My mother in law has had a 1999 Z3 for 19 years now. That car has great steering feel, super smooth straight 6, a good manual trans, good clutch take-up, good suspension...it's just a really good car.
I bought brand new 1999 Z3 2.3 5 speed manual in 1999 and still have it today. 45,000 miles. Steel grey metallic, with the chrome package (chrome wheels, shifter, and other tid bits) The car is 24 years old and still turns heads. Always has. It is also a JOY to drive.. engine loves to rev right up to 5k with zero complaints. Back roads are amazing as is cruising at 75mph. Oh and the sound when you floor it and roll it though the gears is amazing. Everything about it is so natural and real - I still smile every time.
My 2000 2.8 Z3 which I purchased back in June with a 189 k miles on it is a great example of what you can get if the previous owners took care of them. It’s so much fun to drive.
I know you wont do it on camera, but I really hope you do with a Z3 one time... try lift off oversteer. Come into a corner a little slow, put the power on like you're driving a 911, then rip your foot off the gas. The z3's lift off oversteer is like smearing warm butter into toast. Its as predictable as it is delightful. Dooo eeeeet.
Yep i do it once i can. My friend has a private dirt road. And im like look mom my car is going one way but my wheels r aming the othwr way . im 34. Love the driving experience .
I have the same '01 2.5. I bought it in '03 with 7k miles and I still own it now with 75kmi. Oil changed annually and have never had a problem with the mechanics. The A/C had to be recharged last year and the power top stopped working which I ignored for a few years (just did it manually), but then had it diagnosed and it was just a bad micro-switch. Oh, and I replaced the rear plastic window too. Everything is now working! Such a fun car to drive and it still gets noticed. Auction values on "bring a trailer" seem to be going up. I think the styling has aged much better than the Z4.
Purchased one a month ago for 2 grand. Sketchy purchase turned out to be a steal. 2.8 liter 97 Z3. The gauges also didn’t work, until I changed the cluster. This thing rips!
My mom had one of these back when they were new; a '99 2.8 with the optional hardtop. For some reason I forgot about them and never seriously thought about owning one. We got to talking about it a few months ago and the admission that she regretted selling it stuck with me. We go on road trips a few times a year and that's where I started wondering about the itch to get one. As a result I pared down my fleet a little bit and decided to get a Z3, my first non-Toyota car in many years. I went for the upper end of the spectrum and found a great condition '01 3.0 with about 40K on the clock in the same color combination my mom had. It even had the optional hardtop. It's on its way here, and I'm absolutely sure it's going to bring back some good memories.
I just purchased a 1998 Z3 M in pristine condition with 34K miles on it for $23k. It has the S52 inline 6 making 240hp....which isn't much compared to the Z3 M's which came later...but it drives like new...is in a beautiful color...and really scoots.
I just bought one a month ago. I paid 3x as much as y'all did but mine is in perfect condition. This is a great review! I love the last thing you said about the doors. haha.
Bought my wife a 2000 Z3 this spring for a summer driver. (We live in Minnesota) paid a little more than your max, but it’s in amazing shape inside and out and only 80,000 miles! She loves it and has already put almost 6000 miles on it so far!!
The Z3 reminds me of my old 1964 MGB, I LOVED THAT CAR. Would you BELIEVE it actually was very similar to the Z3 you bought for $4800. I forgot what I paid for it back in 1971. It ran FAST, not surprised because my car before it was a 1959 VW BUG with a POULTRY 36hp. I had to REV THE PISS out of it to keep up with traffic. The ONLY time the gas pedal came off the floor board was when sitting at a light and SHIFTING GEARS.😂 So needless to say the MGB was LIGHTNING FAST in comparison. It belonged to a mechanic so it ran GOOD but the floor board was RUSTED OUT, had to use a BRICK to keep the seat from going too far back and it WASN'T FASTENED to the rails because they WERE NOT THERE. With the top down and finding a DIP in the road my head POPPED UP over the WINDSCREEN, which was PRETTY WILD. I did a little street racing, stop light to stop light. I could EAT UP most plain Jane small blocks with automatic trans. especially if they had several (3 people) in the car. It HANDLED BETTER after I changed the front shocks, it could HANDLE. It had WIRE WHEELS with the Wing center hub which I thought was SO COOL. I WISH I STILL I HAD IT, IT WAS "FUN". THEN I went to the other end of the spectrum with a SPORTS CAR, Fiat X1/9 1974 model which I thought was the best looking one BUT WAS SO ANEMIC (1300cc 4speed manual with a slight OD in 4th gear. It was a DOG in acceleration off the line but once it got going it was FUN. It had 145SR-13s which are SO SKINNY (can't get them that small anymore). It still handled GREAT (lateral g-force was very high) but it was SQUIRRELY at highway speeds because of the SHORT WHEEL BASE. I SOLVED THAT by putting 185VR60-13s on it which made it like a GO-KART handling wise, it would STEAL YOUR BREATH AWAY. I LOVED IT, WISH I HAD MORE POWER. IT WAS MY 3/4 SCALE FERRARI, JUST DIDN'T HAVE "NEARLY THE POWER" but it would handle. There were a few UNEDUCATED kids who thought it was a FERRARI because of the MAG WHEELS AND "FAT TIRES", I LATER PUT 215SR-13s on it. It LOOKED BADASS just sitting still. Unfortunately parts were HARD TO GET back in the late 70s and early 80s, LOVED the removable hard top. The car was VERY UNPRACTICAL, strickly a 2 seater but it WAS MORE ROOMY than a MG Miget and LOTS MORE FUN TO DRIVE. THANK YOU GENTLEMEN FOR ALLOWING ME TO REMINISCE, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, I MAY BUY A Z3 LATER in a 6cylinder one.🤔😉😁👍😂
Just bought a 2000 Z3 2.3L in Oxford Green with 236K miles and in one month have 238K. I work in the industry so these M52TU to M54 and N52 variants are my holy trio for reliability. No tears in the seats, manual roof and everything works. Slight noise from Diff so changing it out and refreshing the suspension. Price paid? $3k. Silly money. Spent more on MTBs. Miata NA suspension and shift is more refined however esp. after dropping 20mm. Only Miata drawback? 1.6L of short nose NVH with timing belt. This would be the engine i would want in the Miata. Tough call there. I also have an E85 3.0si and E89 30xDrive. Other Z's are grand tourers but this mechanical Z3 has restored my joy for what once was.
Once again you're reading my mind as I've been casually looking for a Z3 as a third car. Thanks for reviewing a real car and not a garage queen. Well done and well bought!
Noticed the c5 on ur pfp haha I also own a c5, but I’m also looking for a z3 once again since it was my first ever car, my c5 may be way faster than a z3 but man no car I’ve driven ever put a smile on my face like the z3 did, only maintenance these cars really need are belts, waterpump and maybe sum vacuum lines depending on mileage or vehicle condition, sadly mine was a moneypit with 205k miles of being abused by a horrible previous owner but mann even with that mileage it sounded like a beast
@@Michael-li3id I'm still looking. I had a 3.0 that could have been all mine off of eBay a couple months ago for the start price of $7700 and was all ready to pull the trigger...until my better half threw a fit about me going to CA to drive it back. I noticed it was just relisted for $10k so wasn't meant to be I guess. Still considering the Z3 or a NC Miata
im looking at the same kind on CL. it's got 114k on it. Have you had great luck with yours? Anything that seems to be common probs I should be looking for?
One of my favorite car channels, you guys are great. I've watched every Z3 video you've made and always suspected that your excessive height kept you from appreciating these as much as someone on the vertically challenged edge. I a tolda you and I tolda you: drive these on Eastern US twisty roads. Still, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it even on mostly straight roads with minimal curves. I have owned the 1.9, 2.5, 2.8, and 3.0L. Also own a '95 NA MX5 ( and have driven NB, and Supercharged NC). And I have an '00 2.7 986. I'm ONLY saying all that to share that the Z3 is the most fun. The Z3 provides an unmatched top down experience because of the aggregate of: Low doors to hang your elbow out, combination of road and wind sounds and experience, great suspension that feels exciting and keeps you on your toes, excellent heel and toe compared to the others mentioned, enough torque to power out of corners and up a mountain, and let's not forget those artful curves on that beautiful body! I love washing these cars! And the Boxster, too. ( I don't care if that's weird ) And no, the hood is not long, the rear is short.
I recently bought a 2000 Z3 Impala Brown which is a rare color for 4k that had 138k miles on it. New tires, top would come up but the top down was messed up so have to use the pump to do it manually. Its such a fun car I love it!
When I purchased my 1st one in AZ from a retiree. 21 yrs. ago. I drove across U S to Virginia. 5 speed 2.8. Fun 3 days. My 1st BMW driving school I learned 1st gear you could leave and not shift gears to 82 mph without readline
The Z3 is a hidden gem. Most people don't even consider these when shopping around. I own a low mileage 1.9 Z3 and it's fantastic (yes even the 4-cylinder is fun)! Sure, the interior is pretty bad but it looks terrific on the outside and is only getting better with age.
I purchased a 99, Z3, 2.8, 40k miles, 11 years ago. Now 123k miles. Love the car, still turns lots of heads. I'll walk out of a store and glance around a parking lot and say, yea best looking car in the lot :). Mechanically very good, my BMW mechanic says I'm at 1/2 the life of the car if I keep maintaining as I do. Negatives... BMW parts are insanely expensive. Inside door handles tend to break off, $300 each, part only, I just purchased 2. Soft top replacement with top window seals, $2,400, installed, I just scheduled mine. Starter replaced, $1,500, installed, they had to tear half the engine apart to get to it. BMW oem headlight $1,300 each, part only. It's easy to put more into the car than it will ever be worth. But I would-will do it again because I love the car!
My friend had an M car of this and it was amazing. Big wide tyres in the back and 200+ hp. Beautiful blue. Got it for 16 k back in 2008. Not sure how much it would be worth today. Loved it.
Style-wise, this is such a well done homage to the 507, and still looks incredible as a result. To me the Z4 looks like a Z3 after extensive Botox treatment. All of the character of the 507 has been washed out, and just the basic form remains.
Yeah right, the Z4 is absolutely stunning in its own right. I love the Z3 also. I feel like the Z4 is in an entire different category to the Z3. With some modifications, the Z4 has a mini “super car” silhouette in 2021. They look incredible 20 years later.
I bought my ‘02 3.0 for $5400. It had 113,000 miles and in way better condition. It was a good bargain for smiles to the miles! I’m getting another one on Saturday! One with a hardtop so I can drive it through the winter here in western Washington!
I found a nearly pristine condition 2001 2.5 Z3 with 31K miles and it has been nothing short of exemplary. AND FUN! Love my little auto-Otto-automatic.
I just bought one from the insurance auction. Look like the car rear ended someone where the Z ended up under the damaging the top of the hood everything else intact like bumper, headlights etc. wish me luck with this one
Love my '01 2.5. Great cars when cared for, and have had to do my share of fixes, but I can't think of another car that has this combination of looks, revvy straight six, a respectable trunk, and entertaining handling dynamics. With how crazy M prices have gone, these standard cars are jewels. Had mine 7.5 years and still find that driving it with the top down is a joy.
i own a z3 now for 5 years and let me tell its so much fun, enough space for a one week holiday for 2 people while being tiny on the outside. Back roads and even the occasional Race track are what this car is made for. Yes Z3 special parts like body work and stuff like that can get quiet expensive, but drivetrain and suspencion is really cheap and incredibly easy to fix yourself. Just look out for rust and you´re good to go.
Love this series of reviews! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for over the last few months! Just got a ‘01 Z3 and could not be happier. Your review kinda confirmed my purchase! Well done.
I had one of these with a similar dash issue. Sometimes after starting the gauges would go blank except the speedometer. A good smack on the dash would get them working again and they'd work for the rest of the drive. Nice little cars. The m52 block and heads were amazing, however they were surrounded by accessories that would fall apart.
Did you ever figure out a fix for the issue? Bad ground, maybe? I'm going to look at one on Saturday. If it has issues I want to know I can use leverage and secretly know the fix. 😂
Got the inline 6 2.8liter bmw Z3 120k miles runs good maintenance good only paid 5k flat n now worth 7 blue book value is just keep goin up so I'ma keep it and I'ma mod it out make it mini race car
Purchased a 2001 Z3 four years ago here in Panama. 2.2, 5 speed stick, 27000 miles, had been in the same Asian family since new. Have replaced the camshaft position indicator, but otherwise perfect. Purchase price 6000$
$3,000 is a DEAL! I met someone at autocross with a decent one he bought for $1,500 and it was quick through the course. Salvage title, but at less than the cost of a nice espresso machine, you can’t go wrong!
Been watching you guys for a while now love the comparisons I drive 130 miles a day for work and as creepy as it sounds you guys make it go by like nothing it's just two episodes 😂 been a big fan of the podcast I joined around episode 300
Yep love my miata killer z3. 2.5 . but with supercharger . its more like 5.2 Accidentally drove to a car meet . and got some nice looks and respect. Was surprises. Burn some rubber and headed to the drive through. Now working on my driving lines.
Thinking about the supercharger for mine- overall, would you recommend it? Worth the $4,500 or so for the VF Engineering kit? I haven’t seen one in person, and I haven’t met anyone who has one in theirs. Curious if you’d recommend. Thanks!
@@danepower8947 what they installed for me was a Vortech v3 si supercharger producing about 400 hp. And a front mount intercooler. Since there is limited space to work with under that hood.
Buy a straight six - not the four cylinder - with a manual. Rebuild the front end, replace struts and shocks, replace motor mounts, replace drive shaft, rebuilt vanos, new hoses, senors, and rubber parts. Put on a set of Continental Conti's and you'll have a great sports car that can burn rubber in 2nd gear, wonderful in wet weather, turns on a dime, and gives you back nine cents change. If you can do the work, should cost about 2 grand in parts.
oh great now they are going to go up in value, thanks for letting the secret out, yes they are so much fun but getting harder to find them in good shape for a fair price.
I got my 98 z3 for $950.00 dollars. Runs and drives. Only issue I have right now is that the electric fan doesn’t work. I replaced the fan and the fan still doesn’t work. I am going to replace the fan switch and relay to see if that will make it work.
You guys forgot, this came with the 1.8L 4 cylinder. It’s definitely low power and in my searches doesn’t come in that much cheaper, but it’s out there.
My 1998 Z3 1.9L still have cassette player. I listen R.EM. Dead Letter Office. Its the only thing that works like a champ... as they said, do not touch anything, all will brake. other than that great car.
Subscribed within a minute. This is an amazing review, while actually driving it. Awesome to look at then just prancing around a stationary car. Nice visuals too.
I own a Z3 2.8 manual with 3000 miles clocked with all original parts in mint condition. And its a fucking experience and i would never sell it and i recommend for you guys that looking for the ultimate roadster to coast the beach lines and countryside to buy them before the prices go up.
As for the failed instrument cluster, the old cluster and $200 sent to Automotive Circuit Solutions gets you your cluster back working perfectly and with a warranty. My 325i cluster was completely dead, two weeks later perfect. (assuming all the data busses are working)
I drove an excellent example of this exact car for about 3 months. It was nice...however, the rearview mirror placement was ridiculous. It blocks the entire front-right view out of the windshield. It was dangerous! The sound was phenomenal, though.
Picked up a Z3, 2.5 manual 98k miles, two years ago for the wife. Was in good shape. We looked at Miata, but the BMW felt more solid. Plus it was a 2 adult owner car. Just changed fluids, replaced the cooling system (typical BMW maintenance item), spark plugs and pulled injectors for cleaning. Runs like new, fun to drive and makes wife happy. What more can I say, except buy one!
@@kymjeffries7418 All the plastics in the cooling system was replaced. The heat cycles over time makes the plastic brittle and will eventually fail. If you have over 75k miles you should start thinking about replacement. Things like radiator, water pump (OEM has plastic impeller), expansion tank, plastic piping under intake manifold and any plastic sensors feed by the hot water. Had a 93 E36 many years ago and missed a sensor that had small hoses going to it. It failed and left wife stranded. Before this I had the upper radiator connection snap. Luckily it happened in town. That's when I learned about the cooling system being a maintenance item.
2:23 "find one thats been well maintained,, and keep maintaining the car; it's an investment in the driving community; it's an investment to keep these fun cars alive" HUMONGOUS AGREE absolutely the attitude i try to bring into sports car shopping i can only afford 1 car rn but this is how i think abt my e64 the only way any of these cars r gonna be around in a couple of yrs for ANYone to drive is if we all take care of the ones we steward we can dewett !
Other thing to note is , never buy aftermarket parts! My car is really picky. Seriously I went through 3 water pumps in 5 months because of autozone crap.
I'd take the 2.5 over the 3.0. The 2.5 is a happier engine, zippier. In the 3 series, it feels underpowered, so I get why you'd get the 3.0. But the Z3 is light enough that the 2.5 comes into it's own. The only reasons you should go for the 3.0 Z3 is if (1) you are driving it competitively, (2) you don't like revving past 4000 rpm in any car, or (3) you want to impress your passengers with onramp acceleration. If you are a sports car driving enthusiast, you probably care less about keeping the revs down and impressing your passengers with pure acceleration. Besides. Everyone has ridden in a Tesla now, nobody is going to be impressed by the acceleration from your 20 year old BMW
@@thirdpedalnirvana I’ve riden both and in my opinion I prefer the 3.0, with a car this light you can really feel the power being put down, so u can definitely feel a difference with any small difference in hp, and it’s not a crazy amount of hp where it takes the fun driving factor out of the car on contrary it only makes the car that much funner, as an owner of a corvette and experienced driving other sports cars like the Japanese z’s no car matches the fun drivability of a z3
LIke this car ! Am I to small for this car Im 5 ' 8 " and heard that this is not the best car for small people ? If so what would be my options to fix this issue ?
This isn't a large car. Definitely smaller than the Z4 that came after. It's similar in scale to a Miata. You should find one to sit in, but we doubt it would be a problem for you. Thanks for watching!
Could you compare the z3 and z4 for seating for a super wide guy. I barely fit in a cayman , can drive it , but its tight on my shoulder and knee hits dash . Any comparisons would be appreciated.
Go get a big ass 6.2 Silverado. They come with 450 hp on E85, if you want something fast go get a single cab F-150 with the 5.0 it's basically a mustang but in a truck body
@@flexnlexus129 i have a f350 5 speed manual that can cruise at 120 with a v 10.. i want a sports car that fits me. Forgive me if I am trying to find a replacement for my porsche 944 and something more fast than my 3 series bmw 325.
@@flexnlexus129 I need a car thats low so I can get some track education events in thru the PCA and BMW clubs.. with covid for 18 months I have been a member of both and am not allowed to touch someones car with all the virus fears. I have been watching cars I might fit in go up 40 to 60 percent in the last 18 months. Its frustrating. I am trying to improve my skills and get into better shape.. and buy a fun vehicle I can wrench on and love to drive.. sorry that offends you.
@@cayman9873 for a z3 I doubt you will have any problem with knees touching, I’ve seen over 6ft guys fit in these cars, as for wide well that depends how wide u are no offense, from appearances z4s look to be a little wider but don’t quote me on that. I would try to find a z3 at a dealer and ask to test drive one… ohh and if u decide to pull the trigger on one I recommend a 3.0i manual haha
Cheap cost but cheap looking. I was fortunate to find a misplaced add in Auto Trader. A one owner 1997 2.8L widebody 5 speed manual in perfect condition for $8500 CDN. No faded paint, no torn or split seats. Take a girl on a date in your red z3 and be embarrassed when the first thing she sees is the split passenger seat.
You're making wish I wouldn't have sold mine. I let it go for 5 grand and it was near perfect. But I do love my second gen Z4. I live near where you test drive these cars. If you want to test a real Z4 😉 you can message me here!
As a previous owner of a z3 3.0, ohh man that 3.0 is a pretty huge difference you can definitely feel the power being put down with a car that light, and I own a c5 corvette hahah currently in the market for a z3 once again and it’ll be a 3.0 for sure.
I have a 98 with a 5 speed and the 1.9 4 cylinder engine. I wanted the 4 cylinder. Leather interior, it runs smooth, is very well balanced and has a great ride. I tried out the 6 cylinder Z3 and felt the 4 cylinder was a nicer ride. I used to have a 1975 2002 with a 4 cylinder , manual many years ago, I really liked the 4 cylinder engines.
Thanks for the review, I am literally hoping to pick one of these up this weekend so your timing could not be better. I am in the UK and looking at the 2.8 version.
@@paradoxxaudiovisualproduct9430 Thank you for the advice. I did see and drive the car but it wasn't for me. Probably a bad thing to say but it just felt like driving an old heavy car, power probably was there but it needed some encouragement. I'm sure the 3.0 is better and a 3.2 would be something else but could not afford the latter. Without wishing to make you groan but I opted for a 3.2 boxster in the end (one with IMS done). Yes it is a poor mans porsche, hairdressers car and all the rest but it drives really well. Thanks again.
@@26Fe55.8 hair dressers car . lol. Fun fact. Since i got it. And becouse of lockdown. Peeple got anoyed that every i whent i always touch up my hair. So i just cut it myself now. #2 buzz cut all the way. And hats r my friends . Now i wish that car parts were cheeper.
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
My mother in law has had a 1999 Z3 for 19 years now. That car has great steering feel, super smooth straight 6, a good manual trans, good clutch take-up, good suspension...it's just a really good car.
I bought brand new 1999 Z3 2.3 5 speed manual in 1999 and still have it today. 45,000 miles. Steel grey metallic, with the chrome package (chrome wheels, shifter, and other tid bits) The car is 24 years old and still turns heads. Always has. It is also a JOY to drive.. engine loves to rev right up to 5k with zero complaints. Back roads are amazing as is cruising at 75mph. Oh and the sound when you floor it and roll it though the gears is amazing. Everything about it is so natural and real - I still smile every time.
My 2000 2.8 Z3 which I purchased back in June with a 189 k miles on it is a great example of what you can get if the previous owners took care of them. It’s so much fun to drive.
I know you wont do it on camera, but I really hope you do with a Z3 one time... try lift off oversteer. Come into a corner a little slow, put the power on like you're driving a 911, then rip your foot off the gas. The z3's lift off oversteer is like smearing warm butter into toast. Its as predictable as it is delightful. Dooo eeeeet.
Yep i do it once i can. My friend has a private dirt road. And im like look mom my car is going one way but my wheels r aming the othwr way . im 34. Love the driving experience .
My dad only one and he will never stop telling me about how amazing it just slid around the corner
Trail braking increases this effect too ;)
I have the same '01 2.5. I bought it in '03 with 7k miles and I still own it now with 75kmi.
Oil changed annually and have never had a problem with the mechanics. The A/C had to be recharged last year and the power top stopped working which I ignored for a few years (just did it manually), but then had it diagnosed and it was just a bad micro-switch. Oh, and I replaced the rear plastic window too. Everything is now working! Such a fun car to drive and it still gets noticed. Auction values on "bring a trailer" seem to be going up.
I think the styling has aged much better than the Z4.
Purchased one a month ago for 2 grand. Sketchy purchase turned out to be a steal. 2.8 liter 97 Z3. The gauges also didn’t work, until I changed the cluster. This thing rips!
My mom had one of these back when they were new; a '99 2.8 with the optional hardtop. For some reason I forgot about them and never seriously thought about owning one. We got to talking about it a few months ago and the admission that she regretted selling it stuck with me. We go on road trips a few times a year and that's where I started wondering about the itch to get one.
As a result I pared down my fleet a little bit and decided to get a Z3, my first non-Toyota car in many years. I went for the upper end of the spectrum and found a great condition '01 3.0 with about 40K on the clock in the same color combination my mom had. It even had the optional hardtop. It's on its way here, and I'm absolutely sure it's going to bring back some good memories.
Love the Z3. I bought one about a year ago and it has been great. Parts can be a little expensive but still great!
Hi Matthew. I’m in the market for a Z3. Would you be willing to talk about your experience owning one?
I just purchased a 1998 Z3 M in pristine condition with 34K miles on it for $23k. It has the S52 inline 6 making 240hp....which isn't much compared to the Z3 M's which came later...but it drives like new...is in a beautiful color...and really scoots.
I just bought one a month ago. I paid 3x as much as y'all did but mine is in perfect condition. This is a great review! I love the last thing you said about the doors. haha.
Bought my wife a 2000 Z3 this spring for a summer driver. (We live in Minnesota) paid a little more than your max, but it’s in amazing shape inside and out and only 80,000 miles!
She loves it and has already put almost 6000 miles on it so far!!
The Z3 reminds me of my old 1964 MGB, I LOVED THAT CAR. Would you BELIEVE it actually was very similar to the Z3 you bought for $4800. I forgot what I paid for it back in 1971. It ran FAST, not surprised because my car before it was a 1959 VW BUG with a POULTRY 36hp. I had to REV THE PISS out of it to keep up with traffic. The ONLY time the gas pedal came off the floor board was when sitting at a light and SHIFTING GEARS.😂 So needless to say the MGB was LIGHTNING FAST in comparison. It belonged to a mechanic so it ran GOOD but the floor board was RUSTED OUT, had to use a BRICK to keep the seat from going too far back and it WASN'T FASTENED to the rails because they WERE NOT THERE. With the top down and finding a DIP in the road my head POPPED UP over the WINDSCREEN, which was PRETTY WILD. I did a little street racing, stop light to stop light. I could EAT UP most plain Jane small blocks with automatic trans. especially if they had several (3 people) in the car. It HANDLED BETTER after I changed the front shocks, it could HANDLE. It had WIRE WHEELS with the Wing center hub which I thought was SO COOL. I WISH I STILL I HAD IT, IT WAS "FUN". THEN I went to the other end of the spectrum with a SPORTS CAR, Fiat X1/9 1974 model which I thought was the best looking one BUT WAS SO ANEMIC (1300cc 4speed manual with a slight OD in 4th gear. It was a DOG in acceleration off the line but once it got going it was FUN. It had 145SR-13s which are SO SKINNY (can't get them that small anymore). It still handled GREAT (lateral g-force was very high) but it was SQUIRRELY at highway speeds because of the SHORT WHEEL BASE. I SOLVED THAT by putting 185VR60-13s on it which made it like a GO-KART handling wise, it would STEAL YOUR BREATH AWAY. I LOVED IT, WISH I HAD MORE POWER. IT WAS MY 3/4 SCALE FERRARI, JUST DIDN'T HAVE "NEARLY THE POWER" but it would handle. There were a few UNEDUCATED kids who thought it was a FERRARI because of the MAG WHEELS AND "FAT TIRES", I LATER PUT 215SR-13s on it. It LOOKED BADASS just sitting still. Unfortunately parts were HARD TO GET back in the late 70s and early 80s, LOVED the removable hard top. The car was VERY UNPRACTICAL, strickly a 2 seater but it WAS MORE ROOMY than a MG Miget and LOTS MORE FUN TO DRIVE. THANK YOU GENTLEMEN FOR ALLOWING ME TO REMINISCE, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, I MAY BUY A Z3 LATER in a 6cylinder one.🤔😉😁👍😂
Just bought a 2000 Z3 2.3L in Oxford Green with 236K miles and in one month have 238K. I work in the industry so these M52TU to M54 and N52 variants are my holy trio for reliability. No tears in the seats, manual roof and everything works. Slight noise from Diff so changing it out and refreshing the suspension. Price paid? $3k. Silly money. Spent more on MTBs. Miata NA suspension and shift is more refined however esp. after dropping 20mm. Only Miata drawback? 1.6L of short nose NVH with timing belt. This would be the engine i would want in the Miata. Tough call there. I also have an E85 3.0si and E89 30xDrive. Other Z's are grand tourers but this mechanical Z3 has restored my joy for what once was.
Once again you're reading my mind as I've been casually looking for a Z3 as a third car. Thanks for reviewing a real car and not a garage queen. Well done and well bought!
Noticed the c5 on ur pfp haha I also own a c5, but I’m also looking for a z3 once again since it was my first ever car, my c5 may be way faster than a z3 but man no car I’ve driven ever put a smile on my face like the z3 did, only maintenance these cars really need are belts, waterpump and maybe sum vacuum lines depending on mileage or vehicle condition, sadly mine was a moneypit with 205k miles of being abused by a horrible previous owner but mann even with that mileage it sounded like a beast
I bought a used 328i coupe...very nice..good deal.
But then I saw a Z3 in a parking lot. I want one. Get an early 2000's Red? Maybe in 2022
Same here man
did you find one? I was looking for a Miata but will consider rolling the dice on a 3.0 since they are significantly less expensive
@@Michael-li3id I'm still looking. I had a 3.0 that could have been all mine off of eBay a couple months ago for the start price of $7700 and was all ready to pull the trigger...until my better half threw a fit about me going to CA to drive it back. I noticed it was just relisted for $10k so wasn't meant to be I guess. Still considering the Z3 or a NC Miata
I've got a 2001 3.0 and it's an amazingly fun car! Please rescue that one by fixing the interior, guages, top and glove box. It deserves it
im looking at the same kind on CL. it's got 114k on it. Have you had great luck with yours? Anything that seems to be common probs I should be looking for?
I just bought one off of Facebook from this pics only and talking to the owner for 10 minutes. It will be delivered tomorrow, can't wait to see it.
I have 2000 z3 with 72k miles and I love this thing. It’s an absolute blast to drive. If you take care of em they’ll last forever.
One of my favorite car channels, you guys are great. I've watched every Z3 video you've made and always suspected that your excessive height kept you from appreciating these as much as someone on the vertically challenged edge. I a tolda you and I tolda you: drive these on Eastern US twisty roads. Still, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it even on mostly straight roads with minimal curves. I have owned the 1.9, 2.5, 2.8, and 3.0L. Also own a '95 NA MX5 ( and have driven NB, and Supercharged NC). And I have an '00 2.7 986. I'm ONLY saying all that to share that the Z3 is the most fun. The Z3 provides an unmatched top down experience because of the aggregate of: Low doors to hang your elbow out, combination of road and wind sounds and experience, great suspension that feels exciting and keeps you on your toes, excellent heel and toe compared to the others mentioned, enough torque to power out of corners and up a mountain, and let's not forget those artful curves on that beautiful body! I love washing these cars! And the Boxster, too. ( I don't care if that's weird ) And no, the hood is not long, the rear is short.
I recently bought a 2000 Z3 Impala Brown which is a rare color for 4k that had 138k miles on it. New tires, top would come up but the top down was messed up so have to use the pump to do it manually. Its such a fun car I love it!
When I purchased my 1st one in AZ from a retiree. 21 yrs. ago. I drove across U S to Virginia. 5 speed 2.8. Fun 3 days.
My 1st BMW driving school I learned 1st gear you could leave and not shift gears to 82 mph without readline
Haha I’ve just watched two grown men falling in love with a little Z3 in just under 14 minutes!
Can’t blame them, they’re so much fun!
The Z3 is a hidden gem. Most people don't even consider these when shopping around. I own a low mileage 1.9 Z3 and it's fantastic (yes even the 4-cylinder is fun)! Sure, the interior is pretty bad but it looks terrific on the outside and is only getting better with age.
I've been weighing up my options and now after watching this, I am sold
I purchased a 99, Z3, 2.8, 40k miles, 11 years ago. Now 123k miles. Love the car, still turns lots of heads. I'll walk out of a store and glance around a parking lot and say, yea best looking car in the lot :). Mechanically very good, my BMW mechanic says I'm at 1/2 the life of the car if I keep maintaining as I do. Negatives... BMW parts are insanely expensive. Inside door handles tend to break off, $300 each, part only, I just purchased 2. Soft top replacement with top window seals, $2,400, installed, I just scheduled mine. Starter replaced, $1,500, installed, they had to tear half the engine apart to get to it. BMW oem headlight $1,300 each, part only. It's easy to put more into the car than it will ever be worth. But I would-will do it again because I love the car!
Those stated prices ARE insanely high! Are these dealer prices?
My friend had an M car of this and it was amazing. Big wide tyres in the back and 200+ hp. Beautiful blue. Got it for 16 k back in 2008. Not sure how much it would be worth today. Loved it.
that car is gonna be worth alot especially in a few years
An M bmw z3 is 320 bhp 3.2 L A 2.8 bmw z3 is 200 bhp
@@christopherlawrence8270 Do you own a Z3?
Style-wise, this is such a well done homage to the 507, and still looks incredible as a result. To me the Z4 looks like a Z3 after extensive Botox treatment. All of the character of the 507 has been washed out, and just the basic form remains.
Yeah right, the Z4 is absolutely stunning in its own right. I love the Z3 also.
I feel like the Z4 is in an entire different category to the Z3. With some modifications, the Z4 has a mini “super car” silhouette in 2021. They look incredible 20 years later.
I bought my ‘02 3.0 for $5400. It had 113,000 miles and in way better condition. It was a good bargain for smiles to the miles! I’m getting another one on Saturday! One with a hardtop so I can drive it through the winter here in western Washington!
I found a nearly pristine condition 2001 2.5 Z3 with 31K miles and it has been nothing short of exemplary. AND FUN! Love my little auto-Otto-automatic.
Wowo. Mine is like 240k miles cosmetic issues. Bad top bad crank. Bad locks but loads of fun .
I just bought one from the insurance auction. Look like the car rear ended someone where the Z ended up under the damaging the top of the hood everything else intact like bumper, headlights etc. wish me luck with this one
Love my '01 2.5. Great cars when cared for, and have had to do my share of fixes, but I can't think of another car that has this combination of looks, revvy straight six, a respectable trunk, and entertaining handling dynamics. With how crazy M prices have gone, these standard cars are jewels. Had mine 7.5 years and still find that driving it with the top down is a joy.
Damn skippy. Never sell it
i own a z3 now for 5 years and let me tell its so much fun, enough space for a one week holiday for 2 people while being tiny on the outside. Back roads and even the occasional Race track are what this car is made for. Yes Z3 special parts like body work and stuff like that can get quiet expensive, but drivetrain and suspencion is really cheap and incredibly easy to fix yourself.
Just look out for rust and you´re good to go.
Love this series of reviews! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for over the last few months! Just got a ‘01 Z3 and could not be happier. Your review kinda confirmed my purchase! Well done.
Please please do American Muscle for your next cheap car challenge!
I had one of these with a similar dash issue. Sometimes after starting the gauges would go blank except the speedometer. A good smack on the dash would get them working again and they'd work for the rest of the drive.
Nice little cars. The m52 block and heads were amazing, however they were surrounded by accessories that would fall apart.
Did you ever figure out a fix for the issue? Bad ground, maybe?
I'm going to look at one on Saturday.
If it has issues I want to know I can use leverage and secretly know the fix. 😂
Got the inline 6 2.8liter bmw Z3 120k miles runs good maintenance good only paid 5k flat n now worth 7 blue book value is just keep goin up so I'ma keep it and I'ma mod it out make it mini race car
Purchased a 2001 Z3 four years ago here in Panama. 2.2, 5 speed stick, 27000 miles, had been in the same Asian family since new. Have replaced the camshaft position indicator, but otherwise perfect. Purchase price 6000$
very excellent video. Loved your commentary on the Z3, especially how it holds up ~20 years later. Good stuff!
I did this on my Miata too, I added 1 inch spacers under the front seat mounts to tilt the base back. I prefer more support under my thighs.
This is the most underrated channel on TH-cam
I just picked up my manual 2.5 z3 for $3000 and it was maintained perfectly I used to have an MR2 and I feel like the z3 is such a better car
$3,000 is a DEAL! I met someone at autocross with a decent one he bought for $1,500 and it was quick through the course. Salvage title, but at less than the cost of a nice espresso machine, you can’t go wrong!
Just picked one up for $4k!
I want this car so badly!!
How did you not add a CRossfire to your list? I love mine
Great review! Always loved these and would love to get one someday. These videos remind me, that there are so many cars and so little time!
Been watching you guys for a while now love the comparisons I drive 130 miles a day for work and as creepy as it sounds you guys make it go by like nothing it's just two episodes 😂 been a big fan of the podcast I joined around episode 300
Yep love my miata killer z3. 2.5 . but with supercharger . its more like 5.2
Accidentally drove to a car meet . and got some nice looks and respect. Was surprises. Burn some rubber and headed to the drive through. Now working on my driving lines.
Thinking about the supercharger for mine- overall, would you recommend it? Worth the $4,500 or so for the VF Engineering kit? I haven’t seen one in person, and I haven’t met anyone who has one in theirs. Curious if you’d recommend. Thanks!
@@danepower8947 what they installed for me was a Vortech v3 si supercharger producing about 400 hp. And a front mount intercooler. Since there is limited space to work with under that hood.
Buy a straight six - not the four cylinder - with a manual. Rebuild the front end, replace struts and shocks, replace motor mounts, replace drive shaft, rebuilt vanos, new hoses, senors, and rubber parts. Put on a set of Continental Conti's and you'll have a great sports car that can burn rubber in 2nd gear, wonderful in wet weather, turns on a dime, and gives you back nine cents change. If you can do the work, should cost about 2 grand in parts.
oh great now they are going to go up in value, thanks for letting the secret out, yes they are so much fun but getting harder to find them in good shape for a fair price.
got my z3 for $4200 with no issues at all. great car.
Just scooped one for $4k! What a fun car 👏🏼
I love my ‘98! It’s getting an overhaul this weekend. New cooling system, clutch & flywheel. I figure I’ll have $10k in mine & it’ll be a new car.
I have a 2001 M roadster. Same as this but better suspension and 325 hp. Very nice.
I got my 98 z3 for $950.00 dollars. Runs and drives. Only issue I have right now is that the electric fan doesn’t work. I replaced the fan and the fan still doesn’t work. I am going to replace the fan switch and relay to see if that will make it work.
I have 2000 z3 2.5. Much better maintenance than that and I got it for 3k. You are welcome to test drive it.
I Love These Guys! They Were The 1st To Give Us Enthusiasts Content! Thanks Y’all!💪🏽💚
Oh for comparison sake. My 95 bmw 325 i convert fits me. I am good with driving it four hours. But dont want anything smaller.
Awesome video mate! well done!
You guys forgot, this came with the 1.8L 4 cylinder. It’s definitely low power and in my searches doesn’t come in that much cheaper, but it’s out there.
Great example of buying on condition not mileage when the odometer is broken
I have a 2.8 Z3 in the UK same colour only Sean one more the same colour in uk never had eny problems had it 15 years only 70000 miles
My 1998 Z3 1.9L still have cassette player. I listen R.EM. Dead Letter Office. Its the only thing that works like a champ... as they said, do not touch anything, all will brake. other than that great car.
Wound up spending a litte more than your budget on a pristine ‘99 2.8 with less than 8k miles. So much fun.
Never loved driving a car more than I do my z3
Please do a review of the '98-00 S52 and a '01-02 M Roadster. Same car, but performance versions with 100-200hp on top of the regular Z3.
These cars are made in the USA but they are a lot cheaper in Europe. You can get one in much better condition in the UK for $2500
Subscribed within a minute. This is an amazing review, while actually driving it. Awesome to look at then just prancing around a stationary car. Nice visuals too.
Glad to have you connect with what we do. thanks for watching and subscribing.
I own a Z3 2.8 manual with 3000 miles clocked with all original parts in mint condition. And its a fucking experience and i would never sell it and i recommend for you guys that looking for the ultimate roadster to coast the beach lines and countryside to buy them before the prices go up.
As for the failed instrument cluster, the old cluster and $200 sent to Automotive Circuit Solutions gets you your cluster back working perfectly and with a warranty. My 325i cluster was completely dead, two weeks later perfect. (assuming all the data busses are working)
I drove an excellent example of this exact car for about 3 months. It was nice...however, the rearview mirror placement was ridiculous. It blocks the entire front-right view out of the windshield. It was dangerous!
The sound was phenomenal, though.
Surprised to see 2.5 badges in it. I thought all the 2.5's had 2.3 badges for some odd reason.
Definitely seems like a blast, I have been considering getting one this spring.
I would like more "cheap car" content.
I love my. 1997 Z3
I think they looked good from day one!
Are these too expensive to maintain? Compared to a Miata?
That car has doublesd in value since this was posted
I own a z3 coupe 2.8 and a z4 (e85) roadster 2.2. Z3 has a way better feeling closing the door. Z4 is like a tinbox.
Picked up a Z3, 2.5 manual 98k miles, two years ago for the wife. Was in good shape. We looked at Miata, but the BMW felt more solid. Plus it was a 2 adult owner car. Just changed fluids, replaced the cooling system (typical BMW maintenance item), spark plugs and pulled injectors for cleaning. Runs like new, fun to drive and makes wife happy. What more can I say, except buy one!
with the cooling system do you mean coolant or...? Thanks
@@kymjeffries7418 All the plastics in the cooling system was replaced. The heat cycles over time makes the plastic brittle and will eventually fail. If you have over 75k miles you should start thinking about replacement. Things like radiator, water pump (OEM has plastic impeller), expansion tank, plastic piping under intake manifold and any plastic sensors feed by the hot water. Had a 93 E36 many years ago and missed a sensor that had small hoses going to it. It failed and left wife stranded. Before this I had the upper radiator connection snap. Luckily it happened in town. That's when I learned about the cooling system being a maintenance item.
Love my '01 3.0 Z3
Found one for 8k at a dealership dunno if I should go for it, it’s gonna b my first car
Love ur videos lmao ! So think it's still good 20ish years later ! Idk uggg yes ! Or No
Been a fan of these ever since I watched Pierce Brosnan rocking one in one day f his Bond flicks.
That was a Z8 not Z3 that you saw
007, Goldeneye 1995, blue Z3, it's when I fell in love with the car :).
@@Ukrainianification Z3 in goldeneye, Z8 in the world is not enough.
I stand corrected.
2:23 "find one thats been well maintained,, and keep maintaining the car; it's an investment in the driving community; it's an investment to keep these fun cars alive"
HUMONGOUS AGREE
absolutely the attitude i try to bring into sports car shopping
i can only afford 1 car rn but this is how i think abt my e64
the only way any of these cars r gonna be around in a couple of yrs for ANYone to drive is if we all take care of the ones we steward
we can dewett !
Other thing to note is , never buy aftermarket parts! My car is really picky. Seriously I went through 3 water pumps in 5 months because of autozone crap.
Looks brand new, did they detailed it?
this is my dream car, one day i'll get it, and then finally i'll be a happy man
Ah I love the 2.5 z3. I prefer the 99 because... not ugly steering wheel.
I'd take the 2.5 over the 3.0. The 2.5 is a happier engine, zippier. In the 3 series, it feels underpowered, so I get why you'd get the 3.0. But the Z3 is light enough that the 2.5 comes into it's own. The only reasons you should go for the 3.0 Z3 is if (1) you are driving it competitively, (2) you don't like revving past 4000 rpm in any car, or (3) you want to impress your passengers with onramp acceleration. If you are a sports car driving enthusiast, you probably care less about keeping the revs down and impressing your passengers with pure acceleration. Besides. Everyone has ridden in a Tesla now, nobody is going to be impressed by the acceleration from your 20 year old BMW
@@thirdpedalnirvana I’ve riden both and in my opinion I prefer the 3.0, with a car this light you can really feel the power being put down, so u can definitely feel a difference with any small difference in hp, and it’s not a crazy amount of hp where it takes the fun driving factor out of the car on contrary it only makes the car that much funner, as an owner of a corvette and experienced driving other sports cars like the Japanese z’s no car matches the fun drivability of a z3
LIke this car ! Am I to small for this car Im 5 ' 8 " and heard that this is not the best car for small people ? If so what would be my options to fix this issue ?
This isn't a large car. Definitely smaller than the Z4 that came after. It's similar in scale to a Miata. You should find one to sit in, but we doubt it would be a problem for you. Thanks for watching!
Z3 all Day long
Could you compare the z3 and z4 for seating for a super wide guy. I barely fit in a cayman , can drive it , but its tight on my shoulder and knee hits dash . Any comparisons would be appreciated.
Go get a big ass 6.2 Silverado. They come with 450 hp on E85, if you want something fast go get a single cab F-150 with the 5.0 it's basically a mustang but in a truck body
@@flexnlexus129 i have a f350 5 speed manual that can cruise at 120 with a v 10.. i want a sports car that fits me. Forgive me if I am trying to find a replacement for my porsche 944 and something more fast than my 3 series bmw 325.
@@flexnlexus129 I need a car thats low so I can get some track education events in thru the PCA and BMW clubs.. with covid for 18 months I have been a member of both and am not allowed to touch someones car with all the virus fears. I have been watching cars I might fit in go up 40 to 60 percent in the last 18 months. Its frustrating. I am trying to improve my skills and get into better shape.. and buy a fun vehicle I can wrench on and love to drive.. sorry that offends you.
@@cayman9873 for a z3 I doubt you will have any problem with knees touching, I’ve seen over 6ft guys fit in these cars, as for wide well that depends how wide u are no offense, from appearances z4s look to be a little wider but don’t quote me on that. I would try to find a z3 at a dealer and ask to test drive one… ohh and if u decide to pull the trigger on one I recommend a 3.0i manual haha
After putting in about 6-8 grand for repairs, can you trust it on a 3000km road trip?
We would think so. The one shown here was bought beet cheaply and drove that far in the first week with only minimal maintenance. Thanks for watching!
@@TestDriveVideos Thanks! M52/54 engine is adorable. I think even until today BMWs best inline 6. Thanks again.
Get the 3.0 . farrkin awesome car. The extra price now will be worth it.
Cheap cost but cheap looking. I was fortunate to find a misplaced add in Auto Trader. A one owner 1997 2.8L widebody 5 speed manual in perfect condition for $8500 CDN. No faded paint, no torn or split seats. Take a girl on a date in your red z3 and be embarrassed when the first thing she sees is the split passenger seat.
You're driving a 8.5k dollar car mate. Stop pretending you're in a ferrari. Nobody cares.
You're making wish I wouldn't have sold mine. I let it go for 5 grand and it was near perfect. But I do love my second gen Z4. I live near where you test drive these cars. If you want to test a real Z4 😉 you can message me here!
I wonder how much different a 3.0 would be or the early 4 cylinder even.
As a previous owner of a z3 3.0, ohh man that 3.0 is a pretty huge difference you can definitely feel the power being put down with a car that light, and I own a c5 corvette hahah currently in the market for a z3 once again and it’ll be a 3.0 for sure.
I have a 98 with a 5 speed and the 1.9 4 cylinder engine. I wanted the 4 cylinder. Leather interior, it runs smooth, is very well balanced and has a great ride. I tried out the 6 cylinder Z3 and felt the 4 cylinder was a nicer ride. I used to have a 1975 2002 with a 4 cylinder , manual many years ago, I really liked the 4 cylinder engines.
Thanks for the review, I am literally hoping to pick one of these up this weekend so your timing could not be better. I am in the UK and looking at the 2.8 version.
Wait for the 3.0 or the 3.2 trust me.
@@paradoxxaudiovisualproduct9430 Thank you for the advice. I did see and drive the car but it wasn't for me. Probably a bad thing to say but it just felt like driving an old heavy car, power probably was there but it needed some encouragement. I'm sure the 3.0 is better and a 3.2 would be something else but could not afford the latter. Without wishing to make you groan but I opted for a 3.2 boxster in the end (one with IMS done). Yes it is a poor mans porsche, hairdressers car and all the rest but it drives really well. Thanks again.
@@26Fe55.8 hair dressers car . lol. Fun fact. Since i got it. And becouse of lockdown. Peeple got anoyed that every i whent i always touch up my hair. So i just cut it myself now. #2 buzz cut all the way. And hats r my friends .
Now i wish that car parts were cheeper.
BMW sold a ton of these back in the day.
With NA and NB Miata prices getting meme levels of overpriced, the Z3 is the new darling of simple top down roadsters.
Cheap to buy. Expensive to maintain.
How much
I wish 6 cylinder Z3s were so cheap here in Europe too...
Im 6 ft 6in most of my hight is in torso will i fit in a 2000 z3
Z3 might be tight (though better than Miata) and both Z4 and Boxster would likely work. Thanks for watching!