Faults:

Timing case profile gasket.

Fan clutch.

Coolant hose.

Shocks.

Steering rack.

General Comments:

The car handles like it is on rails, and is usually fast enough to satisfy me. However it has been a bear to take care of, very expensive. I'll buy another BMW some day, but not one this cheesy.

Interior/exterior design is classic. Ride on the highway is horrible and loud. Steering wheel still vibrates even though I've invested $4000 fixing it.

Faults:

Not much. Recently I had to change some minor suspension components, but apart from that I have had no problems whatsoever.

General Comments:

Excellent driveability, good looks, reliable, the best car I ever owned. Too small engine, though.

Faults:

Small radiator leak.

I have replaced many wear items as maintenance (I'm a stickler for keeping things well maintained!)

Some suspension rubber components need replacement - it's feeling a bit "squirrely" at high speed, and on windy uneven roads :-)

General Comments:

Handles VERY well, watch the tail in the wet though... it can come round to bite you if you are not careful at speed!

Parts are a lot cheaper than for our previous Toyota.

Faults:

Washer bottle pump.

Lambda probe.

Heater.

Gearbox has gone into emergency mode twice, once because of a lack of oil.

Bulbs blowing all the time.

General Comments:

Excellent handling and ride.

Good performance.

This car has caused me nothing but grief in the five or so weeks that I have had it. I was lead to believe that the Germans have a very good record for malfunctions on their cars but now I'm not so sure. Would seriously consdier swapping this for a later, bigger car from another manufacturer, eg Vauxhall Senator. Very disappointed with BMW. Pricey parts but OK if you can find a good specialist. I would have to think long and hard about buying another BMW.

Faults:

Bought it secondhand a bit more than a year ago with 73.000km on the odometer, which now stands at 108.000km. Since then I had replaced all four shock absorbers, front brake rotors and all brakepads. The exhaust is also about to go.

General Comments:

I absolutely love it. The handling is top-notch (I prefer RWD for greater control in all conditions). It would be even better with a bigger engine. The trunk is too small, but then my previous car was a Volvo 244, so I guess I'm spoiled :). If I can afford it, my next car will also be a BMW, preferably a 5 Series with at least a 2.0 engine.

Faults:

The only things that have gone wrong in two years are the exhaust broke (got it welded and is still going alright) and the drivers door handle broke.

General Comments:

The best car I have ever owned - massive pulling power, a bit unpredictable in icy conditions but the looks you get when you're driving around town are class.