[Nick M3]

Yeah, the steering felt way better. 2001 was the WORST year for steering, but IMO, the 323/328 had better steering than the late cars as well.

For another, cable throttle.

For another, the extra torque made a real difference vs. the 325, and with an intake and a chip, the motor wakes up at the top end.

Edit: The 328 sucked, because it was barely better than the 323. The 330i was, obviously, a whole different animal, but you can put the 3.0 in either car. And if you put it in the 323, you get an M54B30 WITH a cable throttle! The only downside of the 323 is that it comes with dinky brakes stock, but it doesn't really matter.