[doughboy]

Yep, they do change things so often, its hard to compare anything.

Steve, I feel bad for you, it must be really frustrating all the issues you have.

I really honestly feel my current 3er (with modded suspension) is the best car I've ever had.

It has no rattles or squeaks (except the rear load cover shelf which was fixed with some felt pads).
It has a fabulous engine & transmission
It is a comfortable quiet place to be
Everything works great
It is perfectly reliable (touch wood, bar the fuel pump)

I had the fuel pump issue, which was a little frustrating, but second try it was replaced under warranty, no questions at all, despite my mods and non BMW history from new (they never checked the history anyway, so it might never have been serviced for all they knew.

Sorry for being boring!