I got this car because it was the sportiest car with back seats somewhat in my price range in 2001 (I put two Eddie Bauer black leather car seats in the back for the kids - they matched the factory leatehr perfectly and looked pretty cool). Overall, I liked the ownership experience, but I'm not positive I'd buy another given the chance. Maybe an M3, but the price differential was significant. The performance was good for a family car. I had the stick which helped. And the bigger engine (3.0l vs. 2.5l but not the M3 engine) which I would recommend. I also had the sport pack, which was supposed to have a little tighter suspension. The steering was modified after the '01 model becaues the '01 version was a little vague for a performance-oriented car. The overall quality was pretty good, and the ownership experience was decent - at least while you are in the warranty period (which I blew through pretty quickly mileage-wise). You go in for service and your car comes out nice and clean and you feel like "wow, I'm this slick BMW-owner" until your first out-of-warranty service when it comes back filthy and you think "wow, I'm crap when the manufacturer is not reimbursing the dealer for detailing." I liked the looks, at least from the rear. For some reason, I thought the E30 looked better than the E36 (this was an E46, but an evolution of that earlier change). Mine was black, which seems to be the only color I am able to order a car in despite flirting with flashier colors. I never tracked it, but if I had it again, I would. In fact, I kind of wish I still had it as it would be about time to rip out the interior and put in a roll cage.

I loved the versatility of this sports wagon. Fantastic grocery getter, kid hauler, while driving like a sports car! Super gas mileage and dependability!! The build quality is excellent.. very comfortable and the performance is amazing! I LOVE MY BIMMER!!

Owned for over a year with not a blott in its book. Always a joy to get in and travel near or far with enough go to make even the boring trips a pleasure to get to.

i abslutely love my bmw, probably more than i loved my mustang! It rides like a king, looks like a king, and its just awesome! it accelerates like a beauty, the interior is elegant, it doestn eat too much gas.... its perfect!

Great in the snow with the All Wheel Drive