I made the switch from from my 07 e86M to an '11 e92M and have no regrets. I loved my MCoupe but after 4 years and 46k miles, I was ready to try something different. As you mentioned the s65 is just an incredible engine, made even more so by the M Performance exhaust on my car.
They are very, very different cars, but if you're ready to make a switch I certainly don't think you'd be disappointed by the e92. My one thought on the DCT/MT decision is don't rule out the DCT without driving one. I only test drove a DCT because that happened to be what was available locally. After one test drive, I had to have it, the technology and driving experience had me hooked and I'm a lifelong MT driver. Good luck with your decision
People kept coming up to the Coupe in front of the showroom while we worked the deal. It was hard to see it go.
