[TboneS54]

For pure fun (street or track), I'd say a euro E36 is the best M car (fitted with carbon airbox).

Or S54 swapped u.s. e36. Which I believe you did track, Ian.

Though, with enough effort and $, an E46 could be made to be almost as raw/light/fun since the E46 is, of course, a supped up E36.

I don't want it to come across like I don't think the E9x is special, because it is. The redesign of the chassis, alone, gives superior mechanical grip. It, not the E46, is the very end of the analogue line for BMW - it still has hydro steering, still naturally aspirated, still high rpm. A bit too refined and heavy if I'm just choosing a car to have a fun experience in (why I say E36/E46), but a wonderful car overall and a fantastic track car, (as all BMW Ms are, let's be honest - the F/G ones for PBs, not fun due to e-steering and turdbro).

And DCT, holy shit (for PBs partcularly, like [a well functioning] SMG). That's why I believe I have the best combo - 6spd e46, dct e90, both slicktop.