Not really. 1996 was the 1st year, only the 4cyl model. I would always tend to stay away from the first year of a model. 4cyl is underpowered, imo. I have a 6 cylinder 2.8i 5 speed. It's no 911, but definitely very spirited and fun to drive. I much prefer the classic styling of the Z3 over the Z4, but that's just my opinion. Later years have the 3.0i engine that is in the E53 X5, or the S54 engine in the m-roadster (315hp). Very powerful for a car that size, although there have been some issues with the s54 engine. The 2.8 engine has run like a dream-smooth and runs like the day she was born 85k miles ago. My X5 3.0i has almost 92k miles on the 3.0 engine, another great BMW engine.

Good luck to you. Let us know what you get!