Faults:

Nothing major to report so far, just trivial little stuff:

- One xenon headlight had to be replaced.

- Rear seat squeaks (common problem?)

- Passenger side door takes a couple tries to unlock.

General Comments:

This car is amazingly planted and firm; I prefer a car with a lot of character and steering feel, and this definitely does not disappoint. The ride is pretty forgiving; it can get choppy over really bad roads, but for the most part it is comfortable (I have low-pro's too).

Car handles wonderfully, feels RWD for the most part, AWD system makes it an all weather warrior. Initial turn-in is great, steering feedback is amazing, and the brakes are incredibly solid and refuse to fade. DSC isn't really intrusive.

It isn't crazy fast, but the speed comes effortlessly and acceleration is relentless. I'm constantly surprised by how fast I'm actually going :P.

However, the rear seats are pretty cramped. The front seats are great, but even shorter drivers really cut into rear leg room. LOTS of brake dust. Could use more torque in the lower revs. but that can be compensated for by driving Steptronic. The XI models have a bit more clearance than the RWD cars, but I wouldn't drive it in more than a few cm's of snow.

As with all BMW's, dealer charges are really expensive for servicing. Options are really pricey.

Overall, this car is a great driver's machine that doesn't sacrifice all practicality for sheer driving pleasure. Got a good used one for a great deal, never looked back.

Faults:

When the car was merely 1 year old, it developed an electrical problem: if I closed the car with the remote control, the car would open all the windows and the roof and when driving, suddenly, only 1st and 2nd gear would be available; it is the SMG model. I took it to the dealer, and they couldn't find the cause of the problem until after 1 month of having the car.

The dealer has been the worst experience I had in automotive problems. They changed my steering wheel for an old use one! I have even sent letters to BMW headquarters in Germany for this dishonest and terrible service, but they did nothing.

I had to go to Mercedes to do my services, luckily they accepted me. The alarm doesn't function, every time I close the car, the alarm pops up.

Now the siren doesn't work, only the lights, and recently, the car lost its battery charge.

I have just put some new tyres: BfGoddrich TKW Sport.

Those are the only things that have gone wrong with my car. Otherwise, it is a fantastic, well built automobile.

General Comments:

This is a very pleasant car to drive. It accelerates wonderfully. The SMG transmission is fantastic, and it really takes the best out of the engine. It accelerates very well. I have proven that the 3251 F1 SMG is even faster than the automatic 330i, as well as the Focus ST. Both cars have far more HPS, and not only in acceleration, but in final speed. The handling is very good, but if the tyres are not perfect it can become tricky, even more so than in other cars I know of.

You have to get used to the SMG tranny and it isn't for everyone. I would discourage most people from getting this transmission, unless you are very much oriented towards speed. In the city it is terrible to drive the SMG. If the car is cold, it will be too brutal. If you want to park in a small place, you'd better have the manual brake in your hand, if you want to prevent small crashes. And, after some city driving it even gets unadjusted, so you have to take it to be serviced, and they will adjust it very quickly with a computer.

The car is very well finished and no doubt it is solidly built; although, I prefer the sound of the Mercedes doors when closing, than the back doors of these Bimmers. The materials don't show any age at all.

The car is a little too low, so, the front fender cover might get stuck with some parking bumps.

Overall: great car.