Overview & Reviews
Engine displacement in the 2.8 Roadster and Coupe is bumped from 2.8 liters to 3.0 liters. An associated horsepower and torque increase, along with bigger brakes and larger 17-inch wheels and tires, accompanies the new engine. The base 2.5-liter engine also sees a 15 horsepower increase. An optional five-speed Steptronic transmission with manual shifting capability is now available.
- Superb road manners, sexy shape, lots of standard high-tech goodies, brand cachet.
- Some cheap interior bits, roadsters have a plastic rear window, significantly less expensive two-seaters are out there.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 41.00-
Such a delight - 2001 BMW Z3
By gordon sheriff - May 7 - 12:44 amYou dont really step into your car but fall in (6ft 4). When I pull up to the lights I wonder what the weather is like up there with my fellow motorists? The interior wraps around you and its the driving experience most cars dont offer. The manual auto is driving heaven. The 2.2 is brilliant on the flat but dream about what the 2.8 might do and goodness that 3.2 well. I dont believe the z4s would interest me but thats a personal choice.
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My first roadster, my first manual - 2001 BMW Z3
By Alexander Roe - October 10 - 10:51 amI picked up my z3 some 5 months ago from a local Chevrolet dealership. The shop had to fix a rear main seal leak and would pass the cost along to me rather than selling the car at auction. The total loan was around 11k which is very steep, but what I had in front of me was an 01 2.5i with less than 70,000 miles. I couldnt help myself. A friend showed me the ropes as far as driving a manual transmission after inspecting it to make sure the clutch was in good repair. Now that Im fully accustomed to the transmission, I use this car as my every day commuter vehicle. Let me just say that the best part of going to and getting off of work is the drive to and from my home. Devilishly sexy, the car also has a smooth, but quick acceleration. Perhaps the most important aspect, though, is the handling of the vehicle. Taking a second to be a dumb kid, I took the car to the top floor of a parking garage with a friend, put the top down, and just floored the car. Revving high in lower gears and taking aggressive turns, the car never complained once and delivered the most exciting driving experience of my life. Cut to now, Ive put about an extra 2,000 miles on it. To be safe, I took the car into the local BMW dealership where theyd identify the same rear main seal leak that was supposed to have been fixed by the initial dealership. Other than that, though, the car is showing no signs of wear or breaking down and I have every reason to suspect this car will be with me for the long run. And I wouldnt have it any other way. Tremendous riding experience, a tad uncomfortable and not very fuel efficient (which arent factors that generally dictate a fun roadster choice), but all in all a lovely vehicle.
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4-Star Car, 5-Star Fun! - 2001 BMW Z3
By bullz3 - March 8 - 4:43 pmIm the third - and likely last - owner of our Z3. Paid well under the $7,500 asking price (125k miles) when a BMW Dealer pre-sale inspection (do this!!) found $6k in bad rear trailing arms and old/cracked/leaking critical engine parts/seals. A good independent shop did it for $4k. Was it worth it? OHMYLORDYES! This is the Roadster my old Miata always wanted to be. Takes my breath away every time I open the garage, and again every time I open the throttle. The S52 engine is the best of the bunch. Just be prepared to pay a premium to fix all the nits that crop up. Resale values are rising for later models in good repair. If you find one under $10k this looker is definitely worth a 2nd look.
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Handles like its on rails - 2001 BMW Z3
By Jethog - November 15 - 12:37 amI have taken my z3 to Sebring, Robling Road and Road Atlanta race tracks. I love the way it would build momentum as you flow the track. My best times have been Road Atlanta 1:22.06 / Sebring 2:13.59 / Robling Road 25.98. The only thing that has been done is some computer work, and air intake with proper maintance care before and after track days
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my beamer - 2001 BMW Z3
By bruce jones - September 23 - 4:45 pmThis car is so much fun to drive, my wife refers to it´s economy as "smiles per gallon". It has the feel of the road and agility of a sports car you would expect,but still rides like a much bigger car. There is no rough ride or road noise like you get from a Miata. It looks so damn nice parked in my yard it makes me smile just looking at it.
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Bye bye Z3 Im gonna miss you. - 2001 BMW Z3
By Mike - January 16 - 8:31 pmIve had the Z since 5/02 and have put 10K miles on it, driving in good weather only. It is drafty, noisy and uncomfortable. The sound system is boomy with the top up and muddy with it down. Buying a rear windscreen helped a lot. The M3 leather seats are too hot and too tight and its hard to find a comfortable position. The plastic window is impossible to clean as are the premium wheels. Its hard to get in and out of. But... The paint quality is great it really shines up. The torque is incredible downshifts arent required for highway passing. The 5 speed is smooth the steering precise. The DSC helped me a few times. The car is just getting broken in. Im gonna miss it.
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Unique - 2001 BMW Z3
By stz3coupe - April 8 - 2:00 amBought the car because it is so unique, not allot of people have one. Many may not like the way it looks, but I think it looks great. Added some DINAN upgrades and WOW, nice improvement! The car really involves you in driving. Met plenty of people at work and at the gym who first don’t like the coupe, but soon tend to change their mind. Its easy to follow the crowd, I wanted a car that helps me stand out.
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fun and exciting - 2001 BMW Z3
By Richard Ornstein - February 21 - 2:00 amA real drivers roadster.Push it hard,enjoy the fel of a great engine,and just what a roadster should be.This car makes me smile big time.
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The red baron flies again - 2001 BMW Z3
By Roy Kulland - January 31 - 2:00 amIve owned this Z3 coupe for nearly 4 months and it just keeps getting better and better. It is like riding a guided missle - scary fast amazing! I honestly dont have the skill yet to get all the handling and speed of which this car is capable. It really draws the looks and questions too - total fun. Its even a bit more fun after I added the Dinan stage 2 cold air and chip.
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My Fun Toy - 2001 BMW Z3
By zippyiceman - April 23 - 2:00 amIts a very fun car to drive and draws a lot of attention. But they have to upgrade the cheap plastic interior parts and rear window
