1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Future classic - so keep it in top condition

Faults:

Catalytic converter failed.

Hardtop leaked at the seals.

General Comments:

I love the "Classic sportscar" look. The power bulge - even if totally unnecessary - is cool.

Interior is a bit bland, but chrome bits liven it up.

Handles fine, although it wouldn't be great with a heap more power.

Great car - makes you feel a fantastic poser!

Feels fantastic driving it with the top down in the sun - or the shade

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2007

14th Mar 2010, 14:08

Sorry, not a future classic. Every time I see one of these cars on the road I feel sorry for the owner for buying the wrong car.

Reasoning:

- Not rare

- Not particularly great to look at

- Nothing special (bad handling etc)

In reply to 14th Mar 2010, 14:08

15th Apr 2011, 20:39

Are you kidding? BMW it will be a classic for sure.

Is not rare... So? Neither Mustangs and are classic.

Not good to look at... So? Z3 are better looking than chargers, MGs, Alfas.

Not fast... So? Neither or the Mini Cooper, nor the Fiat 500 nor the Mustang 65. Oh, wait but it exist a SHELBY VERSION. Well the same is with the Z3. Not fast but there is a MZ3 VERSION... do you have any idea of the success that represents for BMW this car?

Dude it will be a classic, so just wait.

In reply to 15th Apr 2011, 20:39

27th Jan 2017, 19:47

The Mustang created the pony car segment, and remained an inexpensive option for a stylish and powerful car, over the last fifty years. While it was not rare, it did leave an indelible mark in automotive culture.

The Z3, while IMHO a fun and good-looking car, hasn't the same significance. It remains in an awkward spot, where it was too expensive to be prolific, and also failed to offer anything unique in terms of dynamics or engineering.

I think it's highly doubtful that the Z3 will achieve "classic" status.

In reply to 15th Apr 2011, 20:39

28th Jan 2017, 11:49

While you sort it out, make mine a 67-70 Shelby KR500 Convertible. Other than being a convertible with 4 wheels, there is not much more to share as far as comments on any comparison. I do not see this as a future classic any more than a Miata. In fact I would say a Pontiac Solstice would be more of a possible future classic, coming from Pontiac's classic and racing heritage. Even with just an anemic 4 cylinder! Pontiac's last vehicles. I don't own one personally, just an opinion. My other future classic choices would be the mid to 79 Pontiac TransAm, a rare CanAM to buy now. Again, my choice.

1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9L from North America

Summary:

I couldn't be happier with any other car

Faults:

Valve cover leak.

Leather cracks (lack of maintenance on my part).

General Comments:

Owned for over a year, and have seen few problems.

Beautiful red on tan top and tan leather interior.

Fun to drive, a head turner, reliable, and cheaper to fix than most 6 or 8 cylinder BMWs.

Really good braking distance (saved me enough times), a safe car to drive (air bags, thick metal bars on both bumpers), insurance is fair (not too expensive not too cheap).

Like any other BMW (unlike Toyotas), it requires some maintenance through the year.

Noise level is low with the top down or up, rear window visibility is low especially when raining, driver blind spot check is different from any other car - you actually need lean forward a bit and look through the driver window.

If you wanna keep it in tip top shape, you need another beater for the rain and the snow.

Overall I couldn't be happier with any other car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2006

1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A nice fast fun car

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Car has great acceleration and is a very smooth ride. Love the looks it knocks all others in its class for six in the looks dept.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2004