Overview & Reviews

The BMW Z3 knew how to make an entrance. It claimed the gun-barrel-shaped spotlight along with Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond flick GoldenEye shortly before its introduction for model-year 1996. This celebrity-like intro, combined with the fact that the car was BMW's first modern mass-market roadster, gave the Z3 instant popularity. Neiman Marcus' 1995 Christmas catalog showcased the luscious sports car as the perfect Christmas gift, and it launched a sales stampede that resulted in sold-out Z3 numbers for BMW before the first model even hit showroom floors.

The Z3's romance with the public proved to be long-lasting. Although riding on an antiquated semi-trailing-arm rear suspension from the E30 3 Series, the BMW Z3 was nevertheless a stylish, fun roadster that re-energized the affordable sports car market. Initially offered with only a 1.9-liter 138-horsepower inline-4 engine, a 2.8-liter inline-6 making 190 hp became available in 1997. (They could be differentiated by wider rear fenders.) It was the straight-6 engine, with its flawlessly smooth power delivery and distinctive sound, that really made the Z3 come alive. Handling was impeccable. The Z3's ride was taut enough to satisfy enthusiasts, yet agreeable enough to make it a pleasant daily driver. And from a buying and owning perspective, the Z3 neatly straddled the line between entry-level roadsters like the Miata and more out-of-reach models like the 911.

Still, the BMW Z3 had its shortcomings. Some interior materials were subpar and its cabin could seem confining for larger occupants because of the big, non-telescoping steering wheel and oversize rearview mirror. Convertible models were also saddled with a chintzy plastic rear window that sullied the car's luxury image by clouding over time. Finally, the coupe's styling was highly polarizing.

But these imperfections are pretty minor. As a used sports car, its more reasonable prices place it within reach of those who may not have been able to afford its lofty pleasures had they attempted to purchase it years ago as a new vehicle. If you're in the market for a stunning used coupe or convertible that handles even better than it looks, you owe it to yourself to investigate this talented Bimmer.

Most Recent BMW Z3

As one of the first vehicles to roll out from BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant, the Z3 was built from 1996-2002. In its first year on the market, the Z3 came in just one flavor: a base-model convertible powered by a 1.9-liter inline-4 good for 138 hp. Standard features included an AM/FM/cassette player and cruise control. A five-speed manual transmission was also standard, but those seeking a somewhat less interactive driving experience could choose a four-speed automatic. Leather seats and traction control were available options. The following year is when the Z3 truly blossomed, thanks to the addition of another trim, the 2.8. As its name implies, this trim was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 – the same lauded 190-hp six-cylinder that powered 3 Series models of the era. The Z3 also got a luxury upgrade, with the addition of a CD changer and heated seats to its options list.

With the 1998 model, this BMW became more readily adaptable to inclement weather, thanks to the introduction of an optional power convertible top. In 1999, the Z3 coupe arrived. Equipped with the 2.8-liter engine only, its hatchback design added extra body stiffness and versatility, but its strange tail drew guffaws of disgust and befuddlement amongst those who felt it was smearing the beautiful Z3. That year, the 1.9-liter four-cylinder bowed out in favor of a new 170-hp inline-6. Despite the 2.5-liter displacement, the model was strangely called a Z3 2.3 for 1999 and 2000. A Harman Kardon stereo became available, and a hardtop roof joined the options list on convertible models. Safety was enhanced with the addition of side airbags to the standard features list of all Z3 sports cars.

Minor exterior and interior refreshes were in store for the BMW Z3 coupe and convertible in 2000, and stability control joined the standard features list. For 2001, the 2.8 trim in both the coupe and convertible became the 3.0i, with the introduction of a 3.0-liter engine good for 225 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque. The logically rechristened 2.5i saw a power increase of 14 horses. Also, the Z3's optional four-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a five-speed automatic with manual shifting capability. For 2002, its final year on the market, the BMW Z3 added a CD player to its standard features list.

User Reviews:

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  Z3 Coupe (50k miles) - 2000 BMW Z3
  By adkeeney2 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved this car from the very beginning. It is powerful and fun yet a little more practical than the roadster. We are able to get a decent amount of stuff in the hatch. Handling is superb.

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  BMW Z-3 1.8 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Dan D - July 14 - 2:00 am

  All in all, an inexpensive sports car drive for a BMW. Good gas mileage but very weak pick up. Good for cruising, not much more. Build qulity definitely not up to BMW standards. Many problems widely known by BMW on this model that they leave owners hung with to pay. Mine also has a manual convertable top which is a bit of a pain.

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  Have another car - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Techshark - July 14 - 2:00 am

  While this car is fun, it needs to visit the dealer about every 6 to 8 weeks, so make sure you have another car to use. So far weve had breaks, new seat belts, plus a host of unknown "service engine soon" requirements for which it needs to go in each time. We are afraid what this will cost us with it comes off warranty.

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  Its not an MG Midget - 2000 BMW Z3
  By argonaut - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My first car was a 76 MG Midget. It wasnt fast, but it was 1800 lbs of light, nimble pure fun. Like the MG, it is small with a slightly claustrophobic interior and the top comes down. But, this is not a light toy, and weighs in at a thousand pounds heavier. It is reasonably quick, very responsive and just plain sexy. For a reasonably new car, it has had way too many mechanical problems, such as the heater fan breaking, and the seals all needing to be replaced so it would not leak. That being said, the car is lots of fun and well worth the money. This is a very refined true cloth top roadster. And its way cool to have heated side view mirrors.

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  Zooooooom - 2001 BMW Z3
  By mikevanh - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Car is REALLY fun to drive! Handling is outstanding and with the 3.0 engine and sports package you go out of your way to find roads with hilly curves. Ive been surprised at how comfortable the over-the-road ride is. Downside is its terrible in snow...Eskimos look for an SUV.

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  I really like this car! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By capttron - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I really, I mean REALLY like htis car! It is a drivers machine. It does everything you ask of it and more. Its FAST (expecially after getting it chipped = then its REALLY REEAALLLY fast) It corners like a dream. Gas mileage has been outstanding - on a recent trip to Las Vegas at an average speed of lets just say 90+ I got 24.5mpg. Contrary to the review above I think it is one of the greatest looking cars around. It has hints of some of the most classic sports cars of all time throughout its integrated styling scheme. As for comfort, I can drive the car comfortably longer than the capacity of my bladder and gas tank.

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  Thats what Im talking about - 1998 BMW Z3
  By dookie - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a car. Great power from a car that size and it handles like it is on rails. Fun factor thru the roof

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  Truth about the early Z3 - 1996 BMW Z3
  By MikeInDallas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Had Z3 2 years now, bought used. Door handle pulled off/common defect. Light switch is a pull switch, but the snap-on cap that covers the screw-on bolt is also snap-on. Duh. Location of window controls in center console results in shorts because its next to shifter and gets dirty. Windows sometimes dont roll up/down. Cat. Converter bad, rattles like mad. Top rattles too. Trunk leaks. This was a factory approved used car. Ive talked to others who have cited similar experiences. Maybe an older model you buy will have these things fixed, maybe not.

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  I like it - 2001 BMW Z3
  By nofearman - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had Toyota spyer before this one. NO match. This is two class up. I have automatic. I wish I have manual shift. Some say about S2000 but its not BMW. Everyone love the look around here (IDAHO!!!) With snow tire and DSC winter is no problem.

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  My second Z3 - 2001 BMW Z3
  By bhtongue - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 00 2.3 for 3 1/2 years and just moved into the 3.0. In all that time Ive never found a vehicle that can beat it for fun/ performance/value. Heres to another 3 years of driving pleasure.