What is the overall aim and what use will the car get?

Personally, I've driven E46's on standard, M-Sport, Eibach & H&R suspension. I'd go with Eibach for the look without compromising comfort/ride and H&R for better planted handling and the stance it gives - however there is a price on that. I'd describe this setup as 'firm but fair', a little trashy on poorly surfaced roads, but overall I was very happy with it. Car felt much more planted, giving confidence in corners. The missus preferred the Eibach to the H&R, describing the latter as too harsh, especially over speed bumps in daily use. That might give you a better indicator from an objective point of view, as I was a big fan of the H&R setup on the outgoing E46.