Faults:

Driver's window electric lift mechanism failed.

Power steering fluid leak-replacement of seals.

Rear brake pads replaced.

Headlamp washer on right had to be replaced - leaked out fluid.

Three rims needed replacement due to damage.

Front suspension is now showing worn rocker arms (?) that dealer wanted to replace, but my mechanic thought I could hold off for another couple of years.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a certified lease trade in, and am disappointed with the wear it had considering the low mileage.

Also, I've taken it to dealers in NY state, where I bought it, and Massachusetts, where I work, and find that they are too eager to replace things, and are absurdly expensive. Despite all of this, I would buy another in a heartbeat.

This is an incredibly fun car to drive. I have a Porsche 911 C4S that is slightly more fun, but a lot harder to drive (shift mechanism is tougher, need much higher RPMs to get up to speed). The BMW 330 XI is an effortless sports sedan. The transmission is remarkably easy to shift, it quickly reaches high torque and is a very comfortable ride.

However, I would recommend that anyone considering it make sure they have a good mechanic, and not rely on the dealerships in the US for service after the first 3 years. It doesn't need service often (maybe once or twice a year in addition to oil changes) but repairs can be expensive at the dealerships.

Faults:

Nothing in last 7000 miles.

A week out in the rain caused some temporary misfiring; weak spark coil or wiring?

M-style 17 in alloy wheels were dinged up and out of round when purchased and had to be replaced to get good balance.

Front control arm bushings were destroyed with the wheels. Took me 6 mo to figure out what was loose in there. Previous owner must have ignored potholes.

General Comments:

This is a truly beautiful machine and perfect for someone who likes a roadster, but needs a back seat and trunk at times. It is fun just to look at with smooth lines and those big shiny brakes exposed by open alloy wheels. Small touches like the auto-leveling xenon headlamps, numerous courtesy lights, auto-dipping passenger side rear view mirror, outstandingly tight and well-designed convertible top that stows under a hinged panel, all make for a very special automobile.

It's a heavier, stiffer (with sport suspension) and more solid car than the small roadsters, or a Sebring. But it moves out smartly when asked, and corners with no body roll and perfectly neutral steering. All controls are moderately powered for excellent road feel. The brakes are the smoothest, lightest and most powerful I've ever encountered.

The simple gauges hark back to classic sports cars and the straight DOHC six sounds like a classic Jag or Healey, only better. Even the starter sounds unusually robust, like that of a truck engine. This car is so much fun it really will have you taking the long way home. These days, it is significant that this hot rod gets 22 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the highway.