Here goes the official C&G "How reliable is your car?" maintenance thread/survey/poll/thing...
2000 BMW 528i
12,044 - Oil Service ($0)
18,682 - Replaced front brake pads and rotors, camshaft sensor/pulse generator replaced ($0)
24,104 - Inspection 1, thermostat recall, final stage replaced, broken cupholder, burnt brake light, power outlet door stuck ($0)
33,187 - Burnt brake light, emissions recall (crankcase vent hose), door panel noise ($0), Yokohama AVS dB tires (~$500?)
35,804 - Replaced front brake pads and rotors, replaced wipers ($0)
38,467 - Oil Service ($0)
39,323 - Burned left headlight bulb ($0)
39,880 - Replaced rear brake pads and rotors, performed brake flush, replaced broken trunk catch ($0)
42,325 - Replaced camshaft pulse generator ($0)
47,472 - Replaced DSC module, broken cupholder replaced ($0)
49,643 - Inspection 2: incl. replaced leaking power steering hose, replaced alternator belt tensioner; noisy door panels (replaced clips and seals), creaking/clicking front seats (resecured seatback panel, replaced seat rails), faint clicking from front seatbelt anchor (replaced new-style spacer rings), wipers replaced, replaced front brake pads and rotors, replaced rear pads ($0)
52,876 - Replaced camshaft pulse generator ($394.27)
53,920 - Alignment ($100), Bridgestone Turanza LS-H tires ($490.90)
55,000 ~ Self oil-change: preventative maintenance (~$40)
60,000 ~ Replaced front rotors ($135) and pads ($46), labor (~$50), self oil-change: preventative maintenance (~$40)
60,208 - Coolant flush ($135.79)
65,000 ~ Self oil-change (~$40)
65,124 - Brake fluid flush (~$50)
69,604 - Stealership suggested $3,100 in repairs (replace front control arm bushings, replace valve cover gasket, replace front sway bar links, replace driveshaft coupler, replace upper wishbone boots, replace idler and tensioner pulley, replace wiper inserts, replace shock absorbers) and required a minimum of $300 for the diagnosis of what was to be an irrelevant noise from the pulleys; went ahead and changed the pulleys and valve cover gaskets ($608.86); the rest of the repairs were deemed unnecessary by an independent shop
70,000 ~ Self oil-change: preventative maintenance (~$40)
75,000 ~ Self oil-change: preventative maintenance (~$40)
That's it... I know it sounds ridiculous, but during the ownership experience, it didn't seem unreliable at all. It started every time, and I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long trip. The engine and (GM) transmission are flawless, and the interior and exterior quality is holding up.