There's nothing "wrong" with an 8-speed transmission. It actually helps increase gas mileage. It could be a bad thing if the transmission wasn't good on its transitions, but BMWs is supposed to be really smooth.

If you haven't, you really need to go drive all the models you are considering for an extended period of time by yourself. Like at least 30 minutes or so. A dealer should let you do this if he has determined that you're serious about purchasing from him. If you "can't tell the difference", buy whatever is cheaper. If you can, then you should be able to determine what you like better. Then there's the task of determining if you like it better enough to pay more.

Personally, I envy your position. I had to make a decision about which 2011 model to choose based only on being able to drive 2010 models. The 0-60 data and mileage specs on the 2011 models weren't even published yet. I was leaving behind an E53 and I wanted something just like it "but better". The E70 30i definitely did not fit that bill at all.

I bought a 35d+sport+adaptive drive for various reasons. I would have gotten a 50+MSport if I could have afforded the config and could stomach the gas mileage (it wasn't any worse than my exiting E53, but the projected range would decrease because of the smaller tank and that just bummed me). So I REALLY liked it better, but not $10k better.

From reading magazine reviews and posts on forums, there's a good chance that I could have been more than happy with a 35i+MSport this time had I been given the opportunity to drive one (at least drive a 35i). Theoretically I would have gotten the boost of the new engine over my old, the new tranny, and the MSport styling that I so dearly love. Let me tell you, I will NOT go drive one of those puppies until its time to buy a new one.

So, go drive a few and buy what you like. Others opinions be d*mned. Take off like you're dragging out of the dealer lot [ok, maybe the next light] Drive it fast. Drive it slow. Do donuts. Speed bumps. Back it into a parking space (I got a backup camera because of THAT one). Accelerate fast on on ramps. Change lanes really quick (check body roll). Find a twisty road with no one in front of you (we have one really close to the dealer, so its a test course). If they make you drive with them in the car (some of them do), make them shut up (they seem to always want to talk the whole time you're driving the car, why is that??) and do your best to drive it as if you're alone and its your car and not theirs.

I did almost all my test driving with a friend in the passenger seat. She had driven with me in my E53 for probably 3yrs. She could even tell the difference between the four types of cars that we drove. "Is this one worse than your car? It seems pretty sluggish." (30i), "Wow, less body roll, how come? (at the time we didn't know why)"(50MSport), "(insert head plastered plastered the head restraint here)"(35d on an on ramp), etc.

And -- if your garage is tight -- drive it home and make sure it will fit in your garage. I had to do that one. [If my mirrors are out, it won't fit -- small single doors on our double garage].

Good Luck!