@sno_duc
I really don´t know about the fuel quality only that the newer cars are supposed to be driven with high octane fuel, but they are supposed to recognize lower octane fuel and adjust to it.
I still think the problem is in the more and more complex electronics. For example with my 30 year old FIAT Spider when I need a new battery I go to a parts store buy one for 50 Euros put it in and it´s done. With our Audi, the car has to reconfigurated to the new battery and can only be exchanged with special software - costs: 500 Euros, the same with a different radio tuner or a trailer hitch...everything is somehow connected and everything needs special software and you can´t do anything by yourself anymore. Even if you want to exchange a light bulb you are refered to the dealership...
And while we are on it, the bikes are going the same way...my 1198 just quit running and all i got was a CAN bus error number in the display...it is just a subject I hate, sorry

The TÃœV is a technical inspection which is required every two years after the first three years for cars and bikes it is supposed to ensure the roadsafety. It includes the checking of brakes, lights, shock absorbers, bearings, exhaust system (including proper working of the catalytic converter), oil leaking, tire condition and more. I guess it is a lttle bit tougher than in alot of other countries due to the lack of a speed limit on some parts of the Autobahn.

Quote from: hbliam on October 16, 2013, 12:30:09 AM
I don't consider a car that breaks down all the time to be well engineered. We bought ours new and I highly doubt I would ever purchase one again.

Fun to drive? Yes. When it's working.

Wife complained for over a year after we got rid of it. Now we have a new 535i.  Hopefully our luck is better with this one. It's damn nice.

You were warned, by yourself!   

Quote from: Skybarney on July 10, 2014, 06:46:51 PM
You were warned, by yourself!   

Quote from: Skybarney on July 10, 2014, 06:46:51 PM
You were warned, by yourself!   

Ha!

Here in Aus, German cars are seen as quite the elite vehicle.
You almost never hear of their numerous gremlins/issues/problems, but that is largely because wealthier people buy them new.

I've heard horror stories about massive bills once out of warranty.