PRICES for the BMW Z3 roadster are down to a much more affordable level.
It was BMW's answer to the Mazda MX-5 and MG F but although it is stylish and has the BMW stamp of quality it's not as exciting to drive as the Mazda and doesn't feel as poised as a sports car should be.
Six cylinder 2.8 and 3.0-litre engines give very good performance but the much more plentiful 1.9 is rather ordinary.
All Z3s were built in the USA, not Germany, and quality is occasionally not up to the same standard. Reliability is generally good though.
Main models are 1.9-litre with 118 or 140bhp and 2.0 or 2.2 six cylinder with 150 or 170. The 2.8 has 193 and the 3.0-litre 231bhp.
Refinement is good with the roof up but it's very blustery with the lid down with no wind deflector.
Ride is disappointingly unrefined but these cars handle safely and provide good roadholding and grip.
Interior
Seats are supportive and most people can find a comfortable position, but you feel as though you are sitting on, rather than in them.
The boot is a fairly good size, lockable cubbies provide storage but air-con is only standard with big engines.
FAST FACTS
BMW Z3
Price: Pay £6,400 for an '00 51-reg 1.9 base model, £8,300 for an '02 02-reg 2.2 Sport, or £10,300 for an '03 03 3.0 Sport
Mechanical: (1.9) 118bhp, 1,895cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via a 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Combined mpg: 35
Insurance group: 14
Marks: 8/10
Main rivals: Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5