Are Imported BMWs the Same as Domestic Ones?
2 Answers
Imported BMWs and domestic ones are not the same. Different production regions: Domestic Brilliance BMWs are produced at the Shenyang Tiexi Factory, while imported BMWs are manufactured in Germany. Currently, most BMW models sold in China are produced domestically. Compared to imported models, which are assembled and finished overseas before being imported to China, this process incurs many additional costs, especially in terms of taxes. Each manufacturer has to bear significant expenses in this regard. Domestic assembly reduces many of these costs, thereby lowering the vehicle's price and ultimately benefiting consumers. Differences in assembly quality: As a newly established factory in China, it still has some disadvantages compared to BMW's home factories in Germany, which have been developed over many years with highly refined technology. The internal structure of the imported vehicles is very tight, with all seams and edges meticulously finished. However, the assembly quality of domestic Brilliance BMWs is already very advanced. It can be said that the current Tiexi Factory in China is the second most advanced BMW production base in the world.
Imported BMWs and domestically produced Brilliance BMWs are generally close in quality, but there are some differences in details. I have personally driven several models, such as the imported and domestically produced versions of the 3 Series. The imported cars are made with higher-quality materials, have better body sealing, excellent noise control, and adhere to European standards. The domestically produced versions are locally optimized, with suspension systems better suited to Chinese road conditions, and are 20%-30% cheaper. Core components like engines and transmissions are basically the same, sourced from BMW's global supply chain, ensuring similar power output. However, imported cars have longer wait times for parts replacement, while domestic parts are more readily available, making repairs faster. Overall, the differences are minimal for daily driving, and the choice depends on personal budget—those seeking authenticity can opt for imported models, while those prioritizing cost-effectiveness can choose domestic versions.
