1999 BMW Z3 Review
1999 BMW Z3 Review
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Used Z3 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW Z3 types
- Convertible
- Hatchback
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- These are some of the best cars available. Great engine choices, superb steering and brakes, and reasonable prices make Z3 cars stand out among 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
The Z3 2.8 Coupe is new, side airbags are now standard on all models and a 2.5-liter inline six replaces the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine on the entry-level roadster.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 BMW Z3 2.8 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$208/mo for Z3 2.8
Z3 2.8
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Z3, introduced in 1996, has seen unfaltering popularity with young and old alike even as the line has grown to include more models. It seems that wherever we take these cars, a crowd quickly forms to ask questions about performance and drool over their lovely shapes. The Z3 lineup now consists of three sportsters: the new 2.8-liter Z3 Coupe, Z3 Roadster 2.3 and Z3 Roadster 2.8.
The Z3 Roadster 2.3 has a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine that replaces last year's four-cylinder engine, and makes 170 horsepower while meeting Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. This year, the Z3 gets wider rear bodywork, a revised suspension and new bumpers. The excellent Z3 2.8 Roadster is unchanged for 1999, save for the addition of side airbags.
The Z3 Coupe 2.8, new this year and based on the Z3 Roadster 2.8, comes powered by a 2.8-liter, 193-horsepower, six-cylinder engine that also meets LEV standards. Options on the vehicle include an on-board computer, heated seats and heated mirrors. Rear storage areas are accessible through a hatchback rear door. BMW's new closed-body sports car is priced at $36,770, making it attainable to a large number of consumers.
So, who's going to buy these cars, anyway? Obviously, the thrill of open-air motoring in a European two-seater is appealing to any baby boomer who owned a sporty little convertible when they were going to college. The solid little coupe, however, makes sense for snowbelt dwellers who like a bit of funk with their sport. Even better, the new Z3s will undoubtedly be more durable and comfortable than their counterparts of yesteryear. Thirtysomethings are attracted to Z3s because of their undeniable sex appeal and attainable price. Everyone else loves them because they are BMWs (translation: spirited driving with a wagonload of prestige.)
The 1999 Z3s are beautiful, and the new coupe rounds out the lineup quite nicely. If you don't have kids to haul around and love to drive, this may be the car for you.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 BMW Z3.
5 star(70%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
99 Z3 Roadster, 2.3, 5 spd manual
carguy2021, 07/25/2012
1999 BMW Z3 2.3 2dr Convertible
Great solid car, extremely reliable for me.
Bought it with 122k on it, sold it with 140k.
Needed front suspension parts replaced, which is no surprise with that many miles, but did the work myself and found that aftermarket parts are cheap online.
Only real issue I experienced was the airbag light came on.
Good gas mileage, and the straight 6 cylinder motor sounds awesome!
Stereo is … absolutely horrible.
Mine did not have the optional Harmon Kardon stereo, which I assume is better.
Would recommend this car - very classic and sexy looking exterior.
Simple interior.
5 out of 5 stars
Best sports car for under $10,000
Ged Eustis, 03/05/2019
1999 BMW Z3 2.8 2dr Convertible
I've owned my 2.8 roadster for three years. I drove it as is off the used lot as my daily driver for two and a half years and never had a single problem. Made several 600-plus mile trips, very comfortably with luggage (I'm 5'10", 200lbs). It cruises smoothly on the interstate at 70 or even at 100mph. Plenty of power for passing or squirting through traffic in town. Get's about … 26hwy/17city. This car does not like bumpy streets, so I don't recommend owning one in an area with lots of bad roads. The ride is very rigid with decent comfort on most smooth streets. The car feels more powerful than I expected before driving one. The chassis is very well planted and the drivetrain delivers thrilling performance. It's about as fast as a v6 mustang, but the size of the vehicle makes it much more nimble and and the noise and vibration, and connectedness to the road is unmistakably German and makes for a much more thrilling drive. It feels like an old 911 or M3. I feel like I lucked out selecting this car. It has surpassed my expectations and checked all the boxes in what I look for in a sports car. I spent around $4,000 last month refitting the car with a new top, new shocks, new clutch and flywheel, brakes, rotors, tires and a tune up, because I intend to keep this little gem for a while. This is one of those cars you miss when it's gone and BMW won't be making any more of these naturally aspirated, straight six, analog, manual transmission cars.
3.88 out of 5 stars
THIS is BMW quality?
Retrobucky, 06/21/2008
1999 BMW Z3 2.3 2dr Convertible
My '99 Z3 (bought Feb '08, 48K miles) still looks great on the outside and powertrain has held up well. Surprised that interior plastic parts are so chintzy, such as loose power drivers seat, cup holder cover, and cracked/broken seat belt restraint and parking brake handle. Radiator fan shroud also cracked and broke off. 6-CD changer in trunk has poor tolerance for bumps. Would not … have expected all these issues at 49K miles.
4.63 out of 5 stars
12 years later and it still turns heads
jdisan, 11/17/2012
1999 BMW Z3 2.3 2dr Convertible
I leased this car new in 1999 and it was so great I bought it at lease end in 2002.
Now 2012 and all I have done is add a front strut brace (highly recommended and simple to install) and the car is still the best I have owned.
Steel Grey, chrome package, with chrome wheels is unbelievable.
I store it in the winter. Never seen snow, barely seen rain. 30k miles. And i drive it hard, run it … to rev limiter regularly, etc.
It's like driving a go-cart, not for all but for enthusiasts really great.
Fun to drive, amazing exhaust note and the engine runs easy at 4k and will just hang there between shifts.
Even today, as 12 year old car, people stop and look and ask.
Timeless for sure.
1999 Z3 Highlights
Convertible
2.3
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $204/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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