While I don't doubt that the newest ones could be nice, I went and test drove a couple older ones.. I believe they were 96-97ish.. and was definitely less than impressed. I can't remember what I drove off the top of my head.. they were the sportyish 300 series I believe - maybe a 328 and maybe one model down? A 325?
Anyway, the moral of the story was that in my opinion, these cars just plain weren't worth the $24,000-$28,000 they were asking. Not especially fast, not especially well handling, not especially comfortable. And even though they were only a few years old, they really hadn't held up that well. Windows were rattling as I closed the doors, etc. Frankly I didn't see anything that would make me want to buy it except that I could say "I drive a BMW" and suddenly that counted for a lot less.
??? Dunno. Just thought I'd share my impression. I was really surprised, too, as I've always thought they were good cars and liked the exterior styling... I just didn't see that design quality reflected in the interior or performance.