[ChiBimmer]

I have a Honda a S2000 that I'm keeping. I need another car for occasionally toting my teenagers or bad weather. We have a Cayenne that's the family car so I don't need something high on practicality . Manual is a must. I prefer NA and RWD.

I'm driving E46 and E90 M3s. The 128i is a possibility because it's so light and tossable. At low speed it's more fun than the M cars. Obviously it doesn't have the acceleration and the suspension has lower limits but they do feel nice on the street.

I'll also consider RX-8x, Evo, and maybe a Camaro SS which is a little above budget. The E39 M5 is a classic but for me there's no advantage over the E9x M3.

I've driven the RS4 and Mini Cooper JCW and found them numb. I've had a 135i and found it understeery. The torque was fun in short bursts but it was boring at low speed—the 128i just feels so much lighter and happy to rev.

Any other cars I should consider? Your thoughts? (Obviously this crowd likes the E9x M3–with good reason.)