this will be intersting, let us know your feelings on the 3.0 after an M, think i would have gone for a complete change, an elise or some thing similar as i feel i would always be wishing i had the M, but look forward to hearing proper balanced opinion as you have owned both. good luck. ps just had a thought , if you miss the feel of the chunky m steering wheel, just put on 6 pairs of woollen gloves !!!
I think your car is the only other car other than mine that I've ever seen with extended new England leather - mine is red and yours is black obviously, but the extra leather on the doors, sun visors, windscreen surround etc all just make it feel extra special.