although i dont drive a E55 i do drive a C36. I'm in my early 20's. From what i have experienced from BMW's stick shifts is that they are a little vague....personally i perfer the stick of a porsche, much more direct feeling. (please i'm not knocking the BMW's but really i do find their stick shifts lack some soul and feeling. But then again when it comes to automobiles i am very finicky). As for the E55 it does not matter what age you are, after all if anyone laughs at you all you have to do is to shove 391lb/ft of torque in their FACE! And if that does'nt shut them up do a few tire burnouts! But if you do decide to go with the new M3, perhaps the way to go is the steptronic?

Once again these are my opinions so please dont flame me....

Whatever your decision is the choices are awesome... Happy motoring and hope to see you on the long twisting road (aka. my version of heaven)