just one thing to point out --
dont be fooled, the SMG II is not an automatic, its a manual u can control like an automatic (or so ive been told)
well, to set it apart from an auto, it doesnt creep when u put it into drive, and u still pretty much do the shifting with the paddles, except everything is more refined and computer-controlled (along with the fact that there isnt a manual clutch)
also, in regards to ur questions on options, if it were me buying a new m3, i would definitely go for a stripper w/ only option being bi-xenon headlights (that is a must have, other lights seem like candle sticks compared to these) of course, i would probably go w/ the 6 speed, but id definitely want to test drive both transmissions before i made a definite decision