New release or rerun? Since Exec. Ed. Sherri Collins hit the Wayback Machine for the landshark skit on "SNL," I recall one episode where Chevy Chase replied to Lorraine Newman that he was only a dolphin, and then on cue she opened the door. In order to properly view the Z4, a few steps back are required. I had the opportunity to drive the Z1 on several occasions while in Germany and found the car to a pleasant, if not exciting, experience. Sort of like an overpriced German version of a Miata or Lotus Elan. Almost everything German seems to be priced on the high side, warranted or not.
The beer-hall boys in Munich understood that a vehicle of this type was necessary to promote their claim of the ultimate driving machine. (I always thought the ultimate financing machine was more to the point). The Z3 was much anticipated and found an eager audience, but there was always this underlying current of quiet dissatisfaction with the car. No one really complained; most were happy with the idea that BMW had addressed the need for a two-seater. It should be noted that Munich did unleash the magnificent Z8, but it was built in such limited numbers and priced accordingly that it simply joined many an enthusiast's wish list.
The Z4 is, as was previously noted, visually far different from the Z3. However, the Z4 does share a resemblance to the Honda S2000, and my impressions from driving the Honda made driving the Z4 all that much more interesting.
The basic 2.5 six is a proven powerplant that is suited to the everyday needs of a driver. No doubt that more power is available through some of the aftermarket tuners, and one would expect BMW to steadily increase the output over the duration of Z4 production. This bit of optimism is due to the readily apparent fact that the chassis of the Z4 can handle an increase of power. There is much praise to heap upon the Z4 but, in my usual fashion, I want to deal with the aspects that I found frustrating and, more importantly, a distraction.