Grenadier - fact or fiction?

Some information out there that may or may not be true, your thoughts?

This is what I think.... fact/fiction/on the fence

1. It is indestructable. Fiction - I don't think IA ever said this.
2. It is a tank. Fiction - a tank is something else
3. It is just a BMW - Fiction - some parts including the engine and controls have been supplied by BMW though
4. It's a rip off Defender - Fact, although arguably much better
5. Only an Ineos agent can service it. Fiction. But only an Ineos agent can reset the service reminder.
6. Workshop manuals are available. Fiction, although they have been promised.
7. It is expensive. On the fence. Compared to many vehicles it is more expensive, although you would struggle to find a similarly specified vehicle for less.
8. Flying spanners. Fact. Update/Edit - One experience of this mentioned in the thread below by @alvan
9. It was designed for the UK market. Fiction. Development and testing seems to have been very continental Europe focused.
10. Servicing and parts at Ineos agents are expensive. Fact.
11. It can go anywhere. Fiction.
12. Any BMW workshop can repair or service. Fiction. Many will, but some will absolutely refuse to touch it.
13. It is better/worse than a Jeep/Toyota/Land Rover/G Wagen. On the fence. Everybody has their own idea of what makes a vehicle better or best.
14. Ineos Automotive are in trouble and will sell the company to BMW. Fiction. they are not in trouble. Speculation only that BMW would buy IA which is only founded on heresay.
15. Ineos customer service is poor. On the fence. They fully entrust customer service to agents/franchised dealers. Some are good, some bad, some so-so.
16. 24 hour parts availability. Fiction. I am not sure that IA claim this, but it certainly isn't true.
17. Dealer network is sparse. Fact. If you are remote from your nearest dealer then warranty work is a definite challenge.

Item 9 is correct. Hence the massive RHD Footwell hump in the floor which was 'looked over'. Sir J must be pissed that got through!!!

trobex said:

Item 9 is correct. Hence the massive RHD Footwell hump in the floor which was 'looked over'. Sir J must be pissed that got through!!!

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I don't think you've ever mentioned this before. In milk carton terms, how big would you say it is?

Zimm said:

I don't think you've ever mentioned this before. In milk carton terms, how big would you say it is?

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landmannnn said:

4. It's a rip off Defender - Fact, although arguably much better

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No, to me it looks like the offspring of an illicit relationship between a G-Wagen and a Trooper. For one thing, the old Defender, (and come to that, the new one), is based on parts derived from passenger cars, whereas the Grenadier has plundered a wider parts bin. Look under a Defender and it looks dainty, a bit like a ballet dancer. Look under a Grenadier and it does not look dainty! (Whether that is good or bad is up for debate, the MPG certainly gives me pause for thought).

The slightly embarrasing trip to Court for JLR seemed to result in a decision that basically said there was little difference in appearence between any of the squareish 4x4s from LR, Toyota, Mercedes, Isuzu, Jeep et al

Jeremy996 said:

The slightly embarrasing trip to Court for JLR seemed to result in a decision that basically said there was little difference in appearence bewteen any of the squareish 4x4s from LR, Toyota, Mercedes, Isuzu, Jeep et al

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Every time I see a Jimny my brain says baby Grenadier. It's a box!

2L. Something you Americans cannot possibly understand - metric.

5. Only an Ineos agent can service it. Fiction. But only an Ineos agent can reset the service reminder.

Depends on what you consider "service". An oil change can be done by anyone, but even the most expert independent mechanic will fail without service data, wiring diagrams, real-time vehicle scan data and probably an oscilloscope. I guess the word "service" for you is separate from repairs.
Right now repairs can only be done by Ineos. Others can try, but good luck with that.

trobex said:

2L. Something you Americans cannot possibly understand - metric.

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Half gallon. About right.

Tazzieman said:

Every time I see a Jimny my brain says baby Grenadier. It's a box!

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What's a Jimny? Is that metric? Is it bigger than a footrest?

trobex said:

2L. Something you Americans cannot possibly understand - metric.

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Pfffft . That’s the standard bottle of pepsi that came with a takeout Pizza Hut pan pizza in 1987! And look where metric got them. Old news. I prefer coke, but alas, PepsiCo owned Pizza Hut.

255/85 said:

What's a Jimny?

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It does seem a bit like a "little" Grenadier. Unfortunately, these are rare in the UK and only available new in the UK as a 2 str van, with a fixed bulkhead, so too small for me to fit in. The car versions with 4 seats are stupid money for a used car.

Other countries has access to a 4 door version and the Japanese tuners have body kits that allow you to make them more old Defender or mini G-Wagen.

The 4-door Jimny, added AM turbo, and AM 6 speed auto running 31s is awesome.

255/85 said:

Half gallon. About right.



What's a Jimny? Is that metric? Is it bigger than a footrest?

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Smaller than an IG but really looks like part of the same family

Jeremy996 said:

View attachment 7876874
It does seem a bit like a "little" Grenadier. Unfortunately, these are rare in the UK and only available new in the UK as a 2 str van, with a fixed bulkhead, so too small for me to fit in. The car versions with 4 seats are stupid money for a used car.

Other countries has access to a 4 door version and the Japanese tuners have body kits that allow you to make them more old Defender or mini G-Wagen.

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It’s got a single door and the exact signature roof of the Gwagon. I believe reading when it came out, that was deliberate.

8. They came to me three times from Duesseldorf, and I'm in Sardinia, middle of Mediterranean sea. First and third time for faulty A/C pipes, second time for software upgrade.

Lars said:

5. Only an Ineos agent can service it. Fiction. But only an Ineos agent can reset the service reminder.

Depends on what you consider "service". An oil change can be done by anyone, but even the most expert independent mechanic will fail without service data, wiring diagrams, real-time vehicle scan data and probably an oscilloscope. I guess the word "service" for you is separate from repairs.
Right now repairs can only be done by Ineos. Others can try, but good luck with that.

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Yes, by service I meant routine maintenance.

Did I miss “purpose built” on your list?