i think depends on what you want. if you want something that is pure speed, a 325i turbo would fit the bill. the 325i has excellent brakes and handling, but not as good as an M3. if you want speed, plus excellent brakes and handling, an M3 is a good way to go. of course, if you plan on upgrading the suspension/brakes/wheels on the car, you may want to start with a 325i. check out www.turbobmw.com to see what a 325i turbo is capable of. either way, you'll have a great car. if you get the 325i turbo, you can have some fun and put a 318i badge on the back. hehe. I'm trying to decide if I should pick up a nice relatively low mile 95 M3, or go with a 325i and use the extra money to slap on an AA turbo and have about 300hp? Now I assume most of you guys are probably biased being as how this is the M3 forum, but has anyone else considered this at some point? I mean a nice 325i is not a bad car right? ... and with 300hp it would be a blast.