Thanks for you suggestions. My mechanic told me that my particular engine number had something defective with it, I have never floor my car at all, let alone before it has warmed up. I can handle a car payment, but with the 850 my monthly maintainence bills often cost more than the monthly payment. The BMW I am looking at is a '97 328i w/ 70K on it for $12,500. I was told (by my mechanic and several friends with three-series) that these cars have bulletproof powertrains and are very reliable. The car has all of it's records and was dealer serviced. What do you think? Thanks.