Faults:

There are two instances that this car had failed to do its purpose and that it needed immediate work. First is that the car didn't start. It didn't even crank so I had to call a tow truck. Cause: the starter motor burned out. That was unpredictable. That costs about $600 from the BMW dealership to have it replaced. Second is the coolant leaked out of the throttle body. It was still drivable, but I had to go straight to a mechanic. They did a temporary fix, but eventually leaked again and I fixed it myself by putting some silicon sealant or gasket maker to seal the connection. The connection by the way is pitted or corroded. The reason for that pinhole. As you know, coolant is under pressure and a pinhole is enough to have all the coolant leak out. Cost to fix the leak is $0.99, a tube of silicon gasket maker and some elbow grease.

General Comments:

The car I got is in very good condition, maybe because it only had 80,000 miles on it even after 14 years. Sometimes I wonder if this cars odometer reading is true. Other ways to find out is by the condition of the car like the seats, steering wheel, shift knob pedals, etc. All seems to be within reason. Leather seat has no cracks, steering looks good, rear seats looks like new.

The only stuff that needed replacement is the typical stuff that requires replacement, like:

Flex Disk

Transmission Mount

Front control arms and bushings,

Brake pads,

Shocks, shock bushings

Belts and timing belts.

But overall I like the car, but we all know eventually something will require fixing or replacement that will cost more than the value of the car. I think that will be the auto trans. So I don't know what I'll do. I either have it fixed for about $2000 or sell it for $2000. But who'll buy a $2000 car if it requires $2000 to make it run.

Faults:

I have had to replace tail lights and side marker lights. The brake lining light on the dashboard is on because a sensor wire is cut. I have not had to do any maintenance on it yet.

General Comments:

I bought this car even though it had 194,400 miles on it because the car was so well cared for by the previous owner. The dealer I bought this car from knew the entire history of the BMW. This car has no rust on it and runs very well.

I do not like the stereo console layout. The stereo is great, but because this car is much narrower than American models every thing is crammed. The left side of the stereo is hidden by the steering wheel. That makes it hard to adjust the volume or switch tracks when driving.

I still would buy this car and other BMW's in the future as the ride is very comfortable. I have driven 5 straight hours on a trip and I was not fatigued by the journey.

Faults:

Engine Shudder after two weeks of buying this from a local BMW dealership in Berkeley.

Spent $200 bucks to replace #4 injector, and get coolant flush.

One day later, the transmission fails.

Estimated repair cost $1200 -- $2000.

Dealership offered no assistance and was quite arrogant and rude.

General Comments:

Everyone tells me these are rock solid cars - but I've had little proof of that so far.

If you think you are buying a better quality car from a dealership - you're not. Car salesmen have experience lying to get a sale. Private sellers don't do it for a living.

Buying from a dealer? Don't take their word that they did anything - take the car to a non-related mechanic to verify condition.

The most troubling comment I heard from a mechanic - is that the auto trannie on these may not last past 160k miles.