[hangonhn]

But that's been that way for some time now. My 2002 (E46) BMW 3-series has mostly Bosch parts inside. The transmission is made by... GM. The only thing that's BMW is the engine and the body. All the sensors on the engine are Bosch. It's a fairly smart way of developing a car in my opinion: concentrate on what you're good at. But to add to your point: you can also tell from the problems what BMW had outsourced -- it's often the accessories that don't age well. The engine in the E46 BMWs are fairly reliable. I had to open the valve cover once after 10+ years of driving and everything looks pristine inside. The biggest defect I had to deal with was the VANOS valves, which only required some bearing replacement, and gasket replacements.

My 2013 (F30) BMW 3-series is similar in its parts sourcing. The turbo is made by Mitsubishi and the transmission is made by ZF (which is pretty much industry standard). Other than the engine, body, and maybe the steering components, everything else is again outsourced. So far it's been pretty damn reliable though.

[CommieBobDole]

That's been the case for a very long time. I have a 1980 BMW 528i, and it's the same. BMW motor, but everything electric is Bosch, including the L-Jetronic fuel injection. Transmission is ZF as well.

[theluketaylor]

Even my 1975 bmw 2002 has a getrag 4 speed manual. The m10 engine I have was still being made in the late 80s for the 318i (with electronic ignition and fuel injection), but still mated to a 5 speed getrag.