[Artmasterx]

I had a 6MT 128i sport and really enjoyed it. My concern with the E46 M3 would be the maintenance. That engine requires more frequent and more expensive service than the typical N52, which would especially worry me when driving ~60k miles per year. The M3 will also be an older car, which means mores potential problems from smaller items as well.

If you want 3-series, maybe something like 2006 330i would be a more practical yet sporty choice?