 The car is my daily driver.  I love the ease of the manual roof.  Opens and closes in one quick motion, can close it at 40 mph (do this when it rains).   Smooth engine and excellent 5 speed is addictive.  Good torque.  Unbelievable handling.  Good ride.  Phenomenal standard stereo.  Get heated seats (my only option).  Had a few problems but BMW fixed them.  A hoot to drive with the stability control off.  Winter traction excellent if you buy winter tires (mine are Hankook), but snow and ice traction is terrible on stock tires.  Recently drove new S2000 and Solstice;  both very nice.  I like the feel of the BMW.  Nothing compares.  Buy the standard transmission and engine is my advice.