I've owned (2) 325 coupes (94 and a 95). Both were good top-end motors and good handling cars. I now have a 97 318 sedan and a 94 C280. The 4 cyl BMW is the same good handler as the earlier-owned 6's and it will run as fast (as I cared to go) on the hwy... And the fuel efficiency was an added bonus. However, my wife's MBz would outrun (comparing the Automatic-equipped cars together) the 325. And the added amenities of the MBz make it my option. Why not consider the 98 c230 with the supercharger (as spunky as the 6cylinder (non-modded) 325/328s. The c-classes come in red, burgundy (wine), charcoal, black, black opal, white, silver, teal, gold, and navy blue. And, the deductions associated with color are very small--get a color that you like (not a potential buyer down the road). Hope for the best in your search.