BMW Z3 (1996 - 2002) Convertibles

BMW Z3 (1996 - 2002) Convertibles 

DESCRIPTION

The Z3 is powered by a 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve 6-in-line with 193 hp and comes with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 31-40 of 74  
[Sep 04, 2002]
Jim Weldon
Model Reviewed: Z3

Strength:

Handling, along with the inability to carry more than 2. The grand kids can go with their mother.

Weakness:

Cup holders and lack of center rest.

One of the last of the true sports cars. At 65 I have aged opinions on what a sports car is. The Z3 meets those requirements. I own a plane, and the Z is as much fun.

Similar Products Used:

70 Fiet 1500, 64 Corvette

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 09, 2002]
Ran8987

Very good entry level sports car.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 29, 2002]
slacker23
Model Reviewed: Z3

Strength:

Acceleration, trunk space, fuel economy

Weakness:

Bad looks, little things tend to break but BMW has them under warrenty.

Eucch. Very feminine looks, as compared with a Corvette or a MB SLK. But on the road not too shabby. Handles well in the mountains better fuel economy than other BMWs. Not too expensive.

Similar Products Used:

own a Corvette Leased a MB SLK 230

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
2
[May 20, 2002]
me im not telling
Model Reviewed: ???

Strength:

prity allois

Weakness:

u name it its rong

pants may as well drive a truck

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Oct 14, 2001]
donz3

Strength:

Slow or fast, it is great. Easy down and up on the top. Easy clutch, good shifting, plenty of pickup with the 2.8 engine. Beautiful lines.

Weakness:

1) At first I was very pleased with the large drink holder. I found it held four large drinks. After several days I realized it was the trunk and not a drink holder. 2) The rear-view mirror needs to be placed differently. When driving, I am sure that a 20 year old is at the wheel. Then I get a glimpse in that rear-view and see gray hair and some middle-age guy driving.

This car has been a pleasure to drive. Quick, responsive, a head turner. We just took a 300 mile weekender with about 50% of the roads nice twists and turns and we found that driving slow was just as much fun as driving fast. We had looked for over 10 months to find a Corvette and could never find one we liked. Found the Z3 2.8, drove it, and bought it the same day.

Similar Products Used:

MGs, Porsche, Datsun 240Z and 2000 Roadster, Fiat 124 Spyders, Alfa Romeo

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Aug 24, 2000]
Eric
Model Reviewed: Z3 2.3

Strength:

Silky smooth 6 cyl engine, great exhaust sound, fun transmission, unbeatable looks.

Weakness:

Although the stock stereo is liveable, it is far from exciting. Even the simplest and least expensive of upgrades will do the trick (and did for me).

vs. Boxster: the Z3 is a much better value. Once you start adding the basic accessories to the Boxster the price skyrockets.

vs. Miata: you really can't beat the Z3's value, even against the Miata (which itself is a wonderful car). Consider the following: a) The Miata's engine puts out much less hp and torque (138hp vs. 170hp), b) the Miata has no roll bars, no std. ABS, no side impact airbags, no traction control - all of which are standard on the Z3, c) the Z3's chassis is heavier and stronger, d) mazda does not offer free maintenance on the Miata, e) and the list goes on. Moreover, a fully loaded Miata comes in at around $27,000, whereas I patiently worked out a loaded 2.3 for about $4,000 more. Considering the added safety and prestige the Z3 was an easy winner in my book.

Summary: GREAT engine for the price/class (0-60 in 6.7 seconds). It sounds amazing, looks amazing and turns heads like an exotic.

Something to keep in mind: I don't understand reviews that complain or criticize ANY roadster's lack of utility (from Audi to Toyota). This should be a well thought out consideration prior to your purchase, especially if you plan on making it your daily driver. You and your friendS can't go out cruising in a roadster. You and a friend CAN. If you're looking for a great 2 seatern you're in the right place. If you're looking for a luggage and/or grocery hauler then you should be looking at a 325ic/330ic, CLK, C70 or other larger capacity vehicle.

Similar Products Used:

Boxster & Miata

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 15, 2000]
Sothy Auk
Model Reviewed: /Z3 (2.3)

Strength:

Good looking all around. Powerful engine packs into a small frame. The thrill of driving; there is nothing comparable at this price (i.e. the Audi TT, Honda S2000, & Mercedes 230 Convertible).

Weakness:

The audio system. WARNING: DO NOT UPDRADE THE AUDIO SYSTEM! Not even to CD player. You will not like it.
Your WalkMan sounds better than Z3's manufactured audio systems.
I had mine completely replaced with an aftermarket one ($3,800.00 more).

Mine came with premium package and all the possible upgrades on a Z3 ($36,000.00 approx.) It's silver mettalic with black leather...should have ordered red leather instead. I am very satisfied with this car.
BMW has done it again. It keeps it's reputation as one of the best car makers in the world.
If you like expensive toys, BMW Z3 is for you.

Similar Products Used:

This is my first new car. It's my college graduation present.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 10, 2001]
Chad Rosen
Model Reviewed: Z3 1.9

Strength:

Nice handling. Love the looks everywhere I go. I have owned this car since bought new, and still get just as many looks as I did when they were first introduced.

Weakness:

I have been experiencing problems such as radiator having to be replaced, gas tank straps replaced, rattling noises from rear. The sound system is not worth it! I went from a BOSE 400 watt to this, and it bites. The changer sometimes doesn't work if it's too cold, or too hot. And I've experienced leaking into the truck via the center brake light.

I would recomend it to anyone. Yes, I have had a few minor problems, but the staff at the bimmer dealerships are excellent. I will be upgrading soon to a 2001 3.0. I have test driven numerous vehicles, and for some strange reason keep coming back to BMW for more! There's just something about these cars that make you yearn for more and more!!!

Similar Products Used:

Boxter--too high once you add all options
Mercedes SLK--felt like driving my moms lexus. too nimble.
Miata--what a joke. it's a cute car, but COME ON!!

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 06, 2000]
John Demick

Strength:

good styling

Weakness:

many mechanical problems, including the transmission
pretty damn expensive for an ordinary 4 banger : NO POWER!!!
poor handler for a tag with BMW and compared to others in its class

Like I said above, the car's engine is a plane jane 4 banger that doesn't deliver the excitement as a Miata did. I should have a bought the Honda S2000; I test drove my buddy's and it's spectacular!!!

If you want a roaster with a German badge then by all means, buy this car. Otherwise, save a bundle of money and get the Miata. If you really want to drive a unique, great handle roadster, buy the S2000.

Similar Products Used:

Miata, Nissan Z

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
2
[May 26, 2001]
Joshua
Model Reviewed: /. Z3 3.0i

Strength:

Car is all about the engine. Great growl comes from the I-6. Perfect balance with great handling on corners. I love the mild understeer. Great 17 inch rims. Torque! Power top. Looks like a newer version of the old 50's jaguar roadsters. ( maybe they were called the J type? ) due to the front end being the longest. Fast! HK sound system has killer bass! I love it, yet most seem to complain on these reviews.

Weakness:

Not much storage. Top speed comes up too quick. ( don't try to race a corvette because when you stop at about 130mph , they can go up to around 175mph !) Paint is very touchy, so I recomend you get the protection for the paint installed by BMW dealership.

This car is really the ultimate driving machine. When you start thinking 90mph is slow, then that means you are in a true sport car. It's 0-60 time of about 5.89 sec will blow the other cars away.( except the S2000 which most of its drivers will never pop the clutch at a scary 8000rpm , just to beat you )This car has a great feel for the road. Traction control can really save your butt on gravel or ice. Overall a great roadster with livability. Covette has more trunk space though.

Similar Products Used:

Boxster~ the boxster is a blast to drive and takes corners well, yet the Z3's torque makes up for its lack in corners and pulls hard on out of the boxsters reach. S2000~ doesn't have the torque take out.
SLK 230 ~ not a true sport car. Manu-shift is waaaay slow .
Audi TT roadster~ great car. Is more on the softer side ( if you consider an SLK , check out the TT roadster instead. )

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 31-40 of 74  

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