Faults:

The water pump quit working, car overheated and the radiator burst. Replaced pump, thermostat, rad and hoses.

All imaginable electric gremlins, I've fixed most so far.

Cruise control keeps disengaging at random times.

The cardane axle support bearing broke down. Had it replaced and the cardane rebalanced.

The muffler fastener rusted through and broke. No other rust on the galvanized body of the car though. :-)

I've done a lot of repairs that were more or less considered maintenance and are to be expected in a car of this age/kilometres such as brakes, shocks, engine wearing parts. Everything costs like they're made of solid gold.

Transmission blew up and lost reverse when I was stuck in snow and nudging the car front and back to get it loose.

General Comments:

This car is the most luxurious, comfortable and powerful car that I have ever driven, leave alone owned, although I've been a car enthusiast all my life. It handles like a sports car and accelerates like a dragster while still having ample space for 5 grownups and luggage. All goodies you can think of and then some.

You can drive 500km without stopping if you want to and feel completely fresh afterwards. The car doesn't wear you out at all.

No speed feels like anything, tried the top speed of about 260km/h which was the only time I've felt worried in this car... Even then I was just worried that I might hit a moose in the dark night...

The combination of LSD and ASC+T is VERY good in winter driving. It skids only for about 15-20cm sideways so that you realize you're slipping and then just stops skidding.

The car is really economical considering that it IS a 2000kg car with a 5-litre V-12. The engine produces a whopping 350Nm from the stall speed on so you seldom really need to push it.

But nevertheless these cars apparently weren't designed to last over 10 years, the car keeps breaking up at least once-twice a month. Even though none of the problems have left me on the side of the road, the astronomical cost of parts make it very difficult even for a DIY enthusiast to cope with the costs. I would have a lot better use for my time and especially for my money.

I've spent 5000 euros this year in parts while trying to fix the car at a faster pace than it breaks up and yet it's currently at the tranny shop. As a comparison my wife's 20 year old e30 beater has required just a 25 euro water pump in the same time.

I'm fed up, I'm selling it and buying a brand new Honda or something. It's too bad because I have nothing but good to say about other BMW models and I do really love this one also - despite the problems and the unbearable cost of keeping it.