1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9

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 2.8i

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

1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9

Summary:

Great Fun - beware minor niggles though

Faults:

Problems between 22000 and 40000 miles:

Power Hood failed

Drivers seat became loose on mountings.

ABS warning light comes on - usually when traveling at constant motorway speed. Stays lit for anything between 1 and 14 days then goes out again. Dealer can find no fault.

Problems in the last 5000 miles (wait for it)

Alarm failed - would not disable, had to drive around with siren going every five minutes and hazards flashing. Keys reprogrammed by dealer, fault reappeared three weeks later. New control unit required = £350.

CAT / Exhaust failed - should last for 12 years! Warrantied for 4 years, failed after 4.5 (typical!). Replacement cost £1349 from dealer (not had it fixed yet - not required until MOT!)

Fuel Gauge keeps flicking between full and empty when the tank is full.

Temperature gauge on trip computer keeps telling me it is -3.0 oC when it is at least 20 oC outside!

Bits of trim starting to fall off interior of car

General Comments:

Was thrilled to bits when I got the car, but the last year has been a let down with lots of niggly faults - and at less than 5 years old and 45000 miles it is not what I expect from a quality German car.

Love driving it, but it is not great for long motorway journeys. If you can afford it, make one your second car for summer days!

All the niggles are small - it has never failed to start or left me stranded, but I will not buy BMW again.

Currently looking to change it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st June, 2003

27th Mar 2004, 20:34

If your BMW Z3 has so many problems you should just sell it instead of putting more money into the car. BMW'S are fantastic cars and normally have limited problems. It just sounds to me that you bought a lemon.

2nd Jul 2004, 11:32

I think I bought it!!

17th Dec 2004, 04:03

OK I was planning to have a look at a Z3 on the weekend, '97 P reg with 20,000 miles on the clock, very low I thought, the car is going for £8750...

After reading the comments on the Z3 - I may choose to start looking at other cars.

18th Sep 2005, 12:36

I've owned a 2000 Z3 for 2yrs now (41000 miles) and haven't had a bit of problems. Sounds like yours might have been under water. Check its history...

13th Dec 2005, 11:29

I own a '97 Z3 2.8. This car also has some small "issues" But remember that you are spoiled with this car because it's so beautiful. If there is a so much as 1 little noise I'm immediately worried. But with our other car (VW) I don't have that problem because it's a boring car. So I could not care less.

Because a BMW is almost perfect you expect it to be TOTALLY perfect, which is off course nonsense..

No, it is not a highway car. And yes it's a bit more expensive then a Mazda MX5. But almost as much reliable and a lot better in performance and looks. If you don't care about that, don't buy it, and go for the Toyota starlet or some other boring faceless vehicle.

7th Jul 2008, 18:33

I have had my BMW 1998 Z3 for the past six months, and I have to say I love it. It has 65,0000 miles on the clock and still runs like a new car. If anyone is going to get a car, get a BMW. 23 miles per gallon freeway.

1st Aug 2008, 12:37

BMW is a safe bet!! Especially the Z series. When things go wrong, it's a rogue! Look at the alternatives!! They have there shortcomings. The sophistication of the bimmer marque cannot be emulated

28th Apr 2010, 11:32

I love my wee Z3. Had it for 3 years and not one bit of bother. Love love love it. It's a 2000 model, 65000 miles on clock, and still running fab.