Faults:

Fuel lifting pump in the tank failing, causing the car to become difficult to start when low on fuel.

Towards the latter stages of ownership, the electronic head on the engine fuel injection pump was failing, causing erratic running and higher fuel consumption. Sadly I didn't know what I know now, otherwise I would have gotten it repaired as opposed to selling the car.

General Comments:

Comfortable mile muncher, economical and wonderfully refined 2.5 straight six diesel engine, who's only real enemy was the galactic mileage and components reaching the end of their service life.

Fortunately, I had many miles of quality time with this car.

Quite fast, although not quite as quick as my old 318iS, but with the added torque for overtaking the power was more 'usable'.

Handled better than the E30, but the added weight at the front end did cause it to understeer a little, almost to the point of 4 wheel sliding.

Interior build quality seems superior to the E36 coupe (they tend to rattle more).

Much roomier than the E30, and with a lower loading and bigger boot.

Faults:

So far nothing, there was a small rust bubble on the front 2 arches, but I got them resprayed as soon as I bought the car.

General Comments:

What can I say, the engine sounds lovely and pulls very well after 4k.

Handling is not too bad for quite a big car.

Interior is excellent except for the computer, the screen is faded and its hard to make the writing out.

I have 17inch motor sport wheels and they set the car off beautifully.

I must say I'm most impressed with the small things, eg. how the doors make little noise when they close and that the lights fade out gradually when you lock the doors.

Faults:

Rear suspension making "clonking" noises (suspect rear void bushes).

At idle, car wobbles (suspect idle speed incorrectly set: have already cleaned injectors).

General Comments:

Bought the car as a mile-muncher and it has performed faultlessly since I bought it. Returns 45+ mpg on motorway runs, but nearer 30mpg around town.

Extremely comfortable car with excellent ergonomics and superb driving position. Great boot space and can carry 4 adults in true comfort. I have previously owned a 325 Coupe and a 328 Coupe, so ownership of a rare GTV V6 Turbo has taught me to return to German engineering! BMWs are mechanically sound, however,minor electrical faults (such as switches) are quite common with age (but show me an older car that doesn't throw up faults over time?). I can highly recommend the 325 TDS, it's a great motorway car and will complete galactic mileages if given minimal care. I won't be buying another Alfa!