Yeah, I hear ya.
German cars are great. I love my MB E55 and I wouldn't trade it for anything but a Ferrari Enzo!
I too didn't like the Z3 when they came out. But the Z4 is much better in everyway. I have been really tempted to buy a second car and I am leaning toward a Porsche or a BMW.
Hope that Porsche will unveil its new Boxster soon.