sorry if this was asked before, im postin this to help my lazybrother ...
but for the a reasonable price... what kind of brake pads should i get for a
02 E46 M3,

Thinking of both cost and performance??
Is OEM just the best? or is OEM way too much $$ for not enough performance difference?

what are your opionions?

OEM are dusty but stop well (for street use)

Axxis Ultimate or Mintex red box stop just as well (if not better) than OE and dust far, far, less.

Search and I'm sure you'll find plenty of brake pad threads

Carbotech Bobcats

Front and rear should be about $250 (without labor for installation that is unless you DIY).

I'm running Hawk HPS on all three of my BMWs, they work great with 90% less dust than stock BMW pads. I've got them in stock for your E46 M3, $135 for the complete set.

The thing I don't like about Hawk pads is that the dust they do make is corrosive (especially their track pads). It's not a problem if you keep your car clean, but it can damage rims and paint over time.

Carbotech's pads aren't corrosive (as well as many other brands).

The thing I don't like about Hawk pads is that the dust they do make is corrosive (especially their track pads). It's not a problem if you keep your car clean, but it can damage rims and paint over time.

I've never used Hawk Blue's, but I've used all the other Hawks and they're great pads. I never had a problem with corrosive brake dust.

Understeer has them at a nice price too.