Faults:

Radio chip was short circuiting.

At 152000 kms the radiator had to be replaced.

Blue smoke is coming from the exhaust.

The driver electric window arm snapped, and the passenger electric window motor stopped working. The dealer wanted R3000 for the arm, and R1870 for the motor.

General Comments:

This is a lovely car to drive, with loads of style, and a beautiful shape.

The sports seats are a bit too low, and can be hard at times.

It is very heavy on fuel and servicing, and parts prices are unreal.

The car is very, very low, and scrapes on the smallest of bumps.

You have to watch your speed in this car because you can be doing 90, and it feels like 60. It's extremely nimble and grips the road well.

Being a rear wheel drive it is a bit skittish in the wet.

I absolutely loved this car, and was very sad to sell it, but I didn't have a choice as it was expensive to run.

Faults:

Water pump imploded shortly after I bought the car. With it I replaced the radiator and the thermostat as closer inspection revealed they were also on their way.

Replaced the front crankshaft seal and the tappet cover gasket to stop an oil leak -- both were relatively minor repairs.

General Comments:

I love the way the car looks. I love the way it handles. I love the way it sounds. It's quite an amazing car, considering it's a 4 door saloon and it's now 10 years old.

Somebody once said that the real measure of how good a car is is whether you could live with it for the rest of your life. I could definitely keep my 320i forever, and I'll be happy with it.

The car generously rewards sporty driving -- maybe that's why so many people drive them hard! It's a pleasure to work the manual gearbox, listen to the free revving engine and feel the build up of G-forces in a corner. It returns between 20 and 30 mpg depending on your driving, it's totally in your control.

Even though it's 10 years old, I love looking at it and after having it for a year I always look forward to driving it. I never thought BMW's were worth it however now I see why so many people like them. The only thing I would recommend to prospective buyers is to test drive a 325i if they want more straight line speed, if they can afford the extra cost (mainly in insurance premiums, fuel is more or less the same).

Faults:

Radiator went bad. Left my ass stranded in the middle of some desolate African highway.

Gearbox, had to drive for 80 km's in second gear as it was the only one that worked.

Clutch, once again left me in the middle of nowhere. Thank God for tow trucks.

Air conditioning. Broken down twice. You try driving in Africa without it. It's great to have but kills what little power the car has drastically!

And lots and lots of little things.

General Comments:

It handles very well for a sedan compared to most US models.

It is in my opinion drastically overpriced.

It's as fast as a door mat (do yourself a favour and get a 328, 330, or M3).

The service from JSN Motors in Johanesburg South Africa really really sucks, If you don't drive a 7 Series you might as well not exist).

Nice interior design.

If it wasn't for my 80,000 kilometer road warranty I'd be bankrupt. You could get a better deal for a heart transplant than the dealership will give you!

Makes my 99 Buick feel like the space shuttle.

Faults:

There is a rattle from the driver's door window winder. Been in twice -- not fixed.

General Comments:

Magnificent car.