Sorry there leakwoon,
Introducing myself now.
Yup, I (actually more my wife) am a proud new owner of a black Aug 2004 325i. So far, happy with the performance - 0-100 in less than 8 secs, that's pretty good. And love the steptronic. But points that I find disappointing (which others may find fascinating):
(1) hard suspension - a too little uncomfortable for me - used to larger family sedans. Others may find this just excellent for improving road handling and cornering.
(2) because of (1), causes some rattling - since having the car, like some members have commented, I am a slave to the car, trying to eliminate all sounds. Have done pretty well, and all almost eliminated, but don't know when others will pop.
(3) colour - black is nice when regularly (continually would be more accurate) maintained. Nice in the showroom, but in real life conditions, adds stress to the already stressful environment that I am working in.
OK OK, I do like the few 'easter egg' features in the car. Features that would make owners of other make of cars green with envy. Have been toying with the features and it is just excellent. But I am really a family man now, and a good e39 would fit me fine. The e90 is a little too 'japanese' for my liking (even though we have another Honda Accord which I love). Noticed that both the new 3 and 5 series have lost the distinctive BMW scent or aroma, and have a very 'Toyota' or 'Honda' or 'Nissan' smell, very japanese - what a shame, 'coz the smell is part and parcel of the BMW experience, apart from the character of the car itself from an engineering perspective.
Well, hopefully this is adequate introduction? Hope to contribute more to this forum when I can.
Liew.
...kidding
