Be a 325i coupe for me,m50 is a stronger engine and performance is the same in the real world.
Don't worry about the handling their very well balanced and nit sierra like.
Saab is the height of uncool,but a nice quick comfy car,Volvo pretty sad as well but loads of tuneability and reliability too,bit thirsty though as you'll be boosting everywhere.
Found my BMW pretty good on fuel,although the auto's are hideous on petrol.