Faults:

So far the only problem was a squeaky fan on setting two of four. It was a big job labourwise to fix, but was done promptly and under warranty without any problems.

General Comments:

What a wonderful little car! A joy to drive. Not massively quick, but is nippy. The car looks good, it handles superbly and is very quiet.

Good build quality although downsides are that it didn't come with air-con or electrically heated door mirrors as standard.

BMW dealers are very good.

Faults:

Battery failed at 6 months old.

General Comments:

This car does everything well. It performs superbly, makes a great noise, looks good, handles well and is reliable. It also has first rate build quality.

For some reason, it just leaves me a little cold. It's almost too perfect. Although the performance is superb, there is little sensation of acceleration or speed, and the chassis is so competent that it simply deals with it. It is the textbook definition of "a good car". What it most certainly isn't, despite the lovely engine and superb performance, is an exciting car. Or an exclusive one - these cars are as common as Fords in the UK these days.

Would I buy another? Not sure. It's a hard car to fault, and as I said before, it does everything well. But it lacks something vital - character. I respect it a lot, but I just don't love it. I suspect it will be hard to find something as capable for the money though.

Faults:

Luggage cover squeaks and groans.

Front suspension developed clunking noise, bushes replaced.

Erratic Climate Control, No way of controlling fan speed.

Radio RDS system inoperative.

Traction Control (DSC) intermittently turns itself off.

Coolant light flashes (coolant full).

Dashboard illumination failure.

General Comments:

Outstanding diesel performance, passengers regularly surprised by neck snapping acceleration.

Lovely fit, finish and design, up to Audi standards at least.

Disappointing electrics reliability.

Great load space, has the ability to carry five people, their luggage with two kayaks and three bikes on the roof up mountain roads at 60mph in 5th. Endless torque!

Faults:

No problems. So far very satisfied with the car. It's fully covered under BMW's 3-year new car warranty anyway, by which time I will be on my next one... :>)

General Comments:

It's a very nice shade of dark metallic blue with full cream sports leather.

I can say after owning Mercs, Audi's, VW's, this is the best car I've ever had the pleasure of driving.

It beats my last A6 2.8 Quattro in every respect. It looks good, goes superb, and I'm the envy of everyone! The new 3.0 straight six is very smooth, refined and powerful. It holds the road in a fantastic manner that is difficult to describe. The steptronic lets me drive it like a manual when I need a bit of fun country blasting. The auto works very well on its own after a hard day at the office.

I love the pillarless door tops and the way the sports seats are built. The dash is very well designed and built. The dealer service is costly but it's worth it.

Go and test drive one, the fuel MPG will astound you. I get well over 30 on a run and 26 round town.