I got my 323i - 2007 three months ago with auto.
This car is much more refined than I recall, having driven a bimmer a decade ago. I can see why this the 3 series serves as the benchmark for
all sports sedans. I've been driving Hondas with FWD for the past decade and now I can really appreciate RWD. This is the way cars were meant to be driven. The 323i is joy to drive and albeit it is the entry level model, lacking in a few toys like Cruise control, power and/or heated seats, automatic climate control etc., it's smooth and quiet and loves to hug corners. Brakes are superb as is the steering, no vagueness and you can feel the road. Mileage is not as billed, I've been averaging under 30 mpg with mostly highway driving. The next test will be how it drives in the winter, RWD with traction control.
Do I need winter tires? I'm still not sure about the RFT's.