[GIBSON]

I think you have two excellent choices in front of you. The automatic 325i is an otpion but you'd be pretty frustrated until you converted it over and that's not an inexpensive thing to do.
I think that there are manual 325's out there that have not been abused, and there were a lot of them sold in the States so I'd keep looking if you are interested. The 911 can be made to handle very well but I think most agree it takes a bit more from the driver to really make a 911 handle well. Those of us that drive them appreciate that fact and enjoy it. If you're not familiar with 911's and their handling characteristics, try to find one someone will let you drive. It's quite an experience the first time you drive one, no car is just like it. The brakes are outstanding, the feel of the car has to be experienced, you might find you like the BMW better. I'm a 3 series fan as well as a 911 driver and have both in my garage. They are just 2 different cars but each is fantastic in it's own way. Both cars lend themselves to upgrades and tweaks so be prepared to spend some money, you'll get hooked. Keep us posted as you look at cars, you'll get some good feedback.