Item: Used BMW Z3 1997 - 2003
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Sports

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Buy the BMW Z3 for its looks and the badge on the bonnet, but not for its ability.

Used BMW Z3 1997 - 2003

A BMW Z3 will be dearer to buy and own than a Mazda MX-5, but it shouldn't lose much of its value while you've got it.

As on all BMWs, the Z3's servicing intervals vary according to how and where you drive – an on-dash indicator tells you when work is due. BMW dealers offer discounts for regular work on cars over four years old, but if they're still too dear, use one of the many reputable independent BMW specialists.

Spares are also expensive, but the good news the car's engine and gearbox are tough and last well. A new hood will cost a four-figure sum, although they rarely need replacing unless damaged.

Insurance for the 1.9-litre cars is reasonable, but the 2.8 and the high performance M model will be much pricier. The 1.9 promises up to 35mpg overall, which is reasonable, while the 2.8 can manage up to 30.1mpg and the M 25.4mpg.

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Buy the BMW Z3 for its looks and the badge on the bonnet, but not for its ability.

Go for a model with the 1.9-litre engine. It suits the car well and keeps insurance and other costs sensible. This model outsold its bigger-engined brothers, so it is also the cheapest and easiest to find.

Manual and automatic transmissions are available, and both are good. Alloy wheels, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and remote locking come as standard, but air-con and a powered hood were options on all but the 2.8 and M models. Cars without them should be several hundred pounds cheaper.

Most first owners indulged in the long list of factory-fit options, so it's rare for two BMW Z3s to have the same spec and it's worth shopping around to find exactly the combination you want.

Lastly, check whether the car you're looking at is a personal import from the Continent. It may not be to UK specification, so watch what you buy and only take one if it's cheap and otherwise in good nick.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

There are a few important areas to check on any car: driving hard over speed bumps can damage the fuel tank, which is expensive to replace; the soft-top will need renewing if it's torn or mildewed – replacing one costs well into four figures, although going to a hood specialist should save plenty compared to main-dealer prices; hard tops, if fitted, sometimes leak; and, damage to seats is also expensive to fix.

Some 1.9-litre engines fitted to 1990s car suffered premature engine wear. Most will have had their engines fixed or replaced, but watch for excess exhaust smoke on any test drive, which will signal if there's a problem.

The dash indicator showing when the next service is due can be reset easily, so ask to see bills for recent work, rather than trusting what you see. Rust is also possible on earliest cars, so check the rear wheelarches and sills for bubbling.

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The BMW Z3 is a handsome two-seat convertible that sells quickly, even at high prices.

The upmarket image is everything you'd expect of a BMW, but the same can't be said of the drive; the suspension set-up is basically a 1980s design, so the Z3 feels stiff and slow-witted compared with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">Mazda MX-5</a>, and a lot less fun.

However, the engines and gearboxes are as good as you'd expect. The most popular 1.9-litre engine found in most Z3s isn't sports car-quick, but it suits the car well enough. The 2.8- and 3.2-litre units are much more powerful, but they show up the limitations of the chassis only too obviously.

Like the suspension, the interior, is showing its age, but at least it's well screwed together. It's well equipped, too, and its terrific seats are very comfy, although they're not great for long-legged drivers. Boot space is tight.

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Used BMW Z3 1997 - 2003 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

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