Faults:

The turbocharger requires a lot of maintenance as it tends to wear out, and this can cause power loss and black smoke. So far, it hasn't lost power, but it does occasionally emit black smoke. It's a turbocharger problem.

The EGR valve is prone to failure, sometimes causing certain jerking motions.

Common leaks are found in the rocker cover (sometimes requiring replacement of the entire plastic cover) and in the oil cooler.

Electronic problems (steering wheel lock failures, central locking problems and ABS sensors), however minor faults that correct themselves.

The suspension is good, but it tends to wear out. I bought the car with over 50,000 km on it, and the previous owners hadn't touched the suspension. Its maintenance is really expensive.

General Comments:

Despite the problems I mentioned (which are not serious at all), and how expensive the repairs are, the car is worth it. Going from a Corolla to a 320 is a leap in quality that is difficult to explain to someone who has never driven a car like this.

The ride is spectacular; the only thing that makes it seem like a diesel is the low fuel consumption (another point in favor of the car). Otherwise, it has the same performance as a petrol car with the same engine; it's agile, very fast, and accelerates like a sports car.

While it requires rigorous and rather expensive maintenance, that's the price you pay for owning a car like this. In any case, the vehicle is one of the most durable and reliable out there; it has all its original accessories, and nothing has been replaced to this day. It has almost 140,000 km on it and feels like it was made yesterday, even though I'm the third owner.

The engine is flexible and responsive. It's a bit noisy when accelerating, but nothing out of the ordinary; it's a diesel, and you get used to it. Aside from some turbo issues, the engine is durable and reliable, with plenty of power.

The seats are light brown leather and complement the car's burgundy color. Completely timeless despite being 17 years old, the interior details are typical of BMW, and quality shines through in every detail.

It's a fantastic driving experience. Anyone who can buy one, even a used one that's a few years old, I highly recommend it; you won't regret it.

Faults:

Bad ignition coil, have since replaced all plugs and coils. 135,000 miles.

Rear struts replaced. 175,000 miles.

Starter replaced. 220,000 miles.

Thermostat replaced. 260,000 miles.

General Comments:

It is an all-around great car, it does everything well and doesn't have any glaring faults - no wonder it lived on Car & Driver's 10 Best List for so many years.

I wouldn't call it a sports car, but it is quick and has a motor that sings its way to the redline. Like most BMW's (especially before electronic steering) it has impeccable road manners that made the brands slogan of "Ultimate Driving Machine" the real deal, whether back country roads or the interstate haul, it is always composed.

A practical daily driver packaged in a 4 door sedan with enough headroom for my 6'3" frame and rear seats that are useable for smaller adults and children. Trunk is a decent size and I use the built-in roof rack anchors for that extra room on long trips. Top it all off with good looks, respectable gas mileage and a car that has largely defied BMW's reputation as being unreliable. This 15-year-old daily driver has nearly 270,000 miles in it and is still going strong.