Awesome new Bimmer with some minor quirks

I own a 1996 BMW 328is and have driven the 2004 BMW 330i before. Both great cars. Well had to try out the newest 2006 BMW 325i for a test drive. Overall much improved for the most part over last 3 series. Loved it. Major improvements nicer creature comforts and even though folks dislike iDrive, as a computer geek, I love it and would get the cool toys with it. Only annoyances were the turn signals are a pain to use compared to the simple clickers in my old bimmer and window controls moved to door panels. I like having the window controls better in the center console like old models.

On to the drive-

way better power and torque.. while the 330i has more HP personally not worth paying an extra 6 grand for it. The 325i is plenty of power for a nice cruiser with sporty picky. Torque is excellent even better than last 2 models of the 3 series. Drove the automatic but would get manual 5 or six speed for better response.

iDrive- I found it easy to use and like gizmos so would pay the cash for it. Its way cool!

stereo sucks but would get upgraded Logic 7 sound system.

Only bad deal is that the options are VERY EXPENSIVE! This turns a 30k car quickly into a 45k-50k car. Now we are getting into Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche Boxster territory for this much cash. Not sure if really worth the money as I paid 15k for a fully loaded 328is model with only 50K original miles. Advice- as with all bimmers, wait a few years if possible and buy a used model with low mileage and extended warranty. Also the major electronics make the older 3 series like mine seem primitive and may cost big bucks to fix so get a warranty.

Would I buy the new 3 series? Depends, if it was my only car and I needed a daily driver then most likely yes as it offers nice creature comforts, ultra cool technology and excellent sedan. However, I still need to test drive the new Audi A4 and A6 and see how they compare to the new BMW 3 series.
Of course Audi really is just a glorified VW Passat until you spend the 65k for an upgraded Audi A8 or A6 W12 L model and that costs 120K large. However Audi does have a nicer more plush interior than even the new BMW so I am disappointed there. BMW needs nicer interior.

Also need to see how it compares to the new Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxter. I might get the 2 seater Porsche Boxster or Lotus and just keep my 1996 BMW 328is. My heart really wants a fun weekend car since I already have a bimmer. So for the same money I can buy the Lotus or Porsche Boxster or even a low mileage late 90's Porsche 911 supercar for the 40k that the 325i would set me back.