Faults:

Nothing.

The only replacement apart from service items has been the rear suspension bearings at 43,000 miles.

General Comments:

Very well built, solid and reliable.

Even though it's at the bottom end of the range it still feels like a prestige car.

Reasonably sporty handling and good road holding.

Quite practical.

Good motorway cruiser.

The engine is very smooth for a 4 cylinder. However the downside is poor performance and fuel consumption. Usual range is 27 - 33 mpg.

Faults:

Central Locking went just before the car was three years old. Fixed under warranty.

Passenger electric window was triggering safety stop, even when there was no obstacle. Fixed under warranty.

Accelerator pedal squeaks. I have taken it to BMW twice, but never repaired.

General Comments:

Considering this is a car with only 170bhp the straight line performance is stunning. This is even in comparison with a Volvo T5. 0-60 is out of the way in a shade over 7 seconds. The straight six engine is faultlessly smooth and always responsive, pulling cleanly from very low speeds even in third or fourth gear.

Handling varies. Around town and the tight corners you have to slow down, which is sometimes frustrating when I compare it to my old 306 GTI. This can all be forgiven however on the motor way where the car remains as solid as a rock, even at monumental speeds.

The car is very well screwed together, very few rattles if any have occurred. The body-work still looks brand new which is impressive after a five year life in London.

Fuel economy is not great, but it’s what you would expect from a 2.5 litre car, averaging about 21 – 23 mpg about town and 30'ish on a motor way stint.

As for dealers, there are a lot of very polite people at BMW, of course at their prices they can afford to be. The problem is you're in a ‘catch 22’. A newish BMW without BMW service history is impossible to sell. My advise would be to shop around when you get the car serviced. For an Inspection 1 service in London, I was quoted £420. In Newport the same service cost just £290.00.

Faults:

Non BMW Alarm plagued with problems (would pack up near GSM masts preventing switching the alarm off - great in motorway service stations). Replacement unit after several visits from disbelieving dealer.

Beyond that auto-dimming rear view mirror failed around 50,000 miles, replaced under extended warranty, but would have cost over 200 pounds to replace.

General Comments:

Surprisingly quick. Outruns the basic Boxter S and on motorway runs there are few cars quicker (most Ferrari owners don't take they're investments down the fast lane).

Very confident handling with good feedback. Push the car over the line and it isn't subtle in its reaction, but I haven't lost it yet. Rear wheel drive is a joy.

Over long distances the M-Tech suspension is a pain and watch out for those speed ramps you're not driving an RV!

You can fairly comfortably cruise around, but the real car comes out when you start to put your foot down - this car really knows how to take corners - is very stable and makes you think about what you are doing.

One of the safest cars I have driven. I don't recommend you jump on the brakes as you would in most cars if you want to stop quickly unless you want to cause a pile up behind you!

Been running on Continental Contact Sports and have been getting 30k + miles which is very pleasing. Car is very well balanced I get very even wearing.

It really lives up to BMW's claim of the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' as several trips to Scotland from London and almost weekly darts to Devon account.

Motorway journeys 'over 85' will see mpg drop below 28 but still pretty good. Super unleaded increases bite and mpg just enough to justify the expense.

Even now the E36 coupe body is getting a little old it still is one good looking car.

Only question now is which BM do I get next...