1996 BMW Z3 Review

Fun, fun, fun

Written by: Doug G. on 01/18/2006

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 2 Dr STD 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!

Favorite Features

Light handling, great fuel economy, just a lot of fun!

Suggested Improvements

Lousy stock audio system.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A Really Fun Car

Written by: Bob G. on 02/11/2005

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 2 Dr STD 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).

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Car for a short while..

Written by: Ingersoll929 on 07/20/2004

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 2 Dr STD 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!

Favorite Features

I absolutely LOVE the exterior design on the Z3. It definatly looks like a $50,000 machine, even 8 years old. The wheels are also very nice and slick looking. The over all look of the vehicle is outstanding.

Suggested Improvements

More smooth and not feel every bump. The interior set up and gauges are blah & cheap looking.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Truth about the early Z3

Written by: MikeInDallas on 06/03/2003

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 2 Dr STD 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.

Favorite Features

Lots of fun to drive. Only car I've owned that is in a game (XBox).

Suggested Improvements

Test the product internally and don't let the consumer do the testing. I've had BMW before and this was a big disappointment.

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2 seater fun ride

Written by: Norm on 12/23/2002

Vehicle

1996 BMW Z3 2 Dr STD 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.

Favorite Features

the manual automatic transmission that can be shifted like a stick shift. the suspension that allows sure cornering in every situation.

Suggested Improvements

build front of windshield high enough to keep wind off top of head.

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