Faults:

Air con doesn't work and the viscous fan coupling failed.

General Comments:

The power is immense, and despite the weight, it handles well and stops on a penny, even with standard brakes.

The engine is a 32 valve quad cam 4 litre V8, but idles smoothly, quietly; you wouldn't know there was a V8 until a few revs in...

I've had many straight 6 BMW's, including an E36 328i, and despite the published performance stats showing the 328i quicker, it's definitely not...

I had an auto, and that is still a good car, but the engine needs a manual box to display its full potential. It drifts easily, but in a nice and controlled manner.

Parts from BMW can be surprisingly cheap, and after market parts such as drilled and grooved discs can be very cheap.

The fuel economy is poor, but you don't buy 1.5 ton car with a V8 for economy; the car does what it says on the tin, and can show many modern fast cars up.

Faults:

The car kept on cutting out when you put full lock on, or when you came to a junction. If you left the car for 3 hours or more, you would have to crank it over 3 times for it to start. This was caused by the fuel pump, and for the other problem the manifold had to be done.

General Comments:

A nice comfortable good performance, reliable car.

You get the 143bhp perfomance and there is no turbo lag either, it is fantastic. They also supply engines for Range Rover, the Vauxhall Omega and the Rover 75, so that shows you how good BMW engines really are.

Faults:

New discs.

New front shocks.

Has a small vibration at 55mph.

Track rod ends done.

Still trying to sort the vibration.

General Comments:

This is one good auto.

Dark metallic blue with white leather interior, stunning.

Runs very well, slow in first gear, but excellent on the motorway.

Faults:

When I first had the car the a rear wheel bearing collapsed within two weeks. cost me £100 to get repaired with a non BMW replacement.

The MOT failed on a leaking fuel injector which was a pricey £300 to repair as a BMW only part.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and built for a long motorway drive.

Delivers excellent fuel economy at 70mph returns 40mpg+.

The torque dies a little at mid range, but pulls like a train from a standing start and has plenty of power for motorway overtaking.

Faults:

Car failed to start after purchase due to faulty glow plugs. New ones replaced the originals and it started like a dream.

Banging noise coming from the back suspension. Rubber bushes

Windscreen wiper arm jumping and catching top of bonnet when on a sweep.

General Comments:

Apart from those minor problems the car drives exceptional. Just done a 1400mile trip and the diesel consumption was something to be admired.

One problem with the car is gets a slight vibration through the steering wheel between 45mph-60mph.

Tyres stupid prices £150 each, changed them for a nice set of 17" M5.