1997 BMW Z3 Roadster Reviews

Nothing!

I was in the market for a 2 seater convertible, and I test drove a MGF before buying the Z3. The MGF felt much cheaper in comparison, with cheaper materials and a less solid feel. It also did not feel as quick as the Z3 (although on paper it is quicker - especially in VVC tuned form).

The Z3 feels like a quality package, even though it is a 1997 car, it looks really classy - red leather interior, nice plastics, and a 'solid' feel. You feel safer in the Z3 than in most convertibles.

With the Z3, you have to really rev high to get the most performance, and it feels quick without being fast. It is very easy to spin the rear wheels on quick starts - this is perhaps the reason BMW put the traction control on as standard the following model year.

The car does feel a bit like a normal sporty saloon to drive, but the overall quality, amazing looks and excellent fuel economy make it a really good city car (parking is very easy in such a tiny car).

It makes more sense with the top down - with the top up it seems more noisy with the wind noise getting a bit tiring. A hard top would be a good investment for the winter months. It is perhaps one convertible that appeals equally to men and women. All this and they hold their value well!

Highly recommended - but if you want a pure sports car you may want something else. But this car is an excellent compromise between looks, practicality and economy.

While racing with a couple of friends on bad roads the radiator started to leak and so had to get it replaced. The rear plastic window is really cheap always cracks. Weather sealer on convertible lets in rain sometimes and it drips on my lap between the glass and the top.

A lot of people looks at a car and if its stylish well mostly likely buys it. People who really know about cars think of something else. Not how the car feels, but how you feel in the car. Is every point thought of. How do you make it corner. Can you push it to the limit to which it is built. Can you hear and feel the engine. The vibrations of the muffler.

Over all... it's a pretty decent car. Made a bit on the cheap side due to it mostly being based on the BMW 318i model.

Excellent car design. Definitly turns heads. Never a major machanical problem has accured. Speedy..fast..attractive.. stylish.. Sexy ..vulgar... and to the point. A true ROADSTER...

I cracked the wheel bearing.

The Z3 manual 5 speed is very quick and handles excellently. I love this car and wish it had two more seats for the children.

Air bag light - 1st week of ownership.

Windscreen cracked down the middle - 2nd week.

Air bag light - 2 months.

Fuel sender broke - 26,000.

Seat belt wiring - 28,000.

2 new back tyres - 28,500.

ABS relay - 32,000.

Dashboard lights out - 31,000.

Steering wheel alignment - 31,500.

Radio display out - 39,000.

Back lights out - 39,000.

Siren on the alarm were faulty - 39,000.

This was my dream car when I bought it, however as you can see from the above - nearly every month I have spent some time in the BMW showroom. It has got beyond a joke. I bought the car 2nd hand FSH 1 owner etc. The car is great and I wish I could paint a different picture but I can't, the car is the worst for reliability ever - every time I turn the car on I dread what will happen next. From what I know of other Z3 drivers, they never have this problem.

Buy one for the sake of saying you've owned it. Otherwise stay well away.