Faults:

Both O2 Sensors (post-cat) failed @ 90,000.

Sunroof motor and switch failed @ 65,000.

AC depleted w/no leaks @ 75,000.

General Comments:

As an avid sports car enthusiast, BMW suits me well. They are not all that reliable and maintenance or repairs are almost crippling, but their products are phenomenal.

I never knew with a few thousand in upgrades a sedan could be as potent and agile as the BMW 3 series.

Faults:

Sunroof acts strangely. Sometimes the close direction will end up tilting the glass, open will close it, and when it does this it may cease to function for several minutes. Once I had to force it down. Dealer has no idea.

CD player failed to eject CDs. Replaced under warranty. New unit is doing the same thing after 6 months.

Headlights develop small, unsightly cracks in front of the low-beams, allowing moisture inside. Replaced under warranty. Problem has returned. Warranty has expired.

Fuel tank sensor went bad. Replaced by dealer.

Developing transmission problems in the form of rushing noises accellerating from zero, and brushing noises at any speed while on throttle. Noises getting louder as time goes by.

General Comments:

This car turns heads, but once inside is uninspiring and an ergonomic nightmare. There's a long list of complaints, but my review won't get posted with an exhaustive rant. Needless to say, it took them 30 years to finally put the window switches on the driver-side armrest.

Like all BMWs they feel solid. I think they took it a bit too far with with this one. It's ultra-heavy and slow - my 1993 318i handled much better and had better take-off with the 5-spd manual.

If you're reading this because you're considering a 3-Series, make sure you go for the 328i of this model year and get decent seats.

Faults:

I've had factory problems with both door seals. They had to be replaced 3 times under warranty.

Rear deck lid that houses the license plate lights has broken loose from the body.

Some interior trim pieces have discolored unusually fast.

Front brake pads replaced at 62000 miles.

As a fairly conservative driving enthusiast I find it odd that the car is ready for a third set of OEM tires.

General Comments:

The 323Ci is incredibly agile. It's wicked fast off the line, with a nice engine tone, and has torque on demand -- even in 5th gear at highway speeds.

The car itself feels extremely safe and solid. I have had no problems with ambient rattles or other noises from loose parts.

The car is extremely comfortable for a 2dr sports coupe. It does pick up bumps thanks to stock 17" wheels and 225/R17 Z rated tires, but the traction and agility garnered is a suitable trade-off.