I went to pick up some oil at Fremont BMW for my 330i (manual, ZHP) and decided to test drive the E90.

A sales rep came with me so I wasn't able to take good mental notes. In any case, here are my impressions. E90, 330i sport package, MT, silver, black leather, dark wood trim.

Exterior:
1. The silver is a nice bright, clean color. It was a bit overcast and the dark blue, arctic E90s seemed a bit dreary.
2. The 330 and 325 seem to have the same bumpers, whether it is sport or non-sport package equipped. I found it difficult to distinguish between the 325 and 330. Even the exhaust tips seemed the same.
3. The headlight assembly is cool.
4. The car looks MUCH better in person--it seems smaller or a bit more squat than mine.
5. Wheels have a nice depth to them.
6. Fit and finish was good.

Interior:
1. The steering wheel is much smaller in diameter than mine. Maybe an inch or two?
2. The dash is plain. Combine the styling with the cheap-looking wood and the thin, hard plastics made it seem like a fancy Buick.
4. I miss the window swtiches--both the placement and the feel. The buttons are smalller.
5. The cabin seems roomy yet retains an air of quaintness--feels about right.
6. Stereo sounds less muddy than the HK.
7. Cupholders are odd.
8. The seat cushion side bolsters (thigh area) were lower and less supportive than mine. Not sure if these are adjustable?

Driving Impressions:
1. The speedo and tach are difficult to read. Too many little hash marks.
2. The clutch engagement is high and pedal effort is light.
3. The clutch seems to operate in an almost in a horizontal fashion. My E46 seems to have a bit of downward movement to it when it goes back. I'm not used to this. My shoe got stuck under the dashboard when I was shifting from N-->1 from a stop light (don't ask how that happned, I don't know ). I'm pretty sure I adjusted the chair/seat properly.
4. Shifting gears seemed a bit more 'cushioned' and moved with less resistance than my gearbox. Mine feels more positive and has a more mechanical feel to it.
5. Ride was smooth and a bit softer than my ZHP. Handling was good and the car felt planted. I was reluctant to drive agressively because the salesperson was with me.
6. Engine revs easily. A touch more low end and mid range power than mine. Brakes are good.
7. Car appeared to be quieter than mine, engine sound was muffled too.

Overall:
1. I still like my ZHP--it feels a little livelier. It may be that I didn't have enough seat time in the car. The demo also only had 250 miles on it. The E90 looks good on the outside, the interior has some issues. I guess it will grow on me.
2. It seems that the car line continues to move toward the luxury end of the spectrum, much like the E30-->E36-->E46, etc. Sport package is a must!