Mine was a 2001. It was best in class then and can still embarrass new cars in 2012!!
Timeless proportions and soft, rounded curves. Still looks good 12 years later!!
Mine had the sports package so it could be tossed much more aggressively than its more pedestrian siblings. Always composed, even beyond 9/10 ths of its limits. Had decent ride quality too, which improved above 85 mph (like most German cars!).
Big trunk, CD changer out of the way, both rear seats folded down. Amazing capacity. I moved kids back and forth to colleges with this car and no trailer!
