BMW 323 Sedan & Coupe...Continued

Our impressions of the drive:

Engine Response: The new 2.5 liter, 6-cylinder, m-52 engine is a derivative of the same powerplant in the 328. Its stroke is shorter, 75 mm as opposed to 84 mm in the 328, giving it smaller displacement. The six delivers a full 30 horsepower more than the 4-cylinder it replaces (168 versus 133) and an impressive 48 more pounds-feet of torque (181 versus 133). All this is achieved at a lower rpm resulting in an engine that is stronger all the way across the power range and much smoother in its delivery.

The 323's engine delivers vastly superior performance compared to its 4-cylinder predecessor. O to 60 is reached in 7.1 seconds for the coupe with manual transmission -- down from 8.5 seconds. The convertible reaches 60 in 8.2 seconds -- down from 9.8 for its 318 predecessor. The car has better performance figures than the Audi A4, for less money.

Shifting The Gears: BMW's 5-speed manual shifter is superb, offering a solid grip with a nice short throw. Shifting is easy and fast with just the right amount of resistance. If shifting gears is not for you the 323 is also offered with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. But for pure driving pleasure, get the stick. For the record, 50% all 318 buyers bought the manual transmission. BMW expects the same with the 323s.

Handling: The 323's handling, like its big sister the 328, is among the best of any passenger car on the market. We drove both the coupe and the convertible over twisting country roads, over hills and around lakes throughout rural New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Even without the optional Sport Package, the 323 gripped the road with confidence giving the driver a strong feel for the road unlike any other car in its price range.

The 323 comes standard with large, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. The car stops as quickly as it accelerates. This quick response could save your life in an emergency.

Ride: While the 323's handling is superb it gives up nothing in ride comfort to achieve it. The car is smooth, quiet and will not fatigue the driver on a long commute. In fact after a hard day at the office put a few CDs in the optional 6-CD changer, settle into the comfortable seats with excellent support and by the time you arrive home you'll feel better than when you left work. I swear by it.

What We Like Most: The fun, handling, performance and practicality. The seating for four is great, at least for shorter trips. The trunk is ample with space for plenty of luggage, groceries or anything else you might need to haul around. The 323 is a gorgeous, sexy, sporty, sophisticated car. It is a head turner and is perfect for an junior executive with a normal life-style who likes a bit of sport.

What We Caution You About: In general, there isn't much. The BMW power lock system opens all doors when any one is unlocked. Women tend to prefer that only one door unlock at a time, particularly when they are opening the driver's door -- avoiding intruders from gaining access to the car when they are getting in. However, BMW offers a remote, keyless entry system as an option. It would also be useful to have an interior trunk release. But that's about it.

Overall Impression: BMW has brought a high level of sports car performance and handling to what must be considered a reasonably priced, entry-level luxury coupe and convertible. The 323 accelerates and stops quickly and handles better than most cars in its price range. It delivers a level of luxury and performance that would more than satisfy most any driver.

Major Competition: Audi Cabriolet A4 1.8t and 2.8 Quattro, Infiniti I30, Lexus ES 300, Saab 9000, Volvo S70, Honda Prelude, Pontiac Bonneville SSEI, Acura 3.2 TL and 3.0 CL, Mercedes-Benz C230, 240 and 280.