2002 BMW Z3 Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Many are attracted to Z3s because of their undeniable sex appeal, brand cache and attainable price. But really, everybody who loves to drive loves the Z3.
Pros
Superb road manners, sexy shape, lots of standard high-tech goodies, brand cachet.
Cons
Some cheap interior bits, roadsters have a plastic rear window, significantly less expensive two-seaters are out there.
What's New for 2002
A CD player can be found on the standard features list. New hues color the sleek sportster, and aluminum-finish trim replaces maple wood inside the Z3 3.0i coupe.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Not quite a sports car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
My Z3 runs great and has been very reliable, BUT when the finish peeled off the wheels BMW told me the warranty only covers if the wheels don't go round. The seats move forward and back as I speed up or slow down. I did have an Austin Healy in the 60s and this car does not measure up. The shifter gating is vague, the seats are not comfortable for any distance (I guess that is why I never need to worry about fuel range), the interior fittings are always falling apart. Even the logo washes off of the emblems. When I have to wait SIX WEEKS for a ABS sensor that I cannot drive without I am not happy. I can get parts for My TR8 quicker and that is more fun to drive.
Favorite Features
Good engine, good handling.
Suggested Improvements
Seats that are stable and fit humans, more lateral support, better shifter gating. Larger boot. More durable interior and exterior trim. More durable finish on wheels.
Finally bought one
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
We finally bought of these retro-looking beauties. The price tag was just too high originally but we found a nice ultra-low mileage model for half the original list. This 3.0 liter steptronic is everything it is said to be. Just excellent performance, especially the handling. It didn't hurt that we bought some new Goodyear F1 all-season tires. The interior is just classic w/everything laid out quite well. The gas mileage is OK, not great, but 225 HP will do that. Comparing this car with a Miata is a joke. No way! Maybe because they are both roadsters I guess. The Z3 is more in the Boxster or Audi TT class. Grab a Z3 before the low mileage ones are all gone! The Z4 changed too much.
Favorite Features
Retro-style roadster with modern electronics, engine, etc. Outstanding 3.0 liter performance that gives incredible straight-line acceleration that almost compares with American muscle. Not quite but very impressive for a car of this type. The feel is exhilarating!
Suggested Improvements
I'm sure the Z4 has improvements with things like the DSC (wheel sensors, etc..) and idiot dash lights that stay on. The high cost of maintenance stinks, but it is a BMW. I guess it goes with the territory.
I love my Z3
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW Z3 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought a 2002 BMW Z3 2.5i 3 days ago and this is the most fun I have ever had in a car. I am 22 years old and I am having 50 year old guys telling me that I have a nice car. Tell that isn't a good feeling when everybody wants the car you are driving.
Favorite Features
I love the heated seats and the side curtain air bags.
Suggested Improvements
More trunk space.
Z3 - 2002 3.0L
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This is the most legal fun you can have! The only complaint I have is about the HORRIBLE Harman-Kardon speakers... I have heard better in a VW Beetle. There is no excuse for BMW to use this poor quality. It is one of those things you understand that you will just HAVE to replace.
Favorite Features
The sound of that motor! Also, corners like a champ!
Suggested Improvements
Improve seat comfort and please... those Harmon-Kardon speakers couldn't be worse.
Total blast!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This is my 3rd BMW (325 '96, 528i '99). It's a total blast to drive! I loved the 528i handling (which reviews made the best production sedan ever), but the Z3 must use some technology that flat-out reads my mind. I mean, the handling is just telepathic. I caught myself changing lane in for sure less than 0.1 second at 80 mph (typical on a non-jammed CA highway) by a slight movement of the steering wheel. This car means business. It goes where you want it to go, and DSC keeps the the oversteer in check (the Z3 *will* oversteer when pushed agressively with DSC disabled) It jas the looks, the handling, and the 'cachet', and IMHO, no other roadster (Z4 included) matches its sleek styling.
Favorite Features
Telepathic handling, exterior design, interior comfort (of course harsh, but it's balanced enough to provide a great feel of what the car is doing).
Suggested Improvements
Well, it's discontinued... But I would have liked goodies such as Xenon light (I put Xenon bulbs though), a glass rear window, a smaller, auto-dimming mirror and steering wheel-mounted radio and cruise controls. Well yeah, it's a BMW after all.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 BMW Z3
- 2001 BMW Z3
- 2000 BMW Z3
- 1999 BMW Z3
- 1998 BMW Z3
- 1997 BMW Z3
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