Faults:

Replaced the AM/FM/casette at about 178000 miles.

Replaced the gaskets around the back lights and the trunk gasket to solve a leak at about 177,000 miles. (did it myself)

Inspection 2 at 167,765 miles.: $1691 (with labor)

Front shocks & mounts

Oil pan gasket

Rear rotors, sensors

Brake pads

Plugs, filters, belts.

4 tires @ 112,453 miles.: Michelin MX4 $538.

Front end @ 147,114 miles.: $797

Front rotors, pads, sensor, lower control arms, bushings.

Oil level switch @ about 140,000 miles.: $129.

Replaced front and rear windshield moldings @ 136,200 miles.: $205.

Replaced second water pump @ 136,000 miles.

Etc., etc., etc.

General Comments:

I've got a complete maintenance file on this car, all the way back to the original brochures.

It's expensive to fix, but it doesn't break very often.

I drive it hard; love to heel & toe it through a curvy road.

All the maintenance has been routine wear & tear - no accidents; no fender benders.

It's been all over California and still looks like it just rolled out of the showroom (save for a few minor blemishes). I change my own oil & wash and wax it by hand.

It's still a lot of fun and revs right up to redline. It's predictable and nimble. Shifting into 5th at 80 justifies the advertising.

Faults:

I needed a new steering rack at 110000 miles.

I needed 2 ABS sensors at the same time.

General Comments:

My car has never let me down and goes like the wind.

She is comfortable and handles great.

I use Mobil 1 oil as she has never had any other oil used in her, resulting in the engine being just like new.

Faults:

The exhaust fell off at 155000 miles which I replaced with a Scorpion stainless steel system (lifetime warranty and sounds aw-some). Drivers side electric window motor packed in, replaced with second hand one. SI/On board computer gremlins replaced SI board batteries and no further problems.

Factory fitted immobilizer screwed up one time leaving me stranded RAC man sorted it out thankfully. Water ingress into boot, replaced light seals and boot seal, but still getting a damp boot??? Drivers side seat worn easily repaired. Broken rear coil spring picked up at last M.O.T. replaced for £80.

General Comments:

This car has been a bargain as I only paid £1000 for it.

Car was bought with full BMW history.

Wet weather handling leaves a lot to be desired though.

Still holds it head against more newer machinery.

Faults:

Antennae is stuck in the halfway position when I bought it, still that way, but I kinda like it up.

Needed a new cold start valve.

Transmission lugs from first to second.

Blackout trim has sort been fried by the sun (I've seen it on every other 97 BMW).

Tape player decided to not work anymore.

Speakers crackle horribly when the volume is adjusted.

General Comments:

It's a cool little 2dr coupe, nothing complicated.

Its quick and handles like a charm, and hugs the road, very sturdy.

Gets good gas mileage and doesn't burn any oil.

Interior is simple, clean and I still can't get over that cool thermometer!

I should have bought one with a manual transmission, which I will probably end up doing.

A real piece of art. Overall Id rate it a 9 out of 10.