The E92 M3 had better steering and brakes than the E46. But much worse reliability due to that V8 engine. And the E46 M3 was already not great in the reliability department. With the cost of a good E46 M3 still in the $20K range, I'd say you should just consider the E92! And if you like the idea of a Bentley, maybe a very reliable Mercedes C55 or CLK55. The M113 engines in those are super reliable compared to the S65 engine in the E92 M3. And if a stickshift is still strongly preferred, the right 996-generation Porsche 911 is still right in that $20K to $30K price bracket. And if you don't mind spending around $40K, the right 997-generation Porsche 911 can be had and those don't depreciate, a 2007 C2S with 40K miles was $45K USD 5 years ago and it's still right around $40K today with slightly more mileage.