OK, I admit it, originally I wasn't 100% sold on the Z4's looks, the flame surfaced Chris Bangle design, especially along side the Z8, its upscale contemporary, the Z4 was too much of a departure for me...well it's been a few years, and I've driven, owned, and sold 10 or so Z4's this past year.  The looks have more than grown on me, it's a beautiful package, especially in dark gray and silver.  It's also a potent performer, both the 2.5 and the 3.0 are fast; really fast, 5 speed, 6 speed, auto or SMG, I like them all for different reasons.  All are excellent transmissions, and no one makes a better inline 6 cylinder than BMW.  You've seen the reviews on this car, and now's the time to get one, it blows away the Z3 for not much more money.  The Z4 is quieter, smoother, has better suspension, brakes, climate control, and some incredible design elements and features that just make it a better car than the Z3.  This is a thoroughly modern car that has everything you'd want in a sports convertible.  The 3.0si with navigation is a favorite.