UPDATE:

Well, I didn't buy either one. I didn't like the gas guzzling nature of the S4, or the old interior layout and low torque of the e46 M3. And decided I didn't want a soft top which was a strike against both. Didn't want to pony up for the new M3 either......

So I agreed to buy a 2007 335i hardtop convertible, 12k miles, freshly CPO'ed and in my desired color combo, sapphire black metallic with red interior. Pretty loaded too, it has:

Sports pkg
Premium pkg
Cold weather pkg
Navigation
Comfort access
Active steering
Sat radio
Park distance control

And due to the economy, this $59k MSRP car sold for $39.9k.....and includes FREE shipping from Boston to Houston

I'm obviously pretty pumped about this rig.......especially the tuning potential. A Dinan flash takes this car to 385 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque.

Now its no 500+ hp 996TT (my fun car), but I hope this will be a kick-*** daily driver.....

How does this sound?

 

Personally I do not like the chopiness of the E9X vert tops. But as long as you dig it, that is all that matters.

One more thing, I believe you need the Dinan flash and the exhaust to hit the 385hp/400tq numbers.