2004 BMW 3 Series i review from North America

After about 8,000 miles the car started to hesitate a little bit when accelerating at under 3000 RPMs. This usually occurs after car is warmed up, after prolonged periods in stop and go traffic, or in warm weather (I live in Miami so that's more or less all the time). On one occasion it stalled in traffic, though this was after 1 1/2 hours in stop and go at 90F air temp. At higher RPMs no problem. Still lots of acceleration left at +80MPH.

The ashtray won't stay closed (it's spring loaded).

A little bit if a visibility problem from drivers seat to the rear passenger side, but nothing critical.

Satellite radio 'pod' on trunk unsightly.

Other than low RPM acceleration issue, it's a great car. Conservative / comfortable enough for business, yet fun to drive. Looks great on the beach. Love metallic blue color!!

Has especially good handling characteristics, which is great for dealing with -- how to put this politely? -- the erratic driving styles down here in far South Florida e.g. grandma doing 45 in the left lane, Jose doing 90 in the right lane and an 18-wheeler on your tail in the center lane.

Recently had a double blow out of front tires at 80MPH in the far left lane of a major expressway (ran over construction debris that fell off a dump truck ahead of me) and was able to get across four lanes of traffic to shoulder safely, without problems. Then the BMW emergency guy showed up within 15 minutes to replace the flats!! Fantastic.

As for creature comforts: driver seat extremely comfortable (leather option) ; satellite radio (+180 channels) and 14 speakers a real plus given horrible local radio stations here and all the time spent in traffic; exceptional, responsive A/C that cools car really quickly.

Controls are 'intuitive' and were understandable even on test drive. The Bavarian engineers and I think alike! This is very different than the American rental cars I am forced to drive from time to time where controls are hidden or placed in odd locations.