6 speed manual. E46 M3 didn't come in automatic, it came in manual or SMG (paddle shifters/sequential manual gearbox). The flappy paddle gearbox just couldn't compare to the real manual M3.
I would argue that. I track an SMG and prefer it. Its the same setup as many of the Ferarri's and not even Mario Andretti was able to shift a manual faster than the SMG. Perfect fast shifts, 100% of the time. Only 8lbs additional wieght over a 3 pedal.