Recomendations?

[jllphan]

I'm sure this has been answered before, and I tried searching, but I was hoping to get a more recent answer as we have many new members.

Moms wants a Z3. While almost everyone in my fam drives Nissans (currently 5 in the immediate family, and many more throughout), I am starting to sway them towards Bimmers. She (as well as myself when I steal it on a nice day) will want some power she's been driving a 5.0 V8 vert for a decade eventhough it will be decidedly an auto . So which is the best of the Z3 (year, engine, etc.)? I'm guessing I will have about $16-19K to play with. Also, is there's an early SMG in a non ///M available? I might be able to get her to go for that if so. Any knowledgeable replies would be greatly appreciated :wink

[jllphan]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I figured the M52 2.8L would be the biggest bang for the buck (not that I am biased or anything-LOL) short of the ///M car, but didn't know if anyone knew of any potential pitfalls with any of the Z3 models.