bmw z3 2.8 review

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Picture courtesy of Patrick.

Average Ratings

Performance	8.8/10
Practicality	5.9/10
Reliability	8.9/10
Value for Money	8.3/10
Reviewer Rating	7.9/10
Overall Rating	7.7/10

87% Recommended13 out of 15 Reviews

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By ashaw22 on 7th Jun 2005

ashaw22's Ratings

Year Manufactured	1999
Length of ownership	3 Months
Performance	8/10
Practicality	7/10
Reliability	9/10
Value for money	9/10
Overall value	9/10
ashaw22's recommendation

Good Points

Engine performance and sound!!
Solid feel.
Great Handling (when you switch off the TC).

Bad Points

A fair bit of scuttle shake over uneven road surfaces due to stiff suspension and lack of roof.

General Comments

I picked up my 5 year old BMW Z3 2.8 about 3 months ago and wow what a car. I like this car because it is a car enthusiasts car. It hasn't had all it quirky bits removed by reams of focus groups & committee meetings. The looks are such that I think you either like them or loath them. I love them and with the larger 17" wheels fitted, there is no way this is any hair dressers car.
The engine is very strong and really comes alive over 4000Rpm pulling hard to just over 6000Rpm with a glorious sound that never fails to bring a smile. Below that the engine is very driveable making the car docile around town which makes it relaxing to drive. The throttle pedal however could do to be a little less stiff as you do seem to have to give it a fair shove to add any load.
Over all, the car is very comfortable with well sculptured seats (M sport interior fitted). The interior doesn't feel cramped and is fairly quiet with the hood up. One of the best views of the car also comes from the drivers seat. This comes as you look in the door mirror and see the fat rear wheel arch posing for you.
With the hood down, the cabin isn't very blustery if you have the wind deflector fitted. This device does look a bit like a pair of tights stretched over the rear roll hoops, but it sure is effective.
When driving on rough roads there are some rattles and shakes but then the suspension is pretty hard. Some people may dislike this but I think it adds to the sports car feel, rather that than soggy handling.
The handling is fairly neutral with some rear end play available via the throttle even with 245 tyres fitted. There is a small amount of under steer on initial turn in as there should be on any safe road car. If you turn a tad more aggressively with slightly more steering angle than required, the rear end moves out to set itself up to be driven around the remainder of the bend on the throttle while gradually winding off the steering ready to fire out the other side of the bend with full load applied. Just try not to grin too much in the process.
If you are thinking about buying one but haven't yet - do, you'll love it. If you have got one and don't like it, buy something else - like a Beetle convertible. These are for posing, not driving.

Total Respect: +1