1996 BMW Z3 Consumer Reviews

Great Value

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

After having a Porsche Boxter (loved it), I tried a Mazda Miata and was disappointed. When the opportunity to purchase the Z3 came along I grabbed it. It has been a wonderful car and predictably reliable. The rear alignment has been problematic but besides that a great car.
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Amazing 2 Seat Convertible

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

I've had my Z for about a month now and have had nothing but pure joy. Styling is amazing. So sleek and smooth. No doubt it has aged perfectly and will continue to age much better than the the Z4. People will ask what year it it is and I tell them to guess. Their average guess is 2002 lol. Lots of people complain about performance, but luckily mine came with a supercharger made specifically for the 96' Z3 and boosted the power to 225hp. Yup that's right horsepower more than the 6 cylinder. Handling is perfect, you can go around a curve at 50 miles an hour when it suggests 35 with ease and comfort. All in all a great car that will age perfectly and last forever.
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Fun, fun, fun

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

The four cylinder Z3's may not have the oomph of the later six cylinder models, but it is fast enough to get one a speeding ticket! On the other hand, I believe the handling is lighter and better balanced without the extra weight of the six cylinder in the front. The four cylinder wants premium gas, but gas mileage is great! And, yes, people do stop and ask about the car or look as we drive by. The BMW dealers are expensive for service and/or repairs. But dropping the top on a sunny day and cruising the back roads makes it worth while!
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A Really Fun Car

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

Now about to turn 9 years old, my Z-3 is just as much fun to drive as when new. I still get "thumbs up" and compliments from strangers (aged from teen to senior) on my "ride." It is a bit underpowered which shows climbing some of our rather steep hills or in the mountains, but that is minor compared to the superbly balanced handling - lost in the front-heavy 6's in my opinion. The interior has a few cheesy touches - especially the center console which would embarrass a Yugo - but is roomy and comfortable. Plus it has a real trunk with room for a week's groceries or a week's worth of luggage (softsided).
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Great Car for a short while..

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

The car is excillent for getting noticed and for the looks.However, when things mechanically go wrong, it seems like anything less then $500 isn't in the question.The trunk does leak, Engine rattles like no other, and the ride isn't very smooth at all for being a BMW. Trust me when i say you feel EVERY bump or rock in the road.Other then that its a very fun car and its great to be noticed in!
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Truth about the early Z3

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

Had Z3 2 years now, bought used. Door handle pulled off/common defect. Light switch is a pull switch, but the snap-on cap that covers the screw-on bolt is also snap-on. Duh. Location of window controls in center console results in shorts because it's next to shifter and gets dirty. Windows sometimes don't roll up/down. Cat. Converter bad, rattles like mad. Top rattles too. Trunk leaks. This was a factory approved used car. I've talked to others who have cited similar experiences. Maybe an older model you buy will have these things fixed, maybe not.
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2 seater fun ride

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

The z3 can be described as the ultimate fun cruz when it comes to driving on curving mountain roads in western North Carolina. This sports car hugs the road like a suction cup, no sway or bounce just sheer control, not near as enjoyable on expressways with 18 wheelers towering above the little car.All in all a very enjoyable car to drive.
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2 seater fun ride

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

The z3 can be described as the ultimate fun cruz when it comes to driving on curving mountain roads in western North Carolina. This sports car hugs the road like a suction cup, no sway or bounce just sheer control, not near as enjoyable on expressways with 18 wheelers towering above the little car.All in all a very enjoyable car to drive.
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This is what a roadster should be.

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

Pure top down, wind in your face, diving pleasure. There are other convertibles that offer more in the way of raw performance, but none that just work so perfectly together -- it's much more than the sum of its parts. And you can drive the daylights out of the 1.9 liter motor without losing your license.
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Good to buy used

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible

Review

The prestige and handling sell it. Paid 31k in 1996. Ironically, if you can afford a new BMW then you cannot afford to waste time bickering with the BMW [no] service center. Z-3 not comfy. for >6 hr.s I'd projected a loss of $2k per year based on previous BMW's but perhaps because of teh volume of production the loss has been around $3k per year for the Z- 3 and greater for the 328. Otherwise, very happy with the BMW cars. Happy driving, Tim
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