I've always liked the 3 series. I used to have a '99 M3 and never enjoyed driving a car so much. The new 328 may not have that much HP, but what it does have, it makes the most use out of it and with finesse. I think you should be happy with your decision...they also look awesome.

 

My .02, I went from an 08 G35 Journey to a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350. I loved my G. It really is a great car. Yes, the gas mileage suffers a bit, but more than makes up for it in power. My C350 has the direct injected 302hp motor, very comparable to the G35. I love it. If you want to try German, maybe give the new Benzes a look. Otherwise, the G is awesome!

 

I've decided to keep my 08 G35xS forever. Handling is second to none. That year Car and Driver rated the steering and handling better than a BMW 335. I have 55,000 miles on it and with the addition of Stop tech slotted rotors hawk HPS and Bridgestone Potenza S-O4 the car is better than new. Yes the gas milage sucks steering wheel is chipped it still does not take away from what really matters. I can drive it hard and know it will respond without ever getting upset. Currently I own a Honda Civic for commuting which is a lousy car to drive but it makes sense. I've only one year to go till retirement then the Honda will go. Then I can be seen as the old guy (66) with the cool car. Truth is folks 60 is the new 40. At retirement I figure I will only be driving 10,000 miles a year so expecting another 10 years should not be out of the question. I had a 2002 Maxima which I drove till it had 150,000 miles gave it to my son in law who put another 40K on it then sold it. So I figure this car should make it forever

 

I love BMWs but the only two I would consider purchasing in the near future is the M3 and M5, everything else in the line is kind of a wash for me.

If I were to spec out a used, current generation M3 for under 50K miles fully loaded, I would be looking at $36-40K and lets not even talk about the cost for parts and maintenance. I just don't feel a car is worth slaving away for if you're just making a decent income.

With all that said, I have thought about what my 07' sport sedan has given me. She's reliable, good-looking, good performance in comparison to its segment and good luxury. Everything that suits my needs. So I am hoping she will last me for a very long time. Then when I am ballin' outrageous, I could consider stepping up.

 

nice mpg figures