1995 BMW 3-Series Driving machine running on all cylinders By Professional Test Driver, New Car Test Drive .com

When this generation of 3-Series BMWs was introduced in mid-'91, it won awards in all the automotive-enthusiast magazines. The modern, spacious interior, generous trunk space, and elegant, compact exterior turned a cramped, conservative but great-handling car into a roomy, stylish, relatively affordable and great-handling car. Sales have since boomed, and the car remains a perennial on everyone's 10-best lists.

For 1995, the 3-Series cars remain mechanically unchanged after a flurry of additions last year. A lower-cost 318i convertible was introduced in mid-1994, as well as the top-of-the-line M3 coupe, with a sizzling 240 hp inline 6-cylinder.

The major changes this year are new body-colored bumpers and outside mirrors for the 318i models, making them visually identical to the more expensive 325i models.

Our test car was a 318i convertible. With a wealth of standard features and little optional goodies such as heated front seats, the price registered at $31,520.