Faults:

I had to have the drive shaft replaced last December at a cost of around $800.00. I was told by my mechanic that this was considered normal wear and tear for a car of nearly 15 years of age.

Currently, the power steering pump and fuel sender unit need replacing. Thankfully, neither affect the performance or reliability of the car. They are mostly just minor annoyances at the moment. This car has never once left me stranded on a highway waiting for the Auto Club.

This summer I plan to replace the headliner and carpet, not because they are in terrible shape, but just because I plan on keeping this car for a long time to come.

General Comments:

This is by far the best car I have ever owned, and at 41, I've owned a lot of cars. It is one of the smoothest riding cars I have ever driven. The only downside to that is that you can cruise up to 90 mph and not even realize how fast you are going until those flashing blue lights appear behind you.

It has all the bells and whistles and everything works!! The performance and luxury of the car can't be matched, for the money. I bought this car for a mere $4,000 from a neighbor who is a former professional football player and who pampered and garaged it for the entire 14 years he owned it. Not too bad of a price for a car that retailed for around $70,000, when new.

I can't really think of anything negative to say, except that operating and maintenance costs can be high. As my mechanic says when I take it in to be serviced, "BMW stands for Bring Money With" It can be expensive to maintain, but it's definitely worth it.

It is a real head turner and a blast to drive!!! If you don't like drawing attention to yourself, stay away from this car.

Faults:

Water Pump went out 1 week after purchase and car overheated.

Radiator blew from water pump going out.

Power stearing pump went out 2 weeks after purchase.

Transmission pump went out 1 month after purchase.

Transmission had to be replaced 2 months after purchase - car would not go forward or backward.

Battery had to be replaced at same time as transmission.

Computer system went out 4 months after purchase and had to be replaced.

Chrome manufacturer's rims had to be replaced 6 months after purchase because tires kept going flat and would not seal with the rims due to rims being warped.

Back seat will need to be replaced because springs in the seat are popping up.

Radar detector quit working.

Fuel gauge sticks and doesn't work.

The fuels circuits blew and had to be replaced - which cost $600!

General Comments:

This is a great car - when it's all working right!

The car has great pick-up and runs like silk. The car is very quiet on the road and can seat 5 people comfortably.

Faults:

Overhead cam was just ticking when purchased, (a known fault which got much worse), and has just been replaced at £880.

Air conditioning not working just after purchase, £180, including conversion to non-CFC refrigerant, to rectify. Bearings now gone on the compressor and hence I have removed the drive belt, so no A/C again.

Climate control has a mind of its own and requires a control valve, which might rectify the problem.

Needs shock absorbers, one brake caliper, and a new exhaust is looming.

General Comments:

Reliability not up to normal BMW standards - it is full service history and serviced every 10K at about £400 for non-dealer BMW specialist. The 325 is much more reliable, and at much higher mileages.

That is the only black mark: in all other respects it is superb. You can drive it 150 miles and get out wishing there was another 150 to go. It will effectively pass every idiot that would rather speed up than let you pass, when they eventually move over. 140 mph and 23 mpg, sat on leather with walnut (plastic!) trimmings, with that BMW image. Lots of detail equipment that you do not get on lesser models. And the value for money - what else is there for £2K?

Alas, the reliability and my need for more space means it has been replaced. A Honda Shuttle is not quite the same, but surprisingly close! Practical considerations ruled out the 540i Touring!