Faults:

This car has more cheap plastic parts than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Coin holders, door handles, cup holders, window shades, trunk latches, and trim pieces have all broken from normal use.

The ABS control module failed at 80,000 miles, a $700+ part.

The MAS (mass air flow) meter failed at 82,000 miles, a $500+ part.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir cracked, per the dealer, a $245 dollar part.

The intake gaskets needed to be replaced at 78,000 miles for over $800.

The theromstat needed to be replaced a hundred miles after the intake gasket, $245.

The ambient tempurature sensor failed at 65,000 miles.

The dealer also says the valve cover gaskets, front main seal, real main, and power steering lines leak.

General Comments:

This car has not had a hard life. The maintenance schedule was followed. And yet I am afraid to drive it as it seems every week another plastic part breaks off or the service engine light comes on indicating another expensive repair is needed. This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned.

When it is running, it is a pleasure to drive. Solid, quite, fast. But if you can't afford about $500 a month for repairs don't bother.

Faults:

Radiator leaked and replaced twice at 60K, 73K.

Water pump replaced at 69K.

Thermostat replaced at 69K and 73K.

Driver's side window regulator broke at 65K.

Front passenger side and rear passenger side window regulators broke at 69K.

Rear hatch lock mechanism broke at 75K and at 90K.

Drive belts replaced at 60K, 78K, 88K (belts broke and and I was stranded)

Power steering pulley replaced at 88K.

Cup holders constantly breaking each year.

Shake developed at around 55K (previous owner). 5 mechanics checked, but all had various theories and none was able to fix (numerous tire balancing, control arm bushings replaced @75K).

Key-less entry system shorted out frequently, but corrected itself at around 96K??!!

Previous owner has maintained the car well with BMW dealers and had all service records that also showed some minor problems.

General Comments:

The station wagon is great on styling, handling, ride and comfort. I average 25 mpg on mix city/highway and the car is peppy.

Too bad numerous problems have killed my confidence with BMW. It has stranded me three times in 2 years. I used to own a 1989 735 BMW that was also plagued with problems. This will be my last BMW.

Faults:

The collision avoidance lite in the rear window needed repair.

The front driver side shock developed a rattle from a stone lodged in the spring assembly.

General Comments:

This truly is the ultimate driving machine.

The interior is well laid out with an infinite amount of comfortable driving positions.

The transmission has a sports mode that gets the most out of the 2.8ltr straight 6.