Faults:

Torque converter was replaced for a leak - $900

Fuel Pump died - $125 DIY

Gearbox failed - Didn't bother replacing.

General Comments:

Absolutely brilliant handling and ride comfort

Engine seems to be pretty reliable

Transmission failure annoyed me quite a bit, but I would buy another BMW. I think I just got a lemon.

Faults:

Replaced all six ignition modules.

Fitted platinum spark plugs.

Mass air flow meter replaced three times, initially bought cheaply second hand because of BMW's exhorbitant price, however the most recent acquisition is a reconditioned unit with a two year warranty versus BMW's 1 year factory warranty.

Water pump, still functioning but had a slight weep, so I replaced it.

Sunroof had some small rust spots where the rubber seal joins, I also replaced that with a second hand unit, exactly the same colour and perfect.

Replaced electric window switch central module.

Ignition lock failed, had to replace key barrel.

New windscreen, lots of chips caused by poor Australian roads.

Front brake rotors have been replaced twice in 4 years, hopefully the Brembo brand I recently purchased will live up to their good name, also replaced the front pads at the same time.

Front shocks have also been replaced, one unit was leaking after a very rapid 13 hour drive from NSW to QLD; Bilstein gas shocks currently fitted are proving to be very nice to work with.

General Comments:

I have owned over 30 cars since obtaining my licence in the mid 70's, from Fiat's, Rover's, Mercedes, Peugeot's, Toyota's and even a Cadillac; every time I think about moving on from the BMW (I have also had countless test drives in late model vehicles, I'm sure the salesmen are on to me!!), I just marvel at the smoothness and solidity of the 5 series, the more I re-invest in this car the less likely I am to sell it, components just seem to last such a long time. Everything I have replaced had been performing for over 16 years, so I really have nothing to complain about; I only wish that I had been able to experience this car from new, but the $70,000 price tag was well out of reach. I still smile when that exhaust crackles on acceleration.

Faults:

The car was missing slightly under initial acceleration, replaced all coil packs at 150,000km, which fixed the problem, a little expensive at A$125 each.

The 5 speed automatic transmission will often drop into fail safe mode and lock in third gear, it seems to be a quirk relating to very cold temperatures.

Since changing to fully synthetic oil the rocker box gasket has started to weep slightly, keeping an eye on it before changing the gasket, apparently a slightly expensive task.

I can't seem to adjust the low beam headlights, no up/down set screws to be found!

I'm the second owner and am expecting to replace a number of parts in a car of this age.

General Comments:

This is a great touring car, I regularly travel about 1200km in approximately 12.5 hours with one stop for fuel and a bite to eat, and I never feel uncomfortable. The car is very quiet and smooth, soaking up some seriously bad roads here in Australia.

Air-conditioning and heating is excellent as is the all round vision. I normally achieve about 34 mpg using 98RON fuel at a steady 120kph, the 80litre tank certainly gives good range.

I would prefer a different instrumentation colour for night driving, the red just seems to fluoresce too much.

I just love the sound of the engine under hard acceleration, and have to have the window down when travelling on mountain roads.