Summary: This car is the most fun car I have ever driven, including the M3. The Coupe looks aggressive, accelerates like the wind and is a dream to drive. The muscles bulging with 18" wheels. I have owned BMW's from the 3 series, to the 5 series and the M3. However, even though this is not the fastest car out there it is bold enough to be completely different, and drives like a maniac. The 50:50 weight distribution is dream when conering at high speed.
I use the car in Milan, Italy only when the sun shines. It is black inside and out, carrying a unique bold, even aggressive design. I would say:
Handling 9/10
Speed 9/10
Style 10/10
Value 10/10 (used)
Fun factor 12/10!
Insurance/running costs 10/10
Even though this car is already 7 years old, it drives like new, has done 40,000 miles from new (one doctor owner only) and attracts attention everywhere I go.
Strengths: Style, reliability, performance, running costs, insurance, handling and FUN!!
Weaknesses: Space for the driver's legs
Similar Products Used: BMW 320, BMW 328, BMW 540, BMW M3
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Summary: Thoroughly enjoyable drive! The car has power to spare and handles like a scared rabbit.
A quick trip through some back-country roads made me actually laugh while driving a car for the first time since I owned a 1985 Nissan 300ZX Turbo. The Z3 holds the corners with confidence and just begs you to push a little harder. You know you're having fun when you're wife says, "did you have to come so close to the guardrail?"
The 2.5l engine claims 184hp and feels like it. I'm mildly jealous of the 3.0l's extra 36hp, but it's still a fun ride.
I got one with the automatic transmission with the sport shifting. It's a compromise, but not much of one. The automatic is a 5 speed for one thing, and the gearing favors acceleration over top speed.
The Z3 also draws stares. Whens it's parked it draws gawkers. If you bought the car, I trust you don't mind the attention.
The interior of the car has a few flaws. The center console does not come with an armrest (quickly solved with an after-market one). The door armrests are not padded and irritate your elbow if you are in the habit of resting your elbow on the door armrest while driving.
The seats are comfortable and grab you hard while cornering.
I love the instrumentation! Rather than a high-tech digital dash, the Z3's instruments are analog and simple. And you know what? The needles rise and fall very quickly!
Lastly, the brakes take you from fast to stopped in record time.
Summary: This car has some of the best looks from a sports car I have ever seen and it looks even nicer with the top down. I have driven a lot of cars in my day and this was the most fun one to drive. The one thing i really like is that girls love this car and can't wait to take a ride in it. For me i like the sound system and the speed of the car.
The Z3 has looks greater then all of the BMW Z4s and a lot of other sports cars the are of equal or higher value (TT, 350Z, S2000, Sky). I would recommend the BMW Z3 to every one.
Strengths: The looks of the car, the sound of the car, and its a James Bond car.
Weaknesses: The rear plastic window.
Similar Products Used: BMW Z4, 350Z, SKY, S2000, RX-8, Boxter, SLK, TT,.
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Summary: This is a sweet ride! Love it. The controls are exactly where they need to be, the interior of the car wraps around you like a sports car should. Forget about the Lexus's with navigation / stearing wheel radio controls ...etc... this is a sport car - you want to hear the engine roar!
Strengths: handling, torque, speed, raw design
Similar Products Used: Mercury Cougar
Subaru WRX
Golf GTI
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