[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by TGTIW

E90 BMW's aren't what I would consider reliable.

Common weak points:
Electrics
Thermostats
Water pumps
Valve cover leaks
oil filter housing leaks
Heater cores (mine needed to be replaced at 28,000 miles!)

Radiators, interior parts, fuel pumps, suspension bushings, SMG, VANOS, automatic transmissions, basically the entire car.......

Being that it is for your wife, could you sell her on an Infiniti G37 or Lexus IS instead? You'd get an exponentially more reliable car, nicer interior, and probably 90% of the BMW driving experience. Newer Mustang is also a great option, they have decent back seats and are pretty fun to drive when properly equipped.