Faults:

Replaced the AM/FM/casette at about 178000 miles.

Replaced the gaskets around the back lights and the trunk gasket to solve a leak at about 177,000 miles. (did it myself)

Inspection 2 at 167,765 miles.: $1691 (with labor)

Front shocks & mounts

Oil pan gasket

Rear rotors, sensors

Brake pads

Plugs, filters, belts.

4 tires @ 112,453 miles.: Michelin MX4 $538.

Front end @ 147,114 miles.: $797

Front rotors, pads, sensor, lower control arms, bushings.

Oil level switch @ about 140,000 miles.: $129.

Replaced front and rear windshield moldings @ 136,200 miles.: $205.

Replaced second water pump @ 136,000 miles.

Etc., etc., etc.

General Comments:

I've got a complete maintenance file on this car, all the way back to the original brochures.

It's expensive to fix, but it doesn't break very often.

I drive it hard; love to heel & toe it through a curvy road.

All the maintenance has been routine wear & tear - no accidents; no fender benders.

It's been all over California and still looks like it just rolled out of the showroom (save for a few minor blemishes). I change my own oil & wash and wax it by hand.

It's still a lot of fun and revs right up to redline. It's predictable and nimble. Shifting into 5th at 80 justifies the advertising.

Faults:

Antennae is stuck in the halfway position when I bought it, still that way, but I kinda like it up.

Needed a new cold start valve.

Transmission lugs from first to second.

Blackout trim has sort been fried by the sun (I've seen it on every other 97 BMW).

Tape player decided to not work anymore.

Speakers crackle horribly when the volume is adjusted.

General Comments:

It's a cool little 2dr coupe, nothing complicated.

Its quick and handles like a charm, and hugs the road, very sturdy.

Gets good gas mileage and doesn't burn any oil.

Interior is simple, clean and I still can't get over that cool thermometer!

I should have bought one with a manual transmission, which I will probably end up doing.

A real piece of art. Overall Id rate it a 9 out of 10.

Faults:

Broken door catch.

Ripped shift boot.

Power steering leak.

Cracked dash.

Blower motor failed, was expensive ($600) to replace and dealer installed it carelessly by using a strap to large to hold the motor in place.

All 6 fuel injectors were clogged.

One broken ground strap caused A/C and Secondary cooling fan to be inoperable therefore causing engine to overheat.

Otherwise, normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

This car has wonderful handling.

With quick and simple modifications, performance has ultimately improved.

Very stylish look, but styling kits are super expensive.

No cup holders in the center console, bad idea.

Factory stereo wiring makes installing custom stereo difficult.

Repairs on maintenance are very expensive.

Horsepower is very low and unacceptable.

The torque is high which is good and compensates for some of the loss of horsepower.

Stock exhaust gives more power to the car than free flow exhaust.

Faults:

Had to replace the timing belt. Many people are not aware that every 60,000 miles it needs to be replaced. The ball joint also needed to be replaced.

General Comments:

I love this car! It is my first car and has never really given me any problems than the ones listed above. It is great on gas, easy on the tires and accelerates nicely.