we have decided to procure the single-cylinder engine for the G 650 Xcountry from a Chinese supplier"

see here for more

Chinese quality with bmw prices - could you ask for anything more?

[James Deuce]

Well that just torpedoed that range.

Marketing Suicide.

[xgnr]

Hmmm....

Will stick with me 'K' I think

[marks]

a pipe
some slippers
and a bowl of rice

[James Deuce]

The pipe will explode with the first use, the slippers will drop their soles on the third step, and the rice will be a plastic replica of a bowl of rice.

[Frodo]

The frame of my F650 was built by Aprilia and the motor by Rotax. But both are world class brands.
The motor of my current Aprilia is built by Minarelli (an Italian Yamaha subsidiary). I'm happy with that.
But a Beemer built in China?

[Goblin]

Good find there marks!
Bling!

[windboy]

Chinese quality with bmw prices - could you ask for anything more?

Not sticking my hand in the fire for the BMWs fellas but from experience (moving production to china) I can tell you that chinese quality control can be as good as a manufacturer set it to be. The quality control of chinese manufacturing line depends strictly on how meticulous management was when setting it all up... if it was good then they would catch all te rejects early... clockwork orange style

Now, the cost should seriously drop ....!

[marks]

Now, the cost should seriously drop ....!

I'll believe that when I see it.

even if all quality issues are solved. Its a perception thing
BMW is perceived as a quality product engineered and built in Germany
Quality Chinese manufacturing is perceived as an oxymoron

[Zukin]

I guess its a bit like all those Holden Commodore lovers

Some of them are made in Korea, I always thought they were crap, but this reinforces that

In reality I don't care too much as most of the parts for most mechanical things are made there now and have been for a number of years, I remember when my day said "Don't touch those bloody Japanese cars, they are crap"
Now look how far they have come

[tri boy]

Snigger snigger snigger, at least in a year or two, it will be a level manufacturing playing field.
Those Zongshens will stand proud next to Beemers, Honda's, Triumphs.
Can't wait until Ducati finally make a similar press release, Bwahaahhaaaaa

[deanohit]

I can tell you that chinese quality control can be as good as a manufacturer set it to be. The quality control of chinese manufacturing line depends strictly on how meticulous management was when setting it all up... if it was good then they would catch all the rejects early...

Yep, I think you'll be right there, even the japs would make shit if they didn't have the quality control in place, I reckon BMW will be onto it enough to not accept any duds, after all, the chinese have been making small bikes for the big 4 for a few years now, although we don't get them besides the GN250, so can't really comment on the quality.

You'll be lucky to see BMW drop there prices though!

[James Deuce]

I guess its a bit like all those Holden Commodore lovers

Some of them are made in Korea, I always thought they were crap, but this reinforces that

In reality I don't care too much as most of the parts for most mechanical things are made there now and have been for a number of years, I remember when my day said "Don't touch those bloody Japanese cars, they are crap"
Now look how far they have come

Korea is a bad analogy. Daewoo and Hyundai build ships. Making cars is an afterthought.

The Japanese entered the world market fully intending to improve product and service.

The Chinese literally don't care what we think of them or their product once they have the cash. The Japanese don't really either, but they ARE committed to superior product and always have been. Look at what Datsun did with the BMC A, M, and O series engines.

Chinese quality control IS an issue. There are no laws to compel them to meet any sort of International standards within China or for their export customers, hence they can cut corners once the design principle signs off on the production "Standard". BMW's own quality control has been slipping, especially with the latest GS1200 - breaking gearboxes, stripping drive splines, and electronics that mysteriously go on the blink are not a good look for German Manufacturing.

BMW are trying to break into a younger market with the new 650 series. All it takes is one batch of engines to get through the system with pig-iron cams instead hardened steel and BMW's youth gamble is over.

[James Deuce]

although we don't get them besides the GN250, so can't really comment on the quality.

There's your answer right there. I haven't seen a Chinese GN over 12 months old (except Buckbuck's) that hasn't shown signs of serious corrosion on anything that is chromed or plated. Wally Simmond's Japanese GN was 21 years old and had a bit of fur on the alloy that had discoloured it a little. It had enough marks and dings to have rendered a Chinese GN and unrecognisable pile of rusty rubble. The rims had no corrosion. I've seen 2005 GN alloys that look like they've been chewed by a small mammal with big teeth.

[cooneyr]

Not that I know anything about these things other than the Marshin Cheeter 200 with a blown gearbox in the garage (1400kms from new), with the full quote from the press release.....

For this reason, we have decided to procure the single-cylinder engine for the G 650 Xcountry from a Chinese supplier who will manufacture the engine according to our BMW specifications and quality standards. And the 450 cc engine for our new, innovative BMW sports enduro will be made by Kymco in Taiwan in a production facility equipped according to BMW specifications.

..... and what Windboy said.......

Not sticking my hand in the fire for the BMWs fellas but from experience (moving production to china) I can tell you that chinese quality control can be as good as a manufacturer set it to be. The quality control of chinese manufacturing line depends strictly on how meticulous management was when setting it all up... if it was good then they would catch all te rejects early... clockwork orange style

Now, the cost should seriously drop ....!

.......we can only hope that quality is retained or improved (I wont become a guniee pig though).

As for the price issue this don't look good!

Our next step is to increase our purchasing and cooperation activities in the Asian markets. Purchasing parts and components in the Asian region is an important means of reducing the currency disadvantages of the euro – in particular as compared to the yen. This is the only way we can create some leeway within cost structures so as to enable us to continue to offer our customers innovations and technical highlights in the medium category.

Cheers R