ctt335i 
2008 BMW 3 Series Sedan 335i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
The Benchmark:  Best Car I've Ever Owned
 If you enjoy driving and see it as more than just getting from A to B but still want everyday usability and pay less than $50K, this is hands down the best car you'll ever own.  Its power delivery is absolutely sublime and there's so much of it.  This car does so many things well.  It handles like it's on rails, balances ride quality with road feel, and delivers so much fun while doing it.  I shopped several competitors including the IS350, G37, S4, and C350.  Each of these cars had their high points but I always came back to the soul-stirring 335i.  The run-flat tires are definitely the weakest point, offering great grip and reasonable tread-life, but somewhat unforgiving on rough surfaces