 BMW prides themselves as the ultimate driving machine, and while this may be true in comparison to some cars on the market, I can certainly say that i've driven plenty of cheaper and more thrilling cars on the market, my wife's 2004 Honda S2000 being one of them.  Overall this car has been great outside one annoying problem, the driver's side door handle.  Twice since I've had it now it has broken to where the door could only be opened from the inside (thank god for auto down windows on the remote).  Other than that little issue, this car is both a joy and pleasure to drive.  Coming from a former Acura CL Type-S owner, I will say that this car performs just as well, without the tranny woes