Clutch slave and master cylinders failed almost simultaneously. Ticking from hydraulic tappet (esp. when cold) - but does not cause a problem. Discs need replacing.
First rate sports car of the old-school. 137 bhp is reasonable power for swift progress up to ~80mph. iS model has sport suspension, all round discs, 15x7" alloys and 16V which improve every aspect of driving over a normal 318i.
Very tricky in the wet. Suspension is jiggly at slow speeds. Steering is phenomenally heavy when parking (no p/s) but superb feedback at higher speeds.
In summary, it is not a car for commuting (too stiff & responsive) nor long distance (too stiff, noisy at speed and requires 100% concentration) but is perfect for "weekend" speed/sports driving with a big dollop of RWD charisma thrown in.
As an owner myself, I wanted to say your description is spot on! In all aspects.
Except one; mine too was unbelievably taily in the wet and demanded full concentration all the time, and all 4 tyres were the same, but changed the full set for Goodyear Eagle Venturas (cheapish good tyres), and the car was transformed. Arguably less fun in the wet, it now has loads of grip and is certainly safer! And superbly balanced aswell; 4-wheel drifts are the order of the day now, but unfortunately you have to be doing silly speeds to achieve them... Great chassis.
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