1997 BMW Z3 Roadster from UK and Ireland - Comments

When I first picked up the car it was raining, by the time I got the damned thing back home the inside was soaking wet, this was due to a faulty hood clip, not pulling down the hood tight enough.

1 week later the main gasket on the underside of the engine holding the oil in went, (keep in mind the car is only 3 years old), BMW fixed this quickly without any fuss.

My main worry was the exhaust splitting under the heat of the engine, the main part of the front section overheated and split, a common problem on the 2.8, the engine gives off too much heat and the exhaust cannot cope with the pressure and heat and so gives way.

The car was supposed to me for my wife as it is more suited to a lady, it is definitely a ladies car looks wise.

Standard wheels look positively awful, power is really nothing special, 0-60 in around 7 seconds. Handles quite well with traction control on, and believe me it needs it, take the Z3 anywhere with it off and the first corner you take at more than 10mph, you will know about it!.

The engine note is very quiet which was yet another disappointment, my car is a 2.8 litre with the exhaust note of a 1.1 Nova, hardly the aggressive pitch you would expect from a "performance car".

I was very disappointed with the problems I have had so far and will probably sell it in a year or so and get a Saab Turbo convertible.

If I can give anyone out there any advice at all it is this.............

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR, BUY A MONDEO OR A CAVALIER!!

This car is a SHEEP in WOLF's clothing.

Looks = Yes

Performance = No

It sounds like you are describing my 2.8 Z3. I had to get rid of mine as I was sick of the problems. I lost so much money, but am glad to get rid of such a poor car.

It really let me down and stopped me ever buying a BMW again. SORRY!!

Sound like you guys got unlucky. My 2.8 is fantastic. Great engine and when you work in the automotive industry you learn to know what a good engine is.

Suggestion - if you want fast accelaration, you should have bought a Turbo in the first place.

I brought a 1997 2.8 Z3 two weeks ago and was disappointed with the sloppy handling so I took it to my local BMW specialist who took out the boot carpet and revealed that the torque from the diff had ripped the rear cross-member out of the body shell taking part of the boot floor with it. apparently it's quite common. I'm looking at a £500 Jig and weld job. Needless to say I'm not a happy bunny!