I've owned my 2003 3.0i 6sp E85 for almost 9 years. Equipped w/ M Sport option, 18" staggered alloys and painted in a beautiful Toledo Blue. Yes the car has need some maintenance, some worn parts replaced, but nothing too surprising or extraordinary expensive aside from tires. I'm in my 60's and still do most of my own work. Love the ride, the style, 6sp manual transmission, the power, the smoothness of the car in general. Would I recommend this car? Only to those that love a car that YOU want to drive. NO AI frills to distract one. Just a pure driving experience.

Where can I begin? - I first owned a 1968 Shelby 350, then went to Pontiac for their Trans-Am models until 2000 when I bought my first BMW 3 in 2000. In 2003, I completely changed brands to BMW with my Z4. 2nd Day of production, I was in BMW's factory in Spartanburg,SC to witness her birth. Afterwards, we spent our first moments together on BMW's nearby test track. After those all too brief moments, she was wrapped & packaged to be delivered to my dealer in AZ. The days I spent waiting in AZ seemed endless as I waited to bring her into my home. She now has a special space in my garage. It may sound somewhat anthropomorphic but BMW creates a product which becomes part of your life. Own a BMW and be prepared to have it become part of Your Family.

The 2003 model, being a new design, came with many faults which I learned at 74K miles. Had problems with alignment, air cond/heater system, top did not operate electrically, tires worn unevenly, air bag sensor. I paid a premium price for this car and another 4K to get all the things repaired which I found after driving it a couple thousand miles. Mechanical costs too much for me. I lost a ton when I traded it.