BMW Z3 roadsters are pretty affordable now but they’re not as much fun to drive as a Mazda MX5.
They are mainly well-built but don’t feel as poised or sharp as a sportscar should.
All were built in the USA not Germany and this is why quality is occasionally not up to the same standard. However, reliability is generally good.
Six cylinder 2.8 and 3.0-litre engines give very good performance but the much more plentiful 1.9 four cylinder is rather ordinary.
Main models have the 1.9 engine with 118 or 140bhp and 2.0 or 2.2 six cylinder with 150 or 170. The 2.8 has 193bhp and the 3.0-litre 231.
Ride is disappointingly unrefined but they do handle safely and have good road holding and grip.
Refinement is good with the roof up but its very blustery hood down with no wind deflector.
Interior
The boot is a fairly good size, lockable cubbies provide storage and air-con was only standard with big engines.
Seats are supportive and most people can get comfortable but they feel as though you sit on, rather than in them.
FAST FACTS
BMW Z3
Price: Pay £5,600 for an ’02 02 base model, £7,300 for an ’03 03-reg Sport
Mechanical: 118bhp, 1,895cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 35
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
BIK rating: 23%
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: Honda S2000, Mazda MX5