[JonoNZ]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Being born in SA, I can say that all RHD 3 series have been built in SA for many years. I'd rather my car was assembled in Germany, but at the end of the day it isn't really an issue. Components are the same and good diligent labour in SA.

Merc also have most RHD cars built in SA plant

Not all RHD 3 series cars are made in SA. The UK is supplied from Germany I believe, not to mention all the early F30's in NZ (RHD of course) where Munich builds.

[Goody4]

Or, just check your window sticker, if you have one.

For my 2009 335i, it's in the upper right of the sticker. I've circled it in red.

[Bimmeration]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

Rusty seat rail?
Check!

Lol

[clarence]

Originally Posted by JonoNZ

Not all RHD 3 series cars are made in SA. The UK is supplied from Germany I believe, not to mention all the early F30's in NZ (RHD of course) where Munich builds.

The only RHD markets that are supplied by Germany is UK/IRL & some very small volume RHD CBU markets such as Thailand or Malaysia. Otherwise for most of Asia & Oceania (whether RHD/LHD) they're from SA.

[Judah]

Originally Posted by Tsuyoi

I bet if you couldn't see the people's faces in the video and this was relabeled "new production line in Germany" you'd all be going fanboy nuts over how amazing it is.

Seriously, the amount of stereotyping and intolerance in this thread makes me wanna

+1000

I knew, as soon as I saw the first video, I would see who was who and what is what in some of those who post here. I'm not surprised even a little.

In response to the original senseless posting:

Are the images on the first page from SA also ?

In those images I see quite a few uniform variations, (including someone wearing shorts) and not everyone has gloves on.

Do you think these things actually matter in order to get a final product.

[v1p3r]

Originally Posted by Tsuyoi

I bet if you couldn't see the people's faces in the video and this was relabeled "new production line in Germany" you'd all be going fanboy nuts over how amazing it is.

Seriously, the amount of stereotyping and intolerance in this thread makes me wanna

[v1p3r]

Originally Posted by tmurphy2

feel bad for those with south african build, that production line looks like a joke compared to germany and i lived in SA for a year.....i wouldnt want to buy a pencil made from that place.

Please, enlighten yourself.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-sa-tops-in-quality/

[clarence]

Originally Posted by Judah

In response to the original senseless posting:

Are the images on the first page from SA also ?

In those images I see quite a few uniform variations, (including someone wearing shorts) and not everyone has gloves on.

U mean those still pics? They're from the good old BMW plant in München, Deutschland of all places.
Seriously, there's a good reason why some ppl in the plant wear different shirts & that's cos to signify their ranking on the line or their respective workstation. The leader/head always wear different colours so if there're any problems they can be located quickly to solve problems & hence minimise line downtime. If u look in the Rosslyn vid u can see there are different colours but they're not random.
Also, it's obvious that the QC guys will not wear gloves cos their job depends on tactile feedback (e.g. paintwork imperfection etc).

[r3dbimmer89]

Some ignorant comments without proper justification. For starters, I have read many times that the SA plant has lower defects than the Munich plant. Maybe that's because it has a lower output with a slow moving line but nonetheless it looked like any other BMW plant to me. A BMW is a BMW rather it's built in South Carolina, Germany, or South Africa. All engineered by the same guys in the Fitz building in Munich.

[tIANCi]

Was at a dealer today and I put my hand under the seat, rubbed it and guess what I saw on my fingers? LOL

To date almost all my friends with the F30 have got rusty seats, steering rack clunk. Some got error for LOSS OF COMPRESSION, CHECK COOLANT, CHECK TRANSMISSION ... 'tis the Season for JOY!

Hehehehehee ...

[malter2.0]

This will be like the VW 10 years ago, when wolfsburg edition held value better because it was built in Germany and not in Mexico.

I surely will be looking NOT to buy SA built. I mean just look at the end of 2nd video. No gloves as they polish the car and then with his BARE HANDS he cleans the dust residue after he did orbital polishing.

[thejackyltm]

I must be dumb or completely blind. Was curious so took a picture of my vin and it doesn't match up to anything on the list to figure things out. The first 3 letters do and after that it doesn't match to anything

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by claykin

I suppose it could be true. No biggie.

Jackson 743 is correct. I just got back from Germany after a Munich plant tour and it appears that all N55s are made in Steyr, Austria along with all diesel models for any BMW product (incld. Mini) and all ///M motors, V8, V12s, and N20s are made in Munich. All Prince engines (Mini Petrol) and low output I4s (N13) are made in Hams Hall in the UK.

Apparently the US government does not require the final assembly location for the engine and tranny on the window sticker but where the majority of the unit's parts originate.

I.E. Mini window stickers list France as country of origin for its engines but actually they are BMW built units in the UK with French parts from PSA in France.