I have the M Coupe. The "Sport" mode doesn't alter the suspension or steering (hydraulic rack from CSL M3 - non-M Z4s have electric steering), it only sharpens the throttle mapping - I never use it, as the standard mapping is perfect. Your car looks in great condition for age - same mileage as mine. It wasn't the last naturally aspirated M engine, as the E90/92 had a NA V8, but it WAS the last NA straight 6 M engine. The pedals are as they should be, set up for easy heel-toe rev matching, as you point out, although the brake is over servoed and throttle sensitivity make it something that needs more practice to perfect than in my 997 911 C2 manual. The latter car has near identical performance, but they are very different in character. A perfect pair :) The coupe has double the chassis rigidity of the roadster, making it a much sharper chassis and it feels more edgy and responsive as a result. It's also much rarer than the roadster, making it a better prospect as a collectible. Nice review that captures the essence of the car, and well put together.

I think these are overlooked now days, as the market seems to want to cash in on the reputation of the MX 5 and the Boxter. Still I find that driving experience and sound is quite addictive. Mine is in bright red, so those curves and lines gives it just that much more personality, almost like an Italian car...

Sport button doesn't do anything to the steering. Or the chassis, or the gearbox.. It just alters the throttle response mapping from nice and linear to regressive and far too sharp initially. Your feeling things in your head thst don't exist!