Faults:

Instrument-Panel replaced under warranty at KM 60,000 (consumption-meter made noises).

General Comments:

I have had this car now for almost two years and think, it's about time to write a little survey.

Basically, the car runs very well, gives no trouble... so I'm quite happy.

There has been a replacement-call from BMW for some suspension issues (xi = all wheel drive) and the other issue - the instrument panel - both were replaced under warranty.

One little point is its oil consumption. The 328CI I had before would almost run dry - I never had to fill-up oil with the 328i. With the 330xi, oil-consumption is a bit higher - about 0.5 to 1 liter on 10,000 KM.

What's really annoying: I wouldn't need a calendar with this car. Every year about October the steering wheel starts making noises... My dealer has always fixed it in past - and he will do in future, too. But this really is a quality issue which angers me a bit with a CHF 80,000.-- car...

Petrol consumption is OK (9.5 to 11l / 100KM) considering it's a 4WD car that's heavy (1600Kg).

Faults:

- Lambda-Sondd produced errors (replaced under warranty).

- Windscreen wiper electrics and motor (replaced by warranty).

- Damper shield of the left exhaust went loose (when driving in snow). Fixed by dealer at Swiss $ 0.--

General Comments:

Generally, this car is very reliable. There are some special technical things you have to get used to.

Everything is well built and solid.

Especially here in Switzerland, the M-Tech package (especially with the lowered down suspension) is not the best in snow - I lost an exhaust-shield.

Servicing is less expensive than with French cars here in Switzerland (lucky us!). In Australia and in America this seems to be "slightly" different.

The list price is high, but have a look at it after 200'000 KM... A BMW you still can sell... Try this with a Renault or a Fiat. And calculate what you've spent on a French car meanwhile. I really was surprised.

The 5-Gear automatic is OK, especially in town. You almost do not get the difference between a hand-shifted and an automatic looking to performance. Both cars are fast enough.

Overall petrol consumption is OK (about 9l Super-PLUS).

Faults:

Not much considering its age. Only a water pump I replaced as a precaution.

The rear seat (leather) split so I replaced it, but this is not a fault. The hood also had a split rear window, so I replaced it.

Generally these cars are very reliable despite being built to a price.

General Comments:

This has been a really nice car. I must say, however, that the interior materials, especially the door trims, are rather cheap, apart from the BMW leather sports seats which are fine. I had one before with power steering, which was lousy, so this one has manual steering which is far better except when parking. In the 80s this was a really fast car, but lesser machines these days put it to shame. Still, worth keeping and great with the roof down.