Couple of things...
1) You can have two cupholders in the center console if you don't have the crappy euro tray that some people like to install as was featured in that video.
2) You can have another cupholder very nicely located just behind the center console if you buy an aftermarket one.
3) A lot of people neglect the suspension maintenance and skimp on tires for the E46, so if he's not pleased with the handling that might be why.
4) I'm not good enough to tell whether that has the sport suspension
5) Paying sticker for a brand new BMW is as dumb as... any other car. Buy used cars.