The E85 Z4, like this 2006 3.0si model, bridged the gap between the underwhelming Z3 and the overcomplicated and overweight Z4 roadsters that came afterward. For these brief few years, 2002-2008, BMW built what could be considered a classic sports car - lightweight, long in the nose, stubby tailed, a suspension that makes the car glued to the road, and a lovely free-revving inline six cylinder mated to a standard 5 or 6-speed manual transmission. This was a roadster that could compete not just with the Boxster or SLK, but also the Miata. It was elegant, well appointed, fun to drive, and at home on the golf course or a race track. It was also the best looking of the Bangle Bunch, even if the lines and curves can seem a little bit odd when viewed individually.
It's not that the Z4s that came afterward were bad cars - they weren't - but they became much more like a grand touring car than a lightweight(ish) sports car.
Review and test drive by Bill. Vehicle available at Autohaus of Naples - www.AutohausNaples.com.
