Faults:

A/C condenser.

Clutch 130 000.

Clutch servo 140 000.

Suspension bushes.

General Comments:

This car is the best car I have ever owned.

The granite silver bodywork is classy, and the silver/grey leather seats etc are very comfortable. I have driven this car all over the UK and Europe. A 450-mile trip from Devon to Scotland just feels like an 80-mile trip up the road.

The average petrol consumption is in the region of 28MPG, about 32MPG at 85 on the motorway, which is pretty good for a 192BHP car.

I sold the car to my sister who now has 250 000 on the clock and it still runs like a train.

I sold it because I needed load though from the boot. This was not an option on the E34 saloon.

For the size of car the handling is excellent. The 50:50 weight distribution shows well. The rubber on the road is high to. The 255 60 15 sound expensive, but economy tyres cost £50 each and last approx 30 000 miles.

The car was surprisingly cheap to run. I guess if it doesn't go wrong then the costs of ownership are low.

Faults:

Rear suspension bushes.

Rear exhaust box.

Battery failed to charge.

All above were original parts replaced though.

General Comments:

This a very well-sorted car, I can now see why people enjoy their BMW's so much.

The handling is excellent, yet the ride is uncannily smooth.

The 6 cylinder engine is a joy to listen to, so smooth and free-spinning.

The controls are superbly laid-out and the seating position (for the driver) is probably the best I have ever encountered.

I prefer Audi dashboards however.

The coupe is surprisingly practical as the rear seats knock-down, unlike the saloon's (unless spec'd by the first owner).

Beautiful paintwork that shines like new after each wash, again the best paintwork I have ever encountered.

My car still gets admiring glances even though it is nearly 10 years old.

The economy is good also for a 6 cylinder car, I usually get 35+ to the gallon, but then I am not the fastest of drivers!

Faults:

ABS light has shown.

Auto/power window sealer on the driver's door malfunctions occasionally.

Roof rattles.

Auto start inhibitor does not work (can start in gear).

Plastic rear window is scuffed and scratched.

General Comments:

This car is a work of art. The styling is timeless, quite square and aggressive. As far as convertibles go, it is practical yet still a load of fun.

The gear-box is smooth, the motor is powerful enough and it handles very well.

The seats are extremely comfortable and the interior (leather) is quite nice, although later models (E46) look smoother.

Despite being 8 years old it still has the style and feel of a much newer car.

The roof seals perfectly and wind noise is only slightly noticeable at motorway speed limits.

Faults:

Driver's window came off its rail (apparently a design fault in the early 3 Series, but reportedly fixed before my car went into production).

General Comments:

Comfortable drive, marred by excessive wind noise (not a quiet car).

BMW dealers are notoriously expensive, and not worth it. GBP 26 quoted for topping up the antifreeze. Unnecessary work done, so honesty not prevalent with BMW dealers. Don't bother keeping the FBMWSH up, go to a BMW specialist instead, not a dealer.