reliability

The iDrive has been called names for years [iCrash, iSuck...etc.] I completely disagree that its hard to use, unless ofcourse the user is brain dead which most BMW drivers are not. Dont let the iDrive deter you from such a great car. Personally, I'd say get the extra navigation system because you get voice commands and a nifty little HUD system. Great for the price making BMW as luxurious as it sounds. Without all these bells and whistles, I'll admit that the car is rather bare interior wise. Regardless, its great to drive. the 525i has a good 210 hp which makes it fun around the bends and a very dynamic drive system that you will only get in a BMW. Seriously, go test it out! To answer your reliability question: Have we made repairs? Yes about 3 or 4 services and one factory malfunction that BMW said that it was their fault anyway. Have we paid for any of them? NO! =D The Warantee is amazing. It covers brakes fluids anything like that + bumper to bumper coverage. We replaced the brake pads at the recommended 30,000 miles and instead of paying $2,300 on each, it was $0. They dont lie. Servicing comes along every 4 months or so, maybe even longer than that. Hope you make the buy, its is, no lie, the Ultimate Driving Machine.