Faults:

So far everything has been fine, but I have one major niggle that nobody can get to the bottom of, even 2 BMW specialists.

There is a loose wobbly feel from the steering when driving very slowly, under 25mph and going over cobbles, small hard bumps in the road. It's almost as though something is loose on the steering column. It's not the bushes or steering coupling; had both replaced. It also does it when you simply sit in the car, engine can be on or off, and move the steering a little to the left and right - you feel this loose sensation then too. There is no wheel wobble on the motorway, so not balancing or tracking- this is a completely different feeling- my problem is really bad on cobbled streets. It is really bugging me, can anyone help please??

A fair amount of road noise for a German car, rattly centre armrest, squeaky brakes, but this is probably because it has non genuine BMW pads fitted. When the sunroof is open, the wind deflector makes a right racket; it's so noisy unlike most other cars with these deflectors fitted.

General Comments:

Ace handling, road holding, steering poise is great, feels very well built. Hated the original MV wheels, so fitted other BMW wheels; this also greatly improved the tram lining and twitchy feel that was ever apparent, especially on the inside lane of the M25 or M6 where the lorries go and leave grooves, it was bordering on dangerous!

Sat nav/TV great, engine sounds lovely, but can be a bit boomy at times with that M sport standard exhaust.

I overall love the car and am impressed with the great fuel economy, but will it be as reliable as a Japanese car? I hope so, but this steering wobble is really annoying me...

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is a seriously capable car.

It's quick, comfortable, well made and surprisingly economical.

I've recently bought my car - at <£6,000 I think it's great value.

I enjoy it in so many different ways - the understated looks, the feel of the high quality materials, the glorious sound of the engine, and the way it handles.

I'm getting 30 mpg on my daily commute - 15 miles each way on A roads. My best is 33 mpg from a full tank when I used half the tank for a long motorway trip.

Faults:

Gearbox failure at 110000.

Second gearbox failure again at 120000.

Both front lower arms failed.

Airbag warning light kept coming on. 3 trips to the dealer to fix. Finally soldering a joint.

Boot/trunk switch failed.

Transmission noise like driving over a cattle grid at 70mph. Dealer unable to fix.

Rear tyres replaced too often.

Windows failing.

Alarm gremlins. When activated lights flash but alarm doesn't sound.

General Comments:

Yes, a super car if only it was better made...

Watch out for front suspension wearing out.

Differential noises.

Brakes and pads wearing out super quickly.

Airbag wiring incorrectly fitted under seat, causing the airbag light to come on.

But worst of all, small plastic flaps in the inlet manifold braking off and being sucked into the cylinder and destroying the engine AND...

If you have a steptronic gearbox, start saving up for a bill of at least £1500 when the gearbox fails.. this isn't a maybe but a definite for most diesel autos.. I know cos it has happened to me... twice. If you don't believe me, just research on the Internet. Search BMW owners forums and these are common and expensive faults occurring to not just higher mileage cars like mine, but newish and low mileage cars..

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY AND BE PREPARED FOR A LOVE - HATE RELATIONSHIP.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.