BMW Z3 Hits it Hard

July 3rd, 2009

The BMW Z3 burst upon the scene with lots of attention. 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 great setup, along with all of the buzz of this being BMW’s first mass market roadster, made the Z3 an instant success. Neiman Marcus preimered this car in its 1995 catalog. It seems that people had a lot of money to spend that year, since they sold the car out.

The public still loves the Z3, since it’s a car built for time. Although the chassis of the Z3 was stiff and not technology oriented, the Z3 is still a worthy car, just like how the Miata put new life into the roadster market. In the beginning, this was offered with only a 1.9-liter 138-horsepower inline-4 banger engine, a 2.8-liter inline-6 making 190 big ponies started becoming available in 1997. (One could see the difference between the two from the wider rear fenders.) The six-banger engine gave the BMW Z3 plenty of get-up-and-go, all powered with a stereo providing distinctive sound. The handling is sharp. The Z3’s ride was taut enough to satisfy enthusiasts, yet agreeable enough to make it a pleasant daily driver. A BMW Z3 was a great car between the classes, of those who want more than the Miata, but less than a Porsche.Going top down in a Z3, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.

The BMW Z3 still has its own list of nits. 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. With the roadster’s styling, people either liked or hated it.  The, for the Z3 with the top-down, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector

But these imperfections are pretty minor. If you can pick this up used, then you will find an affordable sports car without spending a major wad of cash. If you want to get a used convertible, then the BMW Z3 is a smart choice for those looking to put the top down.

Entry Filed under: Cars