You might never see a comeback on the automobiles with the smaller engines. It’s more a matter of purchasing one for your personal enjoyment and caring for it properly to preserve as much of its value as you can. The 2.8 and 3.0 models of the Z3 will appreciate in value, but even then, only if low mileage is maintained and even then, only if the vehicle is regularly pampered, which isn’t the idea of a Z3. You can purchase, drive, and enjoy a Z3. There are more better options available if you’re looking to purchase a vehicle as an investment, such the Z3M. One is not the Z3. Instead, get it for personal use; you’ll be glad you did.
In This Article...
The rarity of BMW Z3s.
As a mass-market vehicle, BMW sold more of these than they probably ever anticipated. Between 1995 and 2002, approximately 300,000 vehicles total—the great majority of which were roadsters—were produced.
The 1.9 four-cylinder and 2.8 six-cylinder types were the most popular; they were found in over half of all vehicles produced.
There have only ever been 21,613 Z3Ms made, and there have only ever been 17,815 coupes.
The cost of a BMW Z4
What’s Novel? Price: The 2022 BMW Z4’s starting MSRP for the 30i variant is $49,900. The entry-level M40i variant has a price of $63,700. The BMW Z4 deviates a little from the German brand’s standard fare while maintaining its distinctive BMW flair.
When did BMW start producing the Z3?
Following the European-only Z1, the BMW Z3 is a two-door, rear-drive coupe and roadster built for the 1996 through 2002 model years. Many people saw it before it was officially unveiled in January 1996 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit when 007 briefly drove a blue Z3 in Cuba in the James Bond film GoldenEye.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and the trailing-arm rear suspension of the Z3 are both based on the E36 of the 3 Series, respectively. The initial engine was a 1.9-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower, which was barely enough to keep up with a Miata. Critics cried out for more power, but they would not have it until 1997, when BMW launched a 2.8-liter straight-six engine with 190 horsepower as an option. This engine was also differentiated by having a wider rear track than the four-cylinder vehicle. The new M Roadster, which had a 3.2-liter, 240-hp six-cylinder engine (much less powerful than the 320-hp European version, but we had to make do with what we had), a stiffer chassis arrangement, and a peak speed of 155 mph, was even more thrilling. The Z3 was now able to compete with cars like the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK.
The Z3 had a successful year in 1999: the underwhelming four-cylinder was replaced with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline six, and a new coupe with the same engine options (193 hp or 240 hp) as the Roadster, badged as a Z3 2.8 or M Coupe, debuted.
Minor aesthetic changes were made to the Z3 for Y2K, while power increases were made to all models in 2001: The 2.8 was replaced by a 3.0-liter engine with 225 hp, and the 2.5-liter’s output increased to 184 hp. But the 315 horsepower, 3.2-liter six from the E46 M3 was the engine that the M vehicles finally received. The happiness, however, was fleeting because the Z3 will go out of production in 2002 and be replaced by the brand-new Z4 in 2003.
How many BMW Z3s exist in the US?
The Z3 was produced in 297,088 units overall between 1995 and 2002. These were a number of special edition versions that could be identified by unique paint schemes and luxurious equipment accents. Only 100 of the James Bond Edition, which was the first of these, were made for the US market in 1996. This unique model, which was only offered in Nieman Marcus’ Christmas catalog, visually matched the agent’s service vehicle and was painted “Atlantic Blue.” The 5.4-liter V12 engine from the 750i was used in a prototype Z3 M Roadster made by M GmbH in 1999, but it was never put into production. This concept was abandoned very quickly because to the severe front-end load and the ensuing poor handling. The one-off is currently a member of the BMW Group Classic lineup. The previously indicated quantity of units is broken down into 279,273 roadsters and 17,815 coupes. Particularly hard to find were the facelifted versions of the M Roadster (344 for Europe/RoW, 1,565 for North America) and M Coupe (434 for Europe/RoW, 678 for North America). The Z3 was replaced by the newly created BMW Z4 in the fall of 2002.
The BMW Z3—is it a vintage?
The BMW Z3 has been on the market for more than 25 years, but it is still only just beginning to qualify as a classic. We believe the Z3 is ready now since values for good instances are rising and its contemporaries are already rising in the modern-classic category.
Is a 1996 BMW Z3 a vintage vehicle?
(Editor’s note: Because this week is often the deadline for filing federal income taxes, and because of the pandemic, the deadline has been prolonged this year, we’re restricting the Pick of the Day choices to cars listed for sale for at least four figures. The idea is that you might be receiving a refund large enough to purchase one of these vehicles, or that after paying Uncle Sam, you might have money left over to take into account one of our recommendations.)
Finding the best contemporary roadster that isn’t a Mazda Miata for less than $10,000 was my challenge. In reality, the 1996 BMW Z3 that I selected as Pick of the Day is a superior sports car to the Miata.
Since the 507 from the 1950s, the Z3 is the first BMW roadster. The Z3 has many vintage BMW styling cues from the past while mechanically being very modern.
I’m sure Miata owners will take offense to my claim that the Z3 is a superior roadster. But having had a 1996 Z3 and driven several first-generation Miatas, I can confidently assert that the BMW is a superior vehicle with more horsepower, a more competent chassis, and a cabin that is unquestionably more opulent than any first-generation Miata.
Although there is nothing inherently wrong with a Miata, the BMW is a more luxury vehicle, which is not surprising given how much more money the Z3 cost when it was brand-new. But the reality is that first-generation Miatas and Z3s are currently priced similarly, which offers a chance for the BMW customer.
In terms of maintenance costs, these early 1.9-liter 4-cylinder Z3s are comparatively indestructible and rarely experience major mechanical problems, making ownership generally affordable.
The Z3 is a truly ideal retro-modern roadster that is attractive to look at and entertaining to drive. They offer a fantastic value for a European roadster and are among the few BMWs that you can readily service yourself.
The asking price of $9,995 is fair for one of these entertaining and interesting cars.
At the age of 15, Andy Reid bought his first car, a 1968 Fiat 124 coupe. His second was a 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, which he bought with money from his college savings. Since then, he has possessed over 150 vehicles, none of which were common or reasonable, in addition to a large number of vintage motorcycles and scooters. Reid, a seasoned writer who has experience in advertising, film, television, and other media, was a columnist for Classic Motorsports magazine for 12 years and has contributed to a number of other publications. He is regarded as a concours judge and an authority on European sports and luxury automobiles. In Canton, Connecticut, he resides.
The BMW Z3: A contemporary classic?
Why think about a BMW Z3? Initially presented to the world by a Mr. J. Bond, they were attractive on the outside but had little going on on the inside. It costs more and moves more slowly than a Mazda MX-5.
Despite the mental Z3M, the boot and interior are cramped, and driving it isn’t particularly enjoyable. However, the style is evolving into a timeless classic.
How do I choose a BMW Z3? The engines, as with all BMWs, are a distinguishing feature. Everything works out well, and the 1.9 engine provides enough power for this small, simple car.
The 3.0 engine is too powerful for the Z3’s relatively erratic chassis. Opt for the 1.9 or wonderful sounding 2.2 straight six unless you like to go sideways.
How much should a BMW Z3 cost? Pay roughly PS 6000 for a 2.2 Z3 that is nine years old and has 60,000 miles on it. For PS3500 less, you may purchase a 1.9 car with 100,000 kilometers on it.
These cars’ depreciation is currently rather steady, however those older than ten years may soon decline significantly.
What defects must I look for before purchasing? One of the issues UsedCarExpert.co.uk suggests looking out for before purchasing is this one:
Keep the bonnet open and the engine running. Keep an ear out for a loud, clear crackling sound coming from the top of the engine.
The exhaust manifold needs to be replaced because of this loudness. Most likely, this is on the 1.9-liter engine.
What is the value of a BMW Roadster?
With a debt-inducing MSRP of $163,300, the 2020 i8 Roadster will cost you $15,800 more than its sibling, the i8 Coupe, in order to feel the wind in your hair. One of the few complaints we have about it is how expensive it is; the Acura NSX has an MSRP of $157,500, making it much more reasonable. This may not seem like a significant difference, but the NSX also delivers a neck-breaking design and far more power. Notably, time is running out and manufacture is about to stop if you want to get your hands on a brand-new i8.
Exists a club for BMW Z3 owners?
We like to think of ourselves as a BMW Z3 Club because we engage in all the activities associated with a vehicle club. We enjoy all the perks of a “BMW Z3 Club” without having to pay any dues or subscriptions. It was established to serve as the foundation for a BMW Z3 Club in addition to serving as an invaluable technical resource.
The Z3 Coupe—is it unique?
One of the most sought-after “youngtimers” of the late 1990s and early 2000s today is the BMW Z3 M Coupe. Fans of sports cars and GTs will both like its distinctive style and practicality for daily usage, as well as the BMW M3’s incredibly potent drivetrain. Ultimately, the Z3 M Coupe is an uncommon sight on the road due to its low production volume: only 6,291 units were made between 1998 and 2002. Particularly hard to find are M Coupes from 2001 with the S54 engine from the BMW M3 E46 under the hood. Only 1,112 of these automobiles were produced and shipped out.
Is the Z3 up to par?
Even at expensive pricing, the attractive two-seat convertible BMW Z3 is in high demand. The Z3’s posh appearance is everything you’d expect from a BMW, but the performance falls short of expectations. Compared to a Mazda MX-5, the Z3 seems stiff and slow-witted and is significantly less enjoyable to drive.
Are Z3s simple to repair?
I longed for a cool project car as a teenage BMW enthusiast. Life, money, and obligations got in the way, and I was never really able to justify the expense. But I’ve never stopped daydreaming about a low-cost, entertaining, and comparatively easy project car, something to tinker with, customize, and go on a long drive on Sunday mornings; nowhere to go and all day to get there. The BMW Z3 is one vehicle that has been on my radar for a while, and this piece from Car Throttle is further fueling my interest.
The staff at Car Throttle once forced one of its guests, Ethan, who isn’t very passionate about automobiles, to purchase a BMW Z3 as a project vehicle. Really, it was his decision to acquire the car, but the rest of the crew supported the notion. Since purchasing it, they have repaired several of its problems and rebuilt the suspension, exhaust, and tires. Due to its modest 1.9 liter four-cylinder engine, it is still not ideal and not particularly quick. But most importantly, it’s his own, enjoyable, and reasonably priced.
A project automobile, especially an old, cheap one, has something quite unique. You, the owner, have a special bond with the vehicle because you brought it back to life and had it personalized. Even while the car model itself isn’t all that spectacular, the fact that it’s yours and unique makes it special. Ethan even mentions how his special bond with the small BMW Z3 led to him being somewhat of a car aficionado.
For project car searches, it also appears that the BMW Z3 is a fantastic place to start. It is compact, inexpensive, rear-wheel drive, accessible with a manual transmission, rather simple to maintain, and — most importantly — enjoyable. The Z3 has a cheery charm that few other BMWs at this pricing point possess.
You can purchase a BMW Z3 for a reasonable price, upgrade the suspension, give it a somewhat cooler look, and address any problems with it, and you’ll have a fun, drop-top BMW roadster to play with every weekend. Therefore, start your search for an inexpensive project BMW with the Z3.