"and I read an article in UK's 'CAR (Jan. issue?)' about something to the effect that coolant/water pump/head isseues can terminate an engine in comparison the same problem in the comparable mercedes engine is cost effective repairable. I don't recall the article exactly, and it may have been about diesel punp failure. "

I've seen many late model 328i with cracked heads. Without a doubt, some of these cars are abused with a marginal cooling system. The cracked heads maybe repairable, but the cost is very high for a well equiped specialty shop. Most often, a new bare head is bought and all the valves and cams are transplanted ($$$$). The GM auto is another sore spot in these cars. Get a manual if you can.

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Shane83SD