 I've owned 2 E30 body style 3 series (early 90's), as well as a Z3.  This 2004 325i gets me back to my roots and back to what i expect from a BMW - riding on rails, good acceleration, and feeling like I am in a solid car.  Unfortunately, the car has become the symbol of the yuppie.  If you are a true car afficionado -  a true lover of what BMWs mean (and call them properly a bimmer and not a beemer - which is reserved for their bikes), than you won't be disappointed.  I looked at Mercedes, and they are great cars, but if you are focused on performance, take a ride in this one and see how well it picks-up and goes and corners.  