I just ordered a 2006 Mystic Blue, 330Xi, six speed slated for Sept. production, that will replace my wife's 1997 328i at 125K miles of smiles. I did my homework, testing many cars, the BMW E90 last. My first test ride was a 325 automatic that I thought was a hell of a car for the money. A couple of weeks ago my wife test drove a 325i six speed and a 330i six speed with SP. As soon as she started the 330i the engine 'woomp' had my attention. She drove it for a couple of miles and well she was a bit intimidated by the power over our older E-36. The next week I called the dealer and asked to test drive a 330i without the SP. The salesman threw me the keys of a 330i automatic as they did not have a six speed. He had a delivery so I had an hour to test the limits of the engine and platform. That was instructive!! No brainer here. I live in the 'Snowbelt' so the 330XI makes a lot of sense for an everyday driver (at 1900 dollars extra). The only real fault I could find that the body of the car is unprotected from door dings. I saw that the 2 door coupe had a very nice intrigated side moulding standard. So whats up with the 4 door? My salesman told me the doors were made of a composite and gave when tapped.... I'm not ready to buy that line. I'm hoping the new 330XI will have integrated side mouldings.