I owned 3 Mustang GTs between 1992 and 2015. When I bought my 2005 Mustang, I debated between a CPO BMW 330Ci and the new Mustang. Test drove both, and settled on the Mustang because it out-muscled the BMW, plus it was new. Loved the car during the 10 year ownership and no regrets, but was always thinking possibly a BMW someday.
In 2015, I cross-shopped the new S550 Mustang GT and the M235i. My criteria were
sporty car
track capable
RWD
manual transmission
more power than my S197 Mustang
under $50,000
I needed a 6% discount to make the last criteria.
I almost went for another Mustang, but after testing an automatic M235i, I loved the smaller size. The biggest factor may have been that I was simply ready for a change.
After almost 3 years, I'm very impressed with the quality of the car. No issues, and it's a lot of fun to drive.