Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Handling is great, and it still looks good even though it's approaching it's tenth birthday, especially with the factory fitted M-Sport body-kit.

Performance is impressive and it is as happy on the motorway as it is flying down a B-road.

Equipment level is good - leather, climate control, on-board computer etc - with only cruise control missing - but when can you use that on British roads anyway?

All-in-all a top car.

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong, just a lot of little things.

Alarm does not work, panel gaps, fog light switch stuck, random error codes that go away in the check control box, door trim feel off, air con had to be fixed, and some other minor things.

General Comments:

I was born and raised on General Motors and American cars. They never let me down, and I never had considered a German car. But this one came up for sale and I have never looked back.

Even though a bunch of little things have gone wrong, I love this car to death!!!

The handling is great, it under-steers, but you can get the back out and easily correct it, extremely stable and controllable.

Acceleration is great, there are faster cars, but this can hold its own. 2nd gear from 35-65 is great, the power only begins to fade at 110+.

The seats are very supportive and the car is well finished.

The clutch was a pair at first, very light, and I would stall a lot, not my first stick by the way. But over time I am used to it now and no complaints.

The gearbox is a bit balky when it is moist out, but generally is smooth and direct, 1st-2nd gear is a quick change.

The only real complaint, being a car enthusiast, is that it is a little too quiet. I would like to hear the engine more, and the car is quick, but there is not a lot of torque, so I would like to feel it more.

Faults:

I had the key ignition switch replaced after ignition switch failed (55K). My check engine light frequently illuminates even though I have had my exhaust system checked, and parts replaced several times by my mechanic and dealership.

General Comments:

Overall, I enjoy the car. However the "check engine" light reappearing after the car has been serviced is extremely annoying. I have had the exhaust filter, fuel cap and exhaust pipe changed without fixing the light. Very frustrating. Plus the car is expensive to service. That said, it is still a fun car to drive and it still looks great even though it's 8 years old. With the low mileage and BMW's reputation for luxury cars, I expected a little bit more reliability.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing, apart from the battery, and even this was cheap to replace.

General Comments:

Inside trim was pretty cheap with a plastic feel.

Performance was poor for a 1.9 M sports pack model. I am told that the passenger comfort level was low, but I never spent time in the back so I wouldn't know.

Ride was not the most comfortable in the world, but still bearable from a driver's point of view.

I was pleased with it overall, especially as it is cheap to own and run.