Not exactly news, but interesting.<ul><li><a href="http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/68895.html">Quality of German Cars</a></li></ul>

I love German cars. But they have some work to do. My A4 problems to date go as follows:

1) Control arm replaced twice, due for another
2) Power steering pump had to be replaced, Now there are stiff spots (sometimes) in the wheel while turning at parking lot speeds.
3) "Check engine" light constantly on, had it reset 5 times, still comes on. The dealer gives me BS explanations like Bad Gas (yea right), Misfire, etc. The engine runs fine. If the "Check Engine" light was not on I would think that the engine is fine. The Engine probably is okay but they have to figure out why the check engine light keeps coming on. I have to drop the car off today. It looks like I'll be driving a jetta (loaner) while I'm paying for an A4 again.
4) Heated rearview mirrors didn't work upon delivery, had it fixed but know they don't work again.
5) Speakers were making terrible noises, had to be replaced.
6) Interior dome light had to be replaced
7) The stereo's display does not display the top line of pixels (dots) every now and again. Whenever I bring it to the dealer it works fine.
8) Crappy remote range, Fixes didn't really resolve the problem, My sister's Corrola has a better remote range.
9) Both Low beams went out after 21 months of ownership.

Despite all the problems, I would still take the A4 over The Maxima, G20, TL and all the other Bland, Boring, Lifeless, Japanese automobiles. My A4 is still as solid as a vault, No squeaks or rattles yet (22 months). The last Japanese car I had rattled like crazy from day one. My A4 handles potholes and bumps perfectly. After taking a close look at the Honda Accord, Lexus es300 Etc… It's obvious that the Audis construction is far superior. I'm sure that the German cars can stand the test of time longer than that of the Japanese counterparts. I see a lot of older BMWs, Mercedes, and Audi's on the road. I don't see too many older Japanese cars, if I do see any old Japanese cars they are rusted and ratty looking. Back then German cars were more expensive, know they are similarly priced. In certain cases the Japanese car is more expensive. The Lexus SC400 Coupe cost $55,900 (Base); The M-B CLK 430 costs $49,100(base), The prices for options are about the same. Which one would you choose? I'm afraid that the Japanese cars cost more but they wont last any longer than they did in the past. I used to love Japanese cars until I drove a German car.