BMW Z3 - bought one!

[Maxxxer]

Yes, I know its another one of those threads, but I felt i should ask the question as there does seem to be a distinct lack of these on RR.

The BMW Z3. First debuted in 1996 ( I think, correct me if I'm wrong), in production until 2003. 

Equivalent MGF's, MX5's and the SLK's seem to populate the forum, and given the price of these things I'm surprised there are not more on here.

Obviously there's this one, which has admittedly inspired me to take the plunge.

And also this bargain (although not my cup of tea, I can see the potential).

I'm just testing the waters - having had an MG Midget which was firmly in Retro territory, I'm interested in opinions....

(Pics to follow as my work PC appears to be blocking my ability to upload...)

[Midland Performance & Retro]

Just about Retro for me. Had a bit of "faux retro" styling going on when they were new and being E36 based, they represent a very "mechanical" BMW from a previous era.

Nice cars too, no matter whether you go for the 4-Pot or 6-Pot or even the M-Division specials. All very different, but all suit the car in their own way.

[waynedear]

An ex had a 1997 Z3 with steel wheels, that was retro.
Just like this..

[Maxxxer]

Something like this works for me...

[bmcnut]

An interesting one. Its probably retro, but I'm just not feeling it. A ZM3 coupe however



I'm all over that like a tramp on chips, but not because i consider them retro, ive always liked them. Probably my favourite modern-era BMW.

[skinnylew]

I'd be tempted to do this to it......


that was my thinking if i had the space i'd have snapped up the red one already being that it's only a few miles away!!

[duggers]

The 4 pots are a bit breathless but if you like the styling and want to run on a (BMW) budget fine, 6 pots can be quite entertaining.

[ChasR]

Aug 13, 2018 17:02:25 GMT bmcnut said:

An interesting one. Its probably retro, but I'm just not feeling it. A ZM3 coupe however



I'm all over that like a tramp on chips, but not because i consider them retro, ive always liked them. Probably my favourite modern-era BMW.

This.

Strange as the Jensen Interceptor was considered firmly in the classic category in the 90s.

I go through phases with the Z3. Some days I like them, others I don't. The later Z4 however. I think the issue with the Z3 for me were the then outdated underpinnings. Alot of people who have driven both reckon the Z4 is the nicer car to drive out of the two. I've driven an E89 Z4 and that is lovely! If the E46s are anything to go by the E87 should make for a nice car to drive.

Then again, I get more attention in the M3 at classic shows than I did in any of my MGBs or the Mercedes W124. Strange, isn't it? Even via the threads it has more attention than the Merc!

I guess the other issue is 90s stuff in a few cases just doesn't appeal to me in most cases. Maybe it was down to rising insurance premiums. Maybe it was down to the use of revolution where evolution would have sufficed. Take the following examples and you'll get what I mean:

-Escort MkIV to the Escort MkV
-Golf MkII to the Golf MkIII
-Peugeot 205 to the Peugeot 206. I know the 306 was meant to be the true replacement but let's leave that out.

Both of the earlier cars are deemed better than the later arrivals, especially with Ford where it was a cost cutting exercise (rear IRS vs. no IRS etc.).

It's strange as I'd consider the MX-5 and MGF in the retro category, probably with the Barchetta and Chimaera too! But then Retro is about style, not about age by definition.

[grizz]

Aug 13, 2018 17:02:25 GMT bmcnut said:

An interesting one. Its probably retro, but I'm just not feeling it. A ZM3 coupe however



I'm all over that like a tramp on chips, but not because i consider them retro, ive always liked them. Probably my favourite modern-era BMW.

Born a classic

[bmcnut]

Aug 13, 2018 17:59:46 GMT ChasR said:

I go through phases with the Z3. Some days I like them, others I don't. The later Z4 however. I think the issue with the Z3 for me were the then outdated underpinnings.

Thus making the Z3 ever so slightly more retro? The Z4 might be a nicer drive, but does that make it a better drive? What I mean is the Z4 might be more pleasant, but is the Z3 more of a drivers car? I havnt driven either so I havnt got a clue.

[Midland Performance & Retro]

Aug 13, 2018 18:16:09 GMT bmcnut said:

Aug 13, 2018 17:59:46 GMT ChasR said:

I go through phases with the Z3. Some days I like them, others I don't. The later Z4 however. I think the issue with the Z3 for me were the then outdated underpinnings.

Thus making the Z3 ever so slightly more retro? The Z4 might be a nicer drive, but does that make it a better drive? What I mean is the Z4 might be more pleasant, but is the Z3 more of a drivers car? I havnt driven either so I havnt got a clue.

The Z4 wins on both counts. Hands down.

But the Z3 is still very nice and most definitely more retro!

[bmcnut]

ok, I'm going to stick my neck out and say 'yes, yes it is retro'



*...but id rather have a coupe

[ChasR]

Aug 13, 2018 18:16:09 GMT bmcnut said:

Aug 13, 2018 17:59:46 GMT ChasR said:

I go through phases with the Z3. Some days I like them, others I don't. The later Z4 however. I think the issue with the Z3 for me were the then outdated underpinnings.

Thus making the Z3 ever so slightly more retro? The Z4 might be a nicer drive, but does that make it a better drive? What I mean is the Z4 might be more pleasant, but is the Z3 more of a drivers car? I havnt driven either so I havnt got a clue.

From others that have driven them they echo Midland Performance & Retro 's comments. The issues they say the Z3 has in roadster form anyway are the E30 chassis traits (it's based on that chassis, which comes with semi-trailing arm issues) and floppier. Some people who have driven the Ms back to back aren't always convinced about the chassis side either. Strange, given that the E30 M3 is very well revered. But then times do change . The Z4 had alot of those compromises ironed out due to a much superior (albeit more complex) suspension setup.

If E30s are like the Stag (they also share a semi-trailing arm setup) I can kind of see the issues. I've driven an E30 but never in anger.

[pistonpopper]

I've never liked these, and always thought that they are a disappointment when I've driven one. I find that against the MX-5 and even the MGF both are better, and more fun to drive. However, is it retro? Well I think that much like beauty, it's an in the eye of the beer holder thing! If you perceive it as retro, then it's retro. Beside, if you want the thing, and like it, then who cares what everyone else thinks? Do you already own one, and if you do why aren't you sharing a thread about it with us yet?

[Maxxxer]

pistonpopper Funny you should ask that.....!

I'm going to look at a 2.2 Z3 sport in around 45 minutes....I'll let you know the outcome later 

[gezzard]

Aug 13, 2018 11:15:00 GMT Maxxxer said:

Yes, I know its br]Obviously there's this one, which has admittedly inspired me to take the plunge.

And also this bargain (although not my cup of tea, I can see the potential).



That bargain could be somebody's debatable 'retro' for a mere £350!

[jpr1977]

I'm in the yes camp...


'98 2.8

[brachunky]

I do fancy owning an early Z3 but after enjoying MX5's, I just a tad worried that it will be a huge disappointment in terms of driving satisfaction.

[MiataMark]

Back when I had a company e36 328i touring I borrowed a Z3 2.8 roadster, I found that it was boomey (noise with roof down, not road or wind noise) and certainly didn't handle as well as the 328. I was quite disappointed in it. The electric roof impressed my daughter when I picked her up from primary school though. It's a pity they didn't do the coupe in 2.8 form like in Germany.

Having said that a 2.8 would make a good weekend/track car.

[ChasR]

Aug 14, 2018 11:21:31 GMT Maxxxer said:

pistonpopper Funny you should ask that.....!

I'm going to look at a 2.2 Z3 sport in around 45 minutes....I'll let you know the outcome later 

Buy it because you want it, not what we want .

The latter does help admittedly but it will be you that ultimately lives with the car.