BMW Z3 2.8 Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Superb for the money. Don't buy that MX5, buy this!”
Written on: 23/08/2011 by lightning (20 reviews written)
The Z3 is almost a "classic" now, and prices have dropped to under five thousand pounds even for the 2.8/3 litre versions. It's a great car, but go for the larger engine as the smaller engine is a bit slow, plus the larger engined versions have wider rear arches which look better. Remarkably the 2.8 will achieve 30mpg in town driving, if driven with a degree of care. Insurance is also cheaper as it can be insured as a "classic" but do check the premium before you buy one....this is no... (read more)
★★★★☆
“OK so one week is not long to judge any car, but 500...”
Written on: 09/06/2010
OK so one week is not long to judge any car, but 500 miles of pure enjoyment is enough to make me reach for my keypad. The power generated in 5th gear is outstanding. The sexy looks of the 2.8 with wide rear arches attract attention. Fuel economy shouldn't be a major concern as this is a car to enjoy and not feel guilty about. Full service history is recommended for any potential buyer. Driving hard can cause a little "wobble" so I'm considering a front strut bar. Never driven a Z3 before... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I decided to take my mid-life crisis a little early...”
Written on: 15/05/2010 by nousernamesarefree (6 reviews written)
I decided to take my mid-life crisis a little early and so 2 weeks ago I bought a 1998 (12 year old) BMW Z3 2.8. My car has 100k, Full BMW Service History and is in excellent general and mechanical condition. The car looks amazing and has the usual BMW build quality but I have also found a lot about the Z3 2.3 that has disappointed me. From my experience of owning 50 other cars over the last 20 years, the handling of the Z3 2.8 is poor on every day use. Scuttle shake becomes more (not less)... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“i have 19cc version its very nice fast enough in these...”
Written on: 14/05/2010
i have 19cc version its very nice fast enough in these days with all cameras
comfortable easy to get in out for the older person.nice driving position
boot bigger than mx5 my car is in very good condition for 12 years old.surprised hood does not unzip like mx5?like the radio players cassettes and cds i have really thought long hard for some thing i dont like and only thing i can say is parts and accessorios.
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★★★★★
“have just had z3 about year,had triumph...”
Written on: 04/05/2010 by frances1314 (1 review written)
have just had z3 about year,had triumph stag,tr6,wonted somthing newer thot z3 had wee drive that was me smitted,good fun second car,dont like boot tho (read more)
Guest's Response to frances1314's Review
Written on: 26/05/2011
Is this English? As it is, it's semi-literate drivel.
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★★★★★
★★★★★
“The Z3 appealed to me since it has all the attributes...”
Written on: 12/12/2009
The Z3 appealed to me since it has all the attributes of a classic convertible from the 60's and 70's. It looks so cool & really do feel like James Bond when I am driving it!
It's not a techno convertible like the ones from this century and this is why I like it so much. The interior is stylish and the leather power seats extremely comfortable even on long journeys. The fabric top also gives it that period look and its also powered - going down in less than 10 seconds.
The automatic...
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★★★★★
“Having owned a 1998 Z3 2.8 for a lttle over a year I...”
Written on: 08/10/2008
Having owned a 1998 Z3 2.8 for a lttle over a year I have now experienced what its like to go through all the seasons with the roadster.
This car did have a bit of bad press. The complaint was the handling. It is true that there is a little body roll when driving hard but its nots a super car that will stay flat through corners. If you want that then you will lose comfort. Having taken the car out on track and pushing it to its limits it really is a drivers car. It is very "chuckable"...
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★★★★★
“After adding a front strut brace, the car handles very...”
Written on: 08/04/2008
After adding a front strut brace, the car handles very neutral. It is just a joy to drive.. the strut brace .. Only about $150, the car is priceless. (read more)
★★★★★
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 23 Reviews
★★★★★
“It's a great car. I would recommend the 2.8 (or 3.0)...”
Written on: 13/10/2007 by HyperMatrix (1 review written)
It's a great car. I would recommend the 2.8 (or 3.0) model, however, as this car is HEAVY. It is the same weight as a mustang. It's not that bad on gas. With my combined Aggressive City/Highway driving, I get 220 Miles on 11 gallons, which for such a respectable sports car is actually quite good. :)
The only thing you 'may' be disappointed with is not going for the higher 2.8 or 3.0 model. Other than that, this car is Golden. Make sure you get the Hard Top as it looks surprisingly...
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★★★★★
“Owning a Z3 is truly amazing. It's a head turner every...”
Written on: 01/01/2007 by roberp (1 review written)
Owning a Z3 is truly amazing. It's a head turner every time. I am 28 years of age and have been very fortunate in owning a z3 (007 replica model - 1.9) for approx 1 year and 2 months until I crashed the car which is now a complete right off. I have been extremely devastated ever since. I have viewed other cars such as the Mazda MX-5 and the Mercedes SLK however, the Z3 continues to haunt me. I have now gone for another Z3 mainly because I am absolutely obsessed about the car in general; the... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I have owned a 1999 T plate 2.8 litre BMW Z3 for one...”
Written on: 12/07/2006 by Bill Mason (1 review written)
I have owned a 1999 T plate 2.8 litre BMW Z3 for one month. I have hunted high and low over two years for the right one, and finally settled on a straight six engined roadster in dark green with 34,000 miles on the clock.
I think it is the perfect second car - my family car is a Saab 93 2.0 Aero - and it cost £8700.00. It has the chrome pack with chrome door handles and windscreen pillar, and I have paid £1350.00 for BMW fitted roll bars.
I think it would be hard to beat this choice as a...
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Django290's Response to Bill Mason's Review
Written on: 12/08/2008
I have owned my 1999 z3 2.8 for 4 months now and I agree with all your comments, a very rewarding car to drive and the more you get used to it the better it goes. I must remark on one point about the rear window, a friend of mine bought one from America for £50 but fitting it is not just a zip in there is adhesive involved and a certain amount of body contortionism is required. As we are both over 65 we have put off the attempt to fit it!!! I think he may have it fitted proffesionally. If you look on google there are a number of firms that will supply and fit the window for around £150.
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★★★★★
“I just bought a '97 BMW Z3 with the 2.8. She had only...”
Written on: 07/01/2006 by JoyToy2c (1 review written)
I just bought a '97 BMW Z3 with the 2.8. She had only 44k miles and I love her. Why didn't I get this two seater sooner? I could not imagine buying a Miata...or any other convertible especially after driving the Z3. I had even considered looking for a Mercedes SLK, but the BMW has much more power... and combined with exceptional steering and handling makes this car one to really consider buying. I give the BMW two thumbs up! (read more)
★★★★☆
“Looks and feels a far higher quality item than say a...”
Written on: 26/07/2005 by robgee1964
Looks and feels a far higher quality item than say a Mazda MX5 or MGF. Retro styling looks great.
Driving position is excellent, you feel part of the car, rather than merely sitting on top of it. All instruments and switchgear are easy to see and operate.
Performance is excellent, although the auto transmission kick down is a little savage, I found it preferable to downshift manually when overtaking. The auto transmissions sports mode is pretty much a complete waste of time, all it does...
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Acetag's Response to 203508_robgee1964's Review
Written on: 12/09/2008
I found this review helpful because...it made me make the right choice to get one.
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★☆☆☆☆
“The handling on the BMW Z3 is dreadful for such a car....”
Written on: 15/06/2005 by davsterravster1 (3 reviews written)
The handling on the BMW Z3 is dreadful for such a car. It is quick but you can not use the power due to the bad handling. I am very let down with this car. It has put me off buying BMW ever again. I have regularly had the scares of my life due to the back end of the car kicking out. It is no fun to drive!! (read more)
Ashaw22's Response to davsterravster1's Review
Written on: 01/08/2005
May I suggest that your car is bent or you simply have no clue how to drive?
<br>I expect you have come from a front wheel drive Euro box that is made so your granny can go fast in it. The Z3 2.8 is a proper rear wheel drive sports car than demands respect. If you do know how to use its handling though, as I do, you can runs rings around most cars on the road. The fact that the rear end can be induced into an amount of over steer makes that car very fast indeed.
<br>I suggest you buy a Street Ka or something else that has all the character removed as to not upset the chronically inept.
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220475_Macwy's Response to davsterravster1's Review
Written on: 11/12/2005
I purchased a 1998 2.8 Z3 manual about 5 months ago. I have driven many cars over the years, and must admit, that yes, the back end does kick out. When buying the car I reminded myself that as with my previous car(Mercedes) this car is also REAR wheel drive. It kicks when i expect it to, it powers slides (road permitting), its a 200 Bhp rear wheel drive rocket, (in a straight line, fun in the wet).
<br>The engine sounds amazing ! and even at 135 its not too blustery, with the hood down, and deflectors in place. It is a fun car to drive, and always turns heads. LOVE IT.
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Nousernamesarefree's Response to davsterravster1's Review
Written on: 15/05/2010
Ignore the idiot who says you're car is "bent" or you don't know how to drive it. You are quite right, the Z3 2.8 is a heavy car in every respect; heavy clutch, heavy accelerator, heavy (slow) gear change, and poor handling in day to day road use. The Centre of Gravity is way off. I have owned a Z3 2.8 for 2 weeks and although it's in mint condition with a full BMW service history I am selling it for the same reasons that you've pointed out. BMW build quality but not typical BMW driving experience.
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★★★★★
“I picked up my 5 year old BMW Z3 2.8 about 3 months...”
Written on: 07/06/2005 by ashaw22 (1 review written)
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...
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Davsterravster1's Response to ashaw22's Review
Written on: 06/09/2005
The Z3 is no drivers car. Look at all the bad reviews it has got. I have owned many rear drive cars and have had 3 BMW's. These were all superb, but it all went wrong with the Z3.
<br>Wait until the winter!!! That is when the real "FUN" starts. The car is strange to drive at the best of times but when its slippy just watch out! There is none of the usual BMW handling fun to be had here, just dengerous understeer in bucket loads. Then the back end will suddenly kick out even with the traction control on. I am going back to a 330i again. That makes the Z3 seem like a disaster, which it is. I suppose hairdressers never go quick enough to find out the bad handling traits that it has.
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★★★★★
“Bought my BMW Z3 2.8 sports car privately, had low...”
Written on: 15/11/2004 by liamaustin (1 review written)
Bought my BMW Z3 2.8 sports car privately, had low mileage and 18" Breyton magic wheels, has turned out to be a very good buy (touch wood). the sound from the straight six is fantastic, the accelaration is almost untouchable from most sports cars of this price on the road today. I tavel from London to Carolisle and arrive as fresh as when I left, (As long as there is no long tail backs on the M6). This car definately brings a smile to your face every time you drive it.
Servicing costs...
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★★★★★
“In a nutshell, I have no complaints about this BMW Z3...”
Written on: 15/07/2004 by Annabelle (1 review written)
In a nutshell, I have no complaints about this BMW Z3 2.8 Sports car so far. I was lucky to find the one I have now, low mileage, full BMW service history. Well worth there money in every respect with a style, that I think, will not go out of date for a long time. I was also quite suprised how low my insurance quote was being a 25 year old female. I recommend this car to anybody thinking about buying one. (read more)
★★★★☆
“I first bought the BMW Z3 2.8 car beacause I was...”
Written on: 08/02/2004 by Den Z3 (1 review written)
I first bought the BMW Z3 2.8 car beacause I was seduced by the sexy and aggressive looks and the sheer grunt and performance of the engine. It has taken me a while to get used to it and through that time I have gone through the emotions of being dissapointed and back to being delighted. If you approach the car understanding that this is a drivers car, in the mould od perhaps a '70's sports car then from day 0ne you will understand what its about. Perhaps that a cop out from BMW. After all,... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 23 Reviews
★★★★★
“I owned a Range rover that had some pull and i guess...”
Written on: 03/10/2003 by bowman (2 reviews written)
I owned a Range rover that had some pull and i guess body roll. moved from that to the BMW Z3 2.8 and could not believe how easy it was to move on the streets again, the acceleration was good, turning circle very flat smooth ride.
i drove it from london to scotland and back doing about 1800 miles, most with roof down, it was small to do camping in, but great fun point to point, and got a lot of comments from the scots,
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★★☆☆☆
“A major let down. The BMW Z3 2.8's handling is...”
Written on: 09/09/2003 by davster (1 review written)
A major let down. The BMW Z3 2.8's handling is worrying, especially on bendy roads. The car understeers severely. There are numerous rattles and the boot fills with water when it rains causing the car to steam up badly. It is uncomfortable and causes your legs to bang in to the centre console due to the strange offset pedals that BMW use.
I am most disappointed with this car.
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Liamaustin's Response to davster's Review
Written on: 16/11/2004
This guy obviously has no understanding of what understeer is, this car is rear wheel drive and is heavily prone to oversteer, before people make rash decisions about where there legs bang into, make sure they buy a car that they can fit into!!! this car is perfectly ergonomic for the "normal" sized human being. As for the boot leaking I have noticed this but, this is due to the rear brake light being cut into the boot, its a question of physics, all you need to do is make sure that the car is not pointing down a hill while its raining. Also with regard to rattles, if you may or may not have noticed this is a convertable, where the roof retracts, there are moving parts which are obviously going to make some noise from time to time on rough ground!
<br>
<br>Maybe a proton would be a better choice for the future!!!!!
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189186_Bmwroadster's Response to davster's Review
Written on: 14/04/2005
The Bmw Z3 2,8 is by far the best roadster on the road in the Uk and global! It is a most smooth experience you can have, let`s face it even the japs have and never will touch the Z3 and it`s glorious character and it was made even better by introduction of the M` soprt. I love and adore my Z3 I drive it daily and never had any problems in 6 years. I would advise anybody to indulge in this future classic I rate this over any other car in it`s class. Pure quality interior,exterior is super solid not like the jap counter parts! nothing even comes close to it`s charm I disagree with anybody who says I don`t like it?? I Love you Bmw America for producing the best Roadster in the world!!
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★★★★★
“The BMW Z3 2.8 is a good looking car with a...”
Written on: 29/08/2003 by garygfx (4 reviews written)
The BMW Z3 2.8 is a good looking car with a distinguished bonnet and good lines. The back end isn't as strong in terms of design as the front, not even the updated rear end (2000 models onwards) manage to make it match the rest of the car. The engines below 2.5 don't do the car justice, but the 2.8 and 3.0 make this a great sports car. Okay, it's not as potent as some other cars, but for the money it gives more bhp. Since you can only buy Z3s second hand now it's fair to assume that most... (read more)
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Nousernamesarefree's Response to nousernamesarefree's Review
Written on: 07/06/2010
FOLLOW UP BY REVIEWER:
<br/>
<br/>Ok, so it's now some weeks since I wrote my (quite critical) review of the BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster, and overall, my views of this car have changed. I've realised that handling is goog (or should I say interesting!) on this car once you get to know the car better. I've also appreciated that refinement and reliability are real stron points of the Z3 2.8 that should have been better reflected in my review. To be honest, one day I changed my seating position and at last found one I was really happy with; from that day I just fell back in love with the Z3 and have enjoyed it ever since. The engine is super smooth and makes a grat noise, although I do think it could have more power and torque for it's capacity. I'm thinking about getting it remapped. Overall though, I do love the Z3; it's not an every day car but it's great for having a romp about in. I've certainly changed my mind about selling it, and now intend to keep it for the long term!