In the 1998 BMW swapped an four cylinder engine out of its popular 318 and replaced it with a 2.5 liter inline six capable of producing 168 horsepower. The new car was called the 323, leaving one reviewer to wonder why the car wasn't simply called the 325 - a name change that would come a few years later.

But the inaugural version of the short-lived 323 was a crowd pleaser, regardless of its name. While the interior was "a bit cramped" the proof was in the performance for most drivers.

Available as a sedan or a convertible, the 1998 323 "carves turns" and the "stereo is fantastic." There were the usual complaints about cup holders, but one driver noted that "the Germans believe that driving a BMW should not be distracted by drinking coffee or soda."