Help me decide, please?...Apples and oranges...?

Okay, I'm buying a car sometime in the next 6 to 12 months. I'm on the fence. I like great interior space and great handling and safety. Also, longevity is a factor. Aesthetics are also important. I was initially thinking of the 3 series BMW, then read about the M3 coming out (it looks hot and seems spacious). But a small part of me also wants the MINI S. I had originally thought that would be the car for me, but had mixed feelings regarding size and durability/endurance in all weather. Safety wise, I wasn't sure, but it has been said (albeit perhaps biased, as it was on their site) that it handles fine per video provided by drivers testing the car in snow covered track in Canada. Compared to what I would pay for the BMW M3 or 328xi, I would also be paying a little less if I bought the MINI S, though I've read opinions here that it's overpriced for its size. What would you recommend? Wait a little more?...I'm not one to be a speed demon and usually carry less than 4 pengers.