Faults:

Radiator hose broke at about 20,000.

Power steering broke at about 45,000.

Fuel pump, fuel line and computer had to be replaced at about 75,000.

Another serious problem, still not diagnosed, arose today causing me to write my feelings and disappointment with this car. These four incidents all resulted in me being left on the side of the road and feeling unsafe when driving this car.

General Comments:

When the car works, it is a joy to drive. When something goes wrong with the car, it always seems to be something serious and expensive. A luxury car with this kind of price tag and expensive maintenance should be more reliable. I no longer feel safe taking this car on a long drive.

Faults:

Offside front and nearside rear shock absorbers needed replacement - dealer replaced all before delivery.

Brake discs and pads all replaced by the dealer.

Rear trailing arm bushes replaced by the dealer.

Exhaust just replaced from the CAT back.

Steering judder on braking - brake disc warp?

Had all metric wheels balanced, improved feel for car roadholding.

Considering tyre replacement. Wheel and tyre replacement probably cheaper!

Aircon needs re-priming.

General Comments:

Good, solid, well built motor car. I paid top money for this car with a full BMW Service History - this is essential I would say for piece of mind, although there is a good parts dealer network in place which offers good value for money on most items for the Five Series.

Performance via the switchable auto box is good in Economy Mode, but better in Sport Mode - hangs on to the revs longer. Quite a nimble car for the size.

Economy is excellent for the weight and size of this car. I drive 40 miles to work and back every day of the week and the car returns 32 - 35 MPG, bear in mind this is via A roads and a lot of stop start. If taken on motorway jaunts then it will provide in excess of 40 - 45mpg at a steady 80 - 85 MPH.

Comfort is great, velour seats with walnut burr trim and door cappings provide a classy cabin. Aircon a must.

Roadholding great for the size, thanks to the large footprints of the 230/55R390 metric tyres on metric rims. Only drawback is the cost of renewing tyres - £120 plus each. Dunlop and Michelin are only manufacturers to make new ones. I do not know whether to consider good quality remoulds, or swap the rims.

Faults:

Everything was great until a few thousand miles ago. Then the clutch had to be replaced and shortly after that I needed a new radiator.

General Comments:

Great performance and handling. Most kids in their Integras and so forth don't expect a stock BMW to be so fast.