1998 BMW Z3 Review
1998 BMW Z3 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- We don't care what other people say, we still think that this is the best roadster in the country. Willing engines, superb steering and brakes, a classic shape, and reasonable price make this car a stand out among the new offerings from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
Cons
- Limited trunk space means that you will always travel light. Small gas tank means that you will stop frequently for fuel.
What’s new
BMW's excellent roadster is now available with a power-operated top.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$182/mo for Z3 1.9
Z3 1.9
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Z3, introduced in 1996, has seen unflagging popularity with young and old alike. It seems that wherever we take this car a crowd quickly forms to ask questions about its performance and drool over its lovely shape. Changes to the Z3 lineup for 1998 include the addition of the Z3 coupe (we have not yet received formal press information on this car) and the introduction of the M Roadster, a heavily breathed-upon version of the Z3 that is designed to compete with Porsche 911 Cabriolet head-to-head.
So, what's so special about this car? Obviously, the thrill of open-air motoring in a European two-seater is appealing to any baby boomer who owned an MGA, MGB or TR-6 when they were in college. Even better, the Z3 will undoubtedly be more driveable and comfortable than their counterparts of yesteryear. Twenty-somethings are attracted to the Z3 because of its undeniable sex appeal and attainable price. Everyone else loves it because it's a BMW; that means spirited driving and a wagonload of prestige. The fact that the Z3 shares the 3-Series platform, engine and many components bodes well for the car's performance and safety.
The editorial staff at Edmund's has had a number of good-natured arguments over the character of this car. Some of us look at the Z3 and see a Miata rip-off. Others see a car that will fit quite nicely into BMW's M division, giving us some of the most exciting drop-top driving to be found on this side of the Italian Alps. We all think it's cute.
The 1998 Z3 is beautiful, and the inclusion of new high-performance coupe and roadster models round out the lineup quite nicely. If you don't have kids to haul around and love to drive, this is the car for you.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 BMW Z3.
5 star(78%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
BMW Z3 2.8 (6 cyclinder)
andre, 04/28/2002
1998 BMW Z3 2.8 2dr Convertible
This car is a dream come true. I grew
up with friends who drove used MG's,
Triumph's,Sprite's,and even one 1960
Austin-Healy 3000.I wanted a sports car
that didn't need so much attention. I
bought a 1998 2.8 Z3 last year. It is
the most incredible car I have ever
driven.It has more power than I will
ever need, and is incredibly agile. And
even though there are some … "roadster
type" cars on the market with more
powerful engines, none are anywhere
near as beautiful and stylish as the
Z3.The Z3 is The Roadster Defined.It's
as if those others are just poor
imitations.Bottom line,it is so much
fun to drive, that I even enjoy driving
to work, and I work at the Post
Office.
4.5 out of 5 stars
What A Ride!!!
T Mc, 10/25/2009
1998 BMW Z3 2.8 2dr Convertible
Bought this used about five years ago. No... REPEAT NO mechanic issues to date. Enjoyable drive, sharp look. In short, I'd buy this car over and over again.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Love this car
Jerry, 03/13/2008
1998 BMW Z3 2.8 2dr Convertible
This is a keeper. It is fun to drive, has classic looks and seems to work most of the time. I have had to have a seatbelt replaced, replaced one sensor, and had recurrent problems with an annoying buzz in the bass speaker and have problems with one of the electric seat motors. The sound system is weak for a car this nice and the plastic window in the rag top is pretty cheap also. But … overall it is a well built fun car. If you find one in good shape buy it and keep it.
5 out of 5 stars
As close to perfection as you can get
woodytpt, 09/09/2002
1998 BMW Z3 2.8 2dr Convertible
Of course the M roadster is perfection
but the 2.8 L Z3 is as close as you can
get. My heart wanted the M roadster
but common sense prevailed. With the
stiffer suspension in the M Rodster and
the thought of replacing tires at least
once a year I opted for the 2.8 L Z3.
This car is my daily driver in
Washinton D.C. and I love it.
Maneuvering in traffic becomes a joy … in
this car. Its quickness and nimbleness
is unparralled. Perfect blend of power
and comfort!!!!!!!
1998 Z3 Highlights
1.9
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $182/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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