2003 BMW M3 convertible 6spd manual, Carbon Black on Cinnamon with 19" optionals. The warranty had expired and I had two years left to pay. Started driving it tentatively, no fun. Plus, my wife didn't like it because of the vert and manual. Since having the blue Z (loaded with 7AT) since April I have the following conclusions:
-I only occasionally miss manual, though the M seemed to pull better from 3000 rpm.
-I liked the M steering wheel thickness and controls better, though I much prefer the Z tilt.
-I liked the M seats better (seemed more sturdy).
-Ergonomics is a wash, though the Z wins hands down for techy stuff (the M did not have Navi, Bluetooth or Sat radio and the Ipod interface is way better on the Z).
-The M had a nicer ride over rough roads and I sometimes miss open-air driving.
-The Z looks WAY more like a sports car. To some, the M was just another 3 series.
Overall, absolutely no regrets trading in the M despite missing it sometimes.
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