Faults:

Only thing that went wrong was the interior lamp died, but was cheap to repair. This was the year I sold the vehicle.

General Comments:

It was a very fun, quick car. Comfortable and cheap to fix. I highly recommend this vehicle.

Faults:

When I got this Car as a Christmas present of a relative, it had been sitting for six months prior to myself getting it. After sitting for that long it needed:

- New spark plugs

- New Air filter

- New Brake light (s)

- General tune up.

The driver seat is unable to moved forward or backwards. Is an easy fix.

A/C is not working.

The Back defogger doesn't work either.

General Comments:

I love this car. Was pretty stoked its the "m-technic"/motorsport version. Once replacing the spark plugs and air filter, it is excellent on gas.

I've heard a lot of things about the M20B20 engines being underpowered and lacking "launch", but once you hit 4000+ rpm, it explodes forward (surprised the hell out of me and a mate when we drove it). Not to mention it has that beautiful and distinctive BMW "roar" that warns other motorists to get the hell out of the way! In my opinion its powerful enough. Could easily keep up with that twin turbo V6 through mid to high speeds, but would lack a little bit in a drag race/sprint. A K&N cold intake air filter and a new exhaust system improved throttle response. Also for a straight six, this car ain't too bad on gas.

One thing that annoys me about the BMW is the lack of space. These are very small cars. Other than that, excellent car.

Faults:

Noisy engine. Thought this was a lifter noise. Had them replaced at AU$450. Didn't fix problem. Still makes an annoying tap tap noise while driving. This seems to be common problem, with no effect on reliability... etc.

Rust. Don't ever buy a BMW with sunroof. After purchase, I noticed the headlining packed with rust, and the thing leaked like a bucket. I sealed up the sunroof with black silicone, doesn't leak anymore.

Clutch is due now, vibrates when warm in traffic. Selling car so won't fix.

Steering column got a stiff point after long drive. Discovered this was due to being a right hand drive places the column right next to exhaust manifold, which heats up on long trips. Sprayed continually with WD40, solved problem.

Electrics, wipers stay on in damp weather. Couldn't fix. Could be dangerous, as causes blurry windscreen.

General Comments:

Reliable. Never broken down.

Handles well, very comfortable. Good power and economy for a four cylinder.

Oil gets sludgy very easily. Again, a common problem.

Faults:

- The engine chain and guides needed replacement after 150k and a 12year life on Mobil1. Stunned the professionals who felt embarrassed at such an indiscretion. Many opinions later and it was determined to be unlucky chain linkages came its way.

- Off side electric window lifter not binding due to lack of use.

- Plastic Radiator tank minor leak.

General Comments:

This is simply a great car. I still have my trusty ol'e 1990 318i sedan but found a beautiful diamond schwartz 318iS that needed me. The performance of the M42 engine makes the iS the car to have from this era. Simply put its solid, well built, reliable beyond the dreams of a Toyota and revs like few others. My old shopping basket has 250k on the clock (Most of it mine) and drives like new. I was scared of europeans prior to owning the first one, but BMW can sign me on as a regular at their leisure.

The dealers however can just stay the hell away from me. A dealer who's name begins with "A" and ends in "O" rotated my directional Toyo's after an oil service and let me drive out. I drove staight back and complained. They denied it and they told me it must be the $600 wheel bearings. I drove to the the local tyre center and they put them back the right way round and I drove of at a cost of $10.

Faults:

Nothing in my hands.

General Comments:

This was a low kilometre car when I got it. It has a close ratio gear box and 16 inch factory mags with Michelin Pilot HX tyres. Road holding is excellent on these boots, wet or dry. Steering is very accurate. Gear box is a joy to use. Motor is very perky and powerful. You can't complain about 0-100km/h in 8.6 secs.

The sports seating is very comfortable. Ride is firm with factory sports suspension as you would expect. As I am tall I would have appreciated more legroom and an adjustable steering column.

Soft-top does not leak or flap about at high speed. Heater and air conditioner are both very effective.

This is shaping up to be the most enjoyable car I have owned. It's pretty, it goes hard, handles well, and it's real fun. I like this body shape more than the later models.