BMW Z3....Is it like an MX5 but with a teutonic frock?
Discussion
So I've caught the RWD bug quite badly, since getting a 318i a couple of months ago. I saw a z3 outside my house earlier, so I had a quick autotrader search and I was pleasantly suprised by the price. Less than two thousand for what on the surface appears to be decent, if higher mileage examples.
So whats the deal with these? Are they to be avoided at all costs? I'm going to do a ski season this year, and will be coming back to the UK just in time for the summer and now I've got it in my head I need to buy one when I get back.
Things such as engine sizes are irrelevant to me. I've just turned 20, and insurance has a terrible tendancy to jump into 14 figures with the larger engined cars. Would probably be looking at 2.0 models. Are they comparable to an MX5? My other thought was a triumph spitfire, but I might scratch that bug later in my life when I have a garage and the such.
So I suppose I would like you to tell me more about them?
So whats the deal with these? Are they to be avoided at all costs? I'm going to do a ski season this year, and will be coming back to the UK just in time for the summer and now I've got it in my head I need to buy one when I get back.
Things such as engine sizes are irrelevant to me. I've just turned 20, and insurance has a terrible tendancy to jump into 14 figures with the larger engined cars. Would probably be looking at 2.0 models. Are they comparable to an MX5? My other thought was a triumph spitfire, but I might scratch that bug later in my life when I have a garage and the such.
So I suppose I would like you to tell me more about them?
greggy50 said:
It's like an MX5 accept it doesn't handle and they are boring in comparison.
They is a reason they are so cheap and that's because Z3M apart they are pretty naff imo.
Oh OK lol, why is the Z3 far more popular, despite being a lot more expensive to buy when new, huh huh ?They is a reason they are so cheap and that's because Z3M apart they are pretty naff imo.
My daughter has the small four pot one, and my neighbour has the 3.0 litre one, I frequently drive both.
The four pot one is a dream for younger people, very pleasent to drive, nice exhaust note, and handles very well.
The 3.0 litre is in itself another car, beautiful exhaust note, very nice performance etc etc.
I've driven a few MX5,s they're ok, I especially like the MK1, because of its resemblance to the lotus, but the BMW is in a different league, far higher build quality, a lot more waterproof, and a dam site more user friendly as an everyday car.
Nigel Worc's said:
Oh OK lol, why is the Z3 far more popular, despite being a lot more expensive to buy when new, huh huh ?
It's not, is it? I thought he MX5 had been the best selling sports car in the world for aaaaaggges. 
I've driven them back to back and there is no comparison - the MX5's chassis is in a completely different league.
Nigel Worc's said:
Oh OK lol, why is the Z3 far more popular, despite being a lot more expensive to buy when new, huh huh ?
My daughter has the small four pot one, and my neighbour has the 3.0 litre one, I frequently drive both.
The four pot one is a dream for younger people, very pleasent to drive, nice exhaust note, and handles very well.
The 3.0 litre is in itself another car, beautiful exhaust note, very nice performance etc etc.
I've driven a few MX5,s they're ok, I especially like the MK1, because of its resemblance to the lotus, but the BMW is in a different league, far higher build quality, a lot more waterproof, and a dam site more user friendly as an everyday car.
One had a BMW badge one has a Mazda badge people are image concious and will pay 30k for something not giving a sMy daughter has the small four pot one, and my neighbour has the 3.0 litre one, I frequently drive both.
The four pot one is a dream for younger people, very pleasent to drive, nice exhaust note, and handles very well.
The 3.0 litre is in itself another car, beautiful exhaust note, very nice performance etc etc.
I've driven a few MX5,s they're ok, I especially like the MK1, because of its resemblance to the lotus, but the BMW is in a different league, far higher build quality, a lot more waterproof, and a dam site more user friendly as an everyday car.
t about how it drives just because it makes them look successful or they think it is "cool".This is why you get people scrapping together money to buy a brand new BMW 116i when they have the power of a milk float.
I drove the 2.8 inbetween and was underwhelmed to be honest just was dull not what I want from a roadster the MX5 mk2 1.8 I drove was a hoot in comparison even if it was a bit slower in a straight line. Would not say the 1.9 is a "dream" ether underpowered may be a better term...
And in terms of build quality the MX5 is generally bullet proof and pretty sure prices would be cheaper. Also are you sure it outsold the Z3 I see far more MX5's on the road than BMW Z3/4s.
They are not a thrilling drive, at all. A decent little two seater cruiser, yes. I'd personally say they were a bit of a mis-step for BMW. Mind you, a friend of mine has one and he loves his, as he was after a competent little cruiser to carry him and his wife around. For his needs, it suits him well. For some cheap RWD fun I'd go for a decent mk1 or mk2 MX5.
I've owned both.
I prefer the looks of the Z3; especially the side air vents on the bonnet. In "hellrot" (hell red) they look fantastic. They are easy to drive, predictable and progressive but definitely muted in their smaller engines.
I've driven the MX5 in Mk1, 2, 2.5 and own a Mk3 2.0. I like them all. It's quick (well, feels quick), very responsive, a true drivers car. Easy to balance both on full power and when trundling.
The Z3 compares to the Mk1 and Mk2 MX5 in my view. The Z4 should be compared against the Mk3/Mk3.5 but then get less into apples for apples comparison.
I prefer the lines of the Z3 and I think the seats and drivers position is better for me.
I prefer the MX5 for wet roundabouts and being able to push harder.
Overall, they are quite different; I think excellent in their own ways. For a Sunday trundle with the top down, I'd take the Z3. For a blast, I'd take the MX5.
I prefer the looks of the Z3; especially the side air vents on the bonnet. In "hellrot" (hell red) they look fantastic. They are easy to drive, predictable and progressive but definitely muted in their smaller engines.
I've driven the MX5 in Mk1, 2, 2.5 and own a Mk3 2.0. I like them all. It's quick (well, feels quick), very responsive, a true drivers car. Easy to balance both on full power and when trundling.
The Z3 compares to the Mk1 and Mk2 MX5 in my view. The Z4 should be compared against the Mk3/Mk3.5 but then get less into apples for apples comparison.
I prefer the lines of the Z3 and I think the seats and drivers position is better for me.
I prefer the MX5 for wet roundabouts and being able to push harder.
Overall, they are quite different; I think excellent in their own ways. For a Sunday trundle with the top down, I'd take the Z3. For a blast, I'd take the MX5.
On a tight budget I'd take the an early Z3 with the sweet 2.8 engine over any MX5, any day of the week...
OP, we discussed the Z3 at length maybe a month a go when somebody else was contemplating a similar purchase - do a search. He too wanted to know why they seemed to be so derided. The general consensus that resulted was that despite lacking in sheer engineering prowess you come to expect from BMW, they're still cracking cars.
OP, we discussed the Z3 at length maybe a month a go when somebody else was contemplating a similar purchase - do a search. He too wanted to know why they seemed to be so derided. The general consensus that resulted was that despite lacking in sheer engineering prowess you come to expect from BMW, they're still cracking cars.
I cannot comment on the Z3 as I don't fit, but I've never understood the bad press the E36 Compact gets in relation to its rear suspension. OK, it wasn't ever the fastest car on the road, especially as BMW decided not to bring the 323ti over here, but it was good fun to drive. In fact I far preferred my E36 316i Compact to my E46 316ti. Nearly everyone raves about the E30, and for good reason, yet the E36 Compact is generally talked about as being rubbish in terms of handling
There's a load of bullst flying about the internet about Z3's, mostly by people who have never even driven one.
The smaller engined ones are not that exciting, but my wife had a 2.8 a few years ago which is a peachy engine. It handled well, was well put together.
With a 6 cyl engine I'd take one over an Mx5 at similar money as another poster said.
Great value 3.0:
BMW Z3 3.0 2dr Roadster 2000
31,995 miles
2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual, Drivers airbag, Headlight washers, Electric door mirrors, Trip computer, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Air conditioning. £4,995
t flying about the internet about Z3's, mostly by people who have never even driven one.The smaller engined ones are not that exciting, but my wife had a 2.8 a few years ago which is a peachy engine. It handled well, was well put together.
With a 6 cyl engine I'd take one over an Mx5 at similar money as another poster said.
Great value 3.0:
BMW Z3 3.0 2dr Roadster 2000
31,995 miles
2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual, Drivers airbag, Headlight washers, Electric door mirrors, Trip computer, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Air conditioning. £4,995
edo said:
There's a load of bullst flying about the internet about Z3's, mostly by people who have never even driven one.
The smaller engined ones are not that exciting, but my wife had a 2.8 a few years ago which is a peachy engine. It handled well, was well put together.
With a 6 cyl engine I'd take one over an Mx5 at similar money as another poster said.
Great value 3.0:
BMW Z3 3.0 2dr Roadster 2000
31,995 miles
2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual, Drivers airbag, Headlight washers, Electric door mirrors, Trip computer, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Air conditioning. £4,995
That's a nice motor, but it's not really a sensible comparison, is it. That 3lt Z3 is alot more powerful and a world away from the lesser BM engines, and would cripple the OP for insurance, and is twice the price of a 1.8lt MX5 at £2500 with 35k on the clock.t flying about the internet about Z3's, mostly by people who have never even driven one.The smaller engined ones are not that exciting, but my wife had a 2.8 a few years ago which is a peachy engine. It handled well, was well put together.
With a 6 cyl engine I'd take one over an Mx5 at similar money as another poster said.
Great value 3.0:
BMW Z3 3.0 2dr Roadster 2000
31,995 miles
2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual, Drivers airbag, Headlight washers, Electric door mirrors, Trip computer, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Air conditioning. £4,995
I've driven a 1.9 and 2lt Z3, and both were quite dire, and not really what can be described as a sports car, very stodgy, with OK handling but not in the Mazda league. The build quality of the Z's was dreadful, ill fitting dash leather, and most switches coming loose, and a plastic rear window. The Mx5, also driven, is alot more lithe and nimble, backed up by a 0-60 time of about 1 sec less, and 200kg less mass.
Nah, £ for £, the MX5 is a far better bet.
It would have to be a smaller engine. Insurance would cripple me, and im not a good enough driver to be able to use the power of the example above.
Im happy with the speed of my current 1.9 for now, and would like to progress slowly. 8 seconds to sixty sounds about right.
Regarding the mazda, it just doesnt do anything for me. I appreciate its regarded as a fantastic car but i get bored looking at them.
Im happy with the speed of my current 1.9 for now, and would like to progress slowly. 8 seconds to sixty sounds about right.
Regarding the mazda, it just doesnt do anything for me. I appreciate its regarded as a fantastic car but i get bored looking at them.
Believe me, you'd be better going for cars that you like driving as opposed to ones you just like looking at. That will quickly become tiresome.
As for a mention of the Z3's sub par interior, I do recall that they were designed with the American market in mind. So a 'rough' interior wouldn't really seem out of place, despite being noticeably cheap and crap next to premium BMW efforts.
That said, the interior is no worse than what you would find in say, a 318Ti of the same age. Coincidentally, the first BMW I ever drove and a real let down too.
As for a mention of the Z3's sub par interior, I do recall that they were designed with the American market in mind. So a 'rough' interior wouldn't really seem out of place, despite being noticeably cheap and crap next to premium BMW efforts.
That said, the interior is no worse than what you would find in say, a 318Ti of the same age. Coincidentally, the first BMW I ever drove and a real let down too.
edo said:
There's a load of bullst flying about the internet about Z3's, mostly by people who have never even driven one.
The smaller engined ones are not that exciting, but my wife had a 2.8 a few years ago which is a peachy engine. It handled well, was well put together.
With a 6 cyl engine I'd take one over an Mx5 at similar money as another poster said.
Great value 3.0:
BMW Z3 3.0 2dr Roadster 2000
31,995 miles
2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual, Drivers airbag, Headlight washers, Electric door mirrors, Trip computer, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Air conditioning. £4,995
That's entry level Z4 money and the Z4 is a far better steer. I haven't driven 6 cylinder car but my partner had a Z3 1.9 around 6 yrs ago and it wasn't a nice car to drive. The handling never inspired any confidence and the lack of power meant a well hustled hathback could see you off through the twisties. It caught fire when parked up one day and that was probably the correct end for it. t flying about the internet about Z3's, mostly by people who have never even driven one.The smaller engined ones are not that exciting, but my wife had a 2.8 a few years ago which is a peachy engine. It handled well, was well put together.
With a 6 cyl engine I'd take one over an Mx5 at similar money as another poster said.
Great value 3.0:
BMW Z3 3.0 2dr Roadster 2000
31,995 miles
2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual, Drivers airbag, Headlight washers, Electric door mirrors, Trip computer, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Air conditioning. £4,995
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