Haha we had this conversation when I popped over to yours for the airbox
Felt to heavy more so than the Z,needed the revs wringing out of it ti get it to go. Steering rack wasn't sharp enough, brakes were awful, quick enough but not confidence inspiring. Superior car far from it IMO.
I had a 330ci beforehand hence the reason I bought the M after, 330 was slower but so much more reliable. I spent on average 400 a month on repairs over the 9 months I had it. Mine was a manual too so I didn't have any SMG issues.I replaced the clutch, abs sensors, Vanos rebuilt by Mr Vanos, boot floor reinforcement, new discs and pads.Coolant expansion bottle replaced after it decided to crack, headlight washer replaced. The car had 60k on it. I will never go back to BMW again. Inspection 2 service was the wrong side of 900 notes too.
Also it looked bland just like any other 46 on the road and didn't feel special enough.
I did have a go in a run out CS and that was better especially the rack and brakes.
I think with 46s your either lucky and get a good one or unlucky like me