Faults:

Both driver and passenger windows need new clips to hold the windows in place.

Fuse blown for front fog lights.

Third (high mount) brake light is out.

General Comments:

This car, so far, is great! This sedan is all about the drive. Whether going to the corner store or cross country, it seems determined to make it memorable for you.

Although I have only put 2000 miles on it so far, my experience with BMWs include a 1983 320i, 1986 325e and a 1988 528e; all of which were great cars.

BMWs "seem" to not be put together as well as some other cars. My 1991 Lexus LS400 now has 210,000 miles, and should do 400,000 easy. I also had a Mercedes Benz 300e that was overbuilt almost to a fault. This 325i by comparison seems very robust mechanically, but the interior plastics aren't bad, but just don't do the rest of the car justice. If you're not an enthusiast and you just want a car to commute or that will be near zero maintenance, I don't recommend this car. Don't get me wrong, I'm crazy about BMWs myself. They just need proper maintenance in areas you wouldn't think twice of in other cars. For instance, I have only replaced shocks and ball joints on my Lexus, but this BMW will need almost every one of its suspension bushings replaced, and twice as often. The reason is that BMWs work their suspensions hard in order to reward the driver with the spirited performance they are known for. For the enthusiast, it's just paying your dues. For the commuter, it's nerve wracking.

What's it like to drive? Well, turn the key and the engine comes to life with a raspy snarl. Then it settles down into a slightly lumpy idle (good stuff). Slide the gear lever into 1st (I'm manual only when it comes to BMWs) and release the clutch, and the car moves out with a slight squat from its rear suspension. Once in second, you press the gas pedal to the floor and the sedate nature of the car changes as the car lunges for the horizon. By third gear, it's hard to believe this car only puts out 192hp, and the sound from the exhaust says "German racecar!". By the time a corner arrives, the car leans more than you expect, but it holds its line with tenacity. In fact, this car is the utmost joy to drive through curves.

At the end of the day, the extra maintenance is worth the driving experience. No BMW I have ever owned has left me stranded. Then again, I always performed the necessary maintenance when required. Neglect one of these cars, and you're asking to be let down in a big way.

Great car, but for driving enthusiasts only in my humble opinion.

Faults:

Nothing aside from while getting an oil change at a local jiffy lube, they recommended I flush the coolant, so I had them do it. They somehow screwed that up, costing me $300 to replace the thermostat and fan clutch (which was weak, and had to come off to get at the thermostat, so I had that replaced while in there).

Driver's seat frame is broken, so the back leans to the right. No problem, just prop it up with something.

General Comments:

I picked the car up for $500 at a local auction with 182,000 miles on it. When I got it, performance wasn't great, so I bought a chip for the ECU from Turner Motorsports. I HIGHLY recommend the chip for better power and mpg's. Great year round car, just make sure to have good tires and keep traction control on in the winter.

Engine is strong, and with the chip will rev to 7000rpm, where it still pulls! 5 speed is very smooth and easy to drive, clutch feels great. Gets around 23mpg city, and 28 highway.

I've been driving this car hard for several months and about 13,000 miles without a problem. Whether you're just cruising around or racing all night, the car is just great. Very impressive for a 2.5L.