Faults:

My 1992, 325i convertible is over 20 years old with 178,000 miles. Still great gas mileage!

Just replaced the 3rd muffler, the car is low and speeding over bumps causes pin holes in the muffler, which get loud over time.

Replaced convertible top when the car was under warranty, mistake... the replacement was not properly fitted by the installer the dealer recommended, so the top is no longer air tight, but it looks good and the roof does not leak.

Replaced the back window due to a fold down tear after about 12 years; that cost $300 for such a simple zipper process.

Just replaced the 3rd battery in June 2013.

Water leak since 2003, in the brake light on top of the trunk. Lifting the trunk top allows the water to drain

Re-painted car in 2003, because of a 1993 dent that was neglected.

Corrosion occurring on the driver's side where the wheels are; not noticeable.

Seats held up very well while the car was kept in the garage, but seams are splitting after being kept in the driveway over the last 12 years.

The last 2 years; a slow automatic transmission fluid leak.

The overhead light inside has been out for the past several years

Motor on the automatic top went out in 2002, and the bar that holds the top cracked while lowering the top in frigid weather in 2000. The top can be dropped manually though.

Spend between $600 and $1200 a year on the routine recommended service by an authorized BMW service mechanic.

Never any engine or transmission problems, passes annual city inspections, good emission readings, the A/C works... best car I have, and I rely on this car when my 2003 500 G breaks down, which is too often!

My mechanic says this car is so easy to work on, it even came with its own tool chest.

Love the performance and the way this car still handles. My driving age grandchildren now understand why I still have this car... it is just durable and reliable!

We also have a BMW 1999 5 Series. Obviously it's a great car as well, we still have it, but the steering has not remained as tight as my 325i convertible.

This car is worth every penny I spend, including the yearly service.

General Comments:

Everything about this car is durable and reliable, and continues to perform well after 20 years.

Faults:

Blower motor resistor pack went bad. Bought a used one for about $5, threw it in within 5 minutes, problem fixed.

Sunroof broke at 130000, wouldn't move period. Had to replace entire sunroof cassette in order to feel the wind in my hair again. Did it myself, surprisingly wasn't hard at all.

Window relay went bad, and unfortunately while my windows were stuck open (all of them!). Had no idea what it was for a few days, but once I realized it was just a relay, it was fixed almost instantly. Very simple to replace, I just popped it out (no screws or anything, under the dash) soldered it, and popped it back in.

Tranny output seal leaked, only while on steep hills though, and only about a drop per 2 days.

General Comments:

I loved this car the second I got into it, and am surely a large BMW fan now because of it.

The inline 6 motor was absolutely bulletproof. I had very little problems with the car at all, the reliability was fantastic. When I did have problems, the car was designed to be very easy to work on.

As for performance, the car handled extremely well. Had some good oopmh to it, but really excelled in the turns.