BMW 323 Sedan & Coupe...Continued

Vehicle Type: 2-door Coupe and Convertible

Retail Price Range: Coupe $28,700, Convertible $35,270

Invoice Price Range: Coupe $25,160, Convertible $30,410

Engine: 2.5 liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve, 168-horsepower, in-line 6 cylinder with variable valve timing.

Transmission: 5-speed manual, Optional 4-speed automatic.

Mileage (city/highway): 20/30 manual, 19/27 automatic

Safety Features: Driver and passenger front and side air bags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes traction control, impact sensor, adjustable rear seat head restraints.

Special Features: Multivariable cam shaft control (VACC). This system guarantees the intake valves open at precisely the right instant for any given engine speed and load factor. The result is a flatter torque curve, maximum output, smoother idle, enhanced fuel economy and lower emissions.

Major Options: 4-speed automatic transmission, retailer-installed navigation system, fold-down rear seat, remote keyless entry system and stereo upgrades.

Sport Package: $990 including 16" cross-spoke alloy wheels (unique to the 323), 225/50ZR16 performance tires, sport suspension and fog lights.

Premium Package: $2,125 including leather upholstery, power sunroof, remote keyless entry, alarm system and front armrest.

What We Looked At:

Roominess And Passenger Comfort: The 323 is based on the 328's compact package. There is plenty of leg room for the driver and front passenger. Rear passengers will be relatively comfortable though they will struggle just a bit getting in and out. Head and shoulder room is fine for all. This, after all, is a four-passenger sports car under the skin.

Driving Position: The driver's seat is narrow but comfortable enough for wider hips. People of all sizes can be accommodated by using the multiple manual seat adjustments. All the controls are logically laid out and within easy reach of the driver. The dash is very easy to read at night as BMW uses red illumination on the instrument panel -- rather than the more common green. The driver gets great road feedback from the steering wheel and seat. The car does what you want it to, and you feel that.

Cargo Space: The trunk of the 3-series has 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space. There is no shortage of space for weekend luggage for four, a week's worth of groceries or a salesperson's sample cases. Cargo space can be further enhanced with the addition of the optional fold down rear seat.