See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
A Really Fun Car
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).
This is what a roadster should be.
Pure top down, wind in your face, diving pleasure. There are other convertibles that offer more in the way of raw performance, but none that just work so perfectly together -- it's much more than the sum of its parts. And you can drive the daylights out of the 1.9 liter motor without losing your license.
The best car in it's class!
Many people call the 1996 BMW Z3 underpowered because of its 4 cyld engine, but my friends, they are wrong on every count. The body and engine work as a team, providing on of the fastest cars in its class (4 cyld). NOt only is it the perfect body of a sports car .... it's a powerhouse! I fell in love the day I saw the BMW Z3 the first time on the road, I was 12 years old at the time, but I knew that day that the Z3 was the only car for me. Six years later, I own my dream car ... and it's everything I immagined it would be, and more. Don't let engine freaks talk you out of buying the 1996 model, just because it says 4 cyl doesn't mean it can't feel like a V12!
Z3--best value in pre-owned roadsters
I am the 3rd owner of a well-cared-for 1996 meridian blue (James Bond's car from Golden Eyes) Z3. With 49,000 miles on it the only thing needed has been routine maintenance. I avg. 30/mpg using premium fuel. While the 4 clyder engine could use more power, it does well with the 5-speed manual transmission. Definitely just a 2- seater with room for one suitcase or two travel bags. Drives and corners superbly. Will replace it in a few yrs. with another Z3 but with the 2.5L motor. BMW dealer service is expensive with an oil change costing $72.
Lotza Fun
Great performance even with 1.9L. Sticks to the road - it takes a LOT of effort to make it slide in a turn. Fun factor = 10.