2002 BMW Z3 Review
2002 BMW Z3 Review
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Used Z3 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW Z3 types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 BMW Z3 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$263/mo for Z3 2.5i
Z3 2.5i
vs
$179/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 to drool over their lovely shapes.
The Z3 lineup consists of three sportsters: the base Z3 Roadster 2.5i, Z3 Coupe 3.0i and Z3 Roadster 3.0i. The Z3 Roadster has an upgraded 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine that now makes 184 horsepower while meeting low-emission-vehicle (LEV) standards. Z3s outfitted with larger 3.0-liter 225-horsepower six-cylinder engines are available as coupes or roadsters.
Z3 Roadsters feature L-shaped taillights with clear turn signal lenses, fully lined tops, and sculpted rear flanks. The capable sound system is actually audible at speed and clear instrument gauges, plus an analog clock, give the interior a classic look. However, some carefully chosen upgrades in interior plastics would go a long way toward improving the Z3's value equation. And what's with the plastic rear window on roadster models when a $12,000 cheaper MR2 provides glass and a defroster?
The 2.5i gets four-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip differential and 16-inch V-rated performance tires as standard equipment, while the 3.0i cars have larger brakes and new 17-inch wheels this year. A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Z cars, but this year a five-speed Steptronic automatic, capable of being manually shifted, is optional. All Z3s have a leather-wrapped M-Technic sport steering wheel and standard Dynamic Stability Control, which senses when the car is veering from its intended path and selectively modulates engine torque and the antilock brakes to bring the car under control.
Driving BMW's Z3 cars is a phenomenal experience. Even the most basic Z3 Roadster, with its powerful inline six and ventilated front disc brakes, is a blast. Only at high speeds does the 2.5 feel winded, but opting for the larger displacement 3.0-liter six in the 3.0i Roadster solves that problem. And for those who must have a rigid structure and protection from the elements, the 3.0i Coupe is a hoot.
Slotted comfortably between the bargain Mazda Miata/Toyota MR2 and more expensive machines from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, there is a Z3 to suit anybody's needs. Certainly the thrill of open-air motoring in a European two-seater is appealing to any baby boomer who owned a sporty little convertible while in college, but those seeking a scalpel-sharp roadster in this price range will want to check out Honda's ultra-capable S2000. The Z3 Coupe 3.0i makes sense for snowbelt dwellers who have greater storage needs and like a bit of "funk" with their "sport."
With superb steering and excellent brakes, any Z3 is fun to drive and own. Despite their prowess, however, pure performance freaks will want to step up to the M Coupe and M Roadster, which offer increased power and superior handling.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 BMW Z3.
5 star(88%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
great fun sport car
rockcrawler2, 11/20/2002
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
this car is not for everybody it is a
mean fast driving machine. the cockpit
is cozy it is full with two people. it
is geared for performance I dont sugest
driving long distances. I have to get
out to streach every hour or so. I
raced a 94 corvete up a mountain and
easly out handeled the vette. tight
turns are a favorite you can throw it
around and it keeps coming back … for
more. the DSC it a real life saver it
only comes into play when I am driving
at the edge I am scared to drive this
car very fast without the DSC
inguaged. if you want a fun driving
machine I highly recomend this car.
thanks for reading this rob
5 out of 5 stars
I really like this car!
capttron, 06/08/2003
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
I really, I mean REALLY like htis
car! It is a drivers machine. It
does everything you ask of it and
more. It's FAST (expecially after
getting it chipped = then it's REALLY
REEAALLLY fast) It corners like a
dream. Gas mileage has been
outstanding - on a recent trip to Las
Vegas at an average speed of let's
just say 90+ I got 24.5mpg. Contrary
to the review above … I think it is one
of the greatest looking cars around.
It has hints of some of the most
classic sports cars of all time
throughout its integrated styling
scheme. As for comfort, I can drive
the car comfortably longer than the
capacity of my bladder and gas tank.
5 out of 5 stars
Total blast!
mexibec04, 03/06/2005
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
RRZ3
Richmmm, 03/11/2004
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
I've loaded mine up with the Dinan
upgrades and it runs like a dream
2002 Z3 Highlights
Hatchback
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $37,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $251/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Z3 include:
- Stability Control
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