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WOW What a Car
Truly my favorite sports car!! I have owned many including Corvettes, Trans Ams, Z28s, Mustangs, and MG Midgets, but this one takes the cake. Although I still own a 1970 Corvette (rarely driven these days), I still lust for the fun per mile that my Z3 delivered. My wife and I were looking for a sports car for my fortieth birthday back in 2005 and stumbled onto this Atlanta Blue 2.8 5 speed with tan interior. One test drive and the rest is history! The performance, economy, power, looks, and driving pleasure makes this my most fun since my old MGs (when they were running properly). I owned this car for five flawless years and drove the he'll out of it.
97 Z3 Value
Overall, even with the 1.9L engine, its not a bad cruising car. Certainly great gas mileage. Being a BMW, I expected a better quality vehicle. This car has less than 15k miles, garage kept, never in rain or snow. The seats rock, the power window buttons fall in the console, gas gauge is eractic and BMW dealers want to charge excessive amounts to repair what shouldn't break within 10k to 15k miles.
- 2.8 ConvertibleMSRP: $7,750132 mi away
- 1.9 ConvertibleMSRP: $9,800204 mi away
- 1.9 ConvertibleMSRP: $8,495248 mi away
older car new bmw fan
Purchased this 1997 bmw z3 with 147400 miles on the clock and fixed lamps out and several small problems , just a little tlc along with struts and rear shocks, carrier bearing on the driveshaft had to be replaced to take care of vibration, tire balance is very important on this car . wal mart balance lifetime for 9.,00 per tire is a deal. long story made short after service we drove the car 2000 miles trouble free on the blueridge parkway most of the time in fifth gear, this 2.8 with the 5 speed gear box is simply the most fun we have had in a car in years and is still a head turner, the car now has 150000 miles on the clock and oil level is still full. this thing is a keeper.
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Oldie but fricken goodie
The 1997 Z3 1.9L straight-4 is really a unique find, at a great price. I would not pay more than $8,000 for one with around 80,000 miles on it, which is the car I got for myself. Incredible value for a truly zippy and economical car! Lots of fun to drive, and a real head turner for those of us who are into that type of thing. Dark green with tan interior and top is the way to go. Engine without a drop of any fluid on it. Very tight gearbox for a manual transmission, will get you up to 40 miles per hour as quickly as need be. Perfect commuter car!!!
I love my Z3
I have wanted this car since I saw it in GoldenEye and the deal I got was just too good to pass up. It had only 29,000 mi on it when I bought it and everything in all the reviews that drivers had issues with had already been fixed (her father owned a BMW dealership) so it was perfect. I am 5'2" so it fits me to a T and I just drove 400 mi this weekend and was totally comfortable. Every day I drive it someone comments on what a beautiful car it is and I agree. It is not for everyone, larger drivers will not be comfortable, but they can buy any other car. It runs like a dream and is very reliable, most parts that I have had to replace were the originals. I intend to keep it forever.
Understated
The "value" of this car is understated in many ways. It is so much fun to drive, and quite comfortable for an average size person. On many occasions I have driven 800 miles in a day quite comfortably. It continues to be reliable, and as it ages, the exceptional and unique design endures. I believe the 97 2.8 will become a collector vehicle.
BEST Car I have ever Owned or Driven & I'm 74!
I purchased my 1997 BMW Z3 with 1.9L engine; Manual 5 speed transmission; Atlanta Metallic Blue exterior with Black interior. I had owned a 2003 Corvette (cost me $50k) and several other sportscars in my life...but, this BMW Z3 is by far the BEST car I have ever owned or driven! Footnote: I also purchased a NEW 1998 BMW Z3 when they first came out (it was an all black convertible...great car, should have never sold it). I am retired, so, this is just a FUN car for me. Paid $4,500.00 for it. It had 148,000 miles on it and seemed to have been pretty well taken care of....2 previous owners. Though, I know, with any "used car", you really should have a mechanic check out a car before you purchase it, but, I didn't this time. I had to replace the battery and the engine mounts needed to be replaced. I added a new Kenwood Stereo with CD slot. The original Owner installed 2 woofer speakers behind the seats, so, fantastic sound in my car! New top and new tires put on 12 mos. ago. This is the "James Bond - Golden Eye" movie BMW Z3, so, a bit iconic. As a professional designer for the past 40 yrs., I feel I know great design when I see it....this 1997 BMW Z3 has a "timeless" design about it. A few people have approached me thinking my Z3 is a NEW car...I told them, no, it's 20 years old. This car drives like a dream...fantastic shifting, steering, cornering....just feels light on its' feet. I can accelerate thru corners and this ZE goes around those corners like it's on rails. About 90% of the time, I drive my Z3 with the top down.....more FUN and I think it just looks better too. Overall visibility is better when the top is down (the rear window is plastic...though it was glass on my 1998 Z3). I had to purchase the "semi-flexible rubber" convertible cover that goes on the convertible cover when the top is down....for $300 on E-Bay...car looks so much better with this cover. I really appreciate this color too "Atlanta Metallic Blue"...almost flawless exterior paint. BMWs are not exactly cheap to maintain, compared to many American cars, but, to me, this Z3 is worth it. I only put about 200 miles per week on my Z3, so, I doubt I'll have to spend much on maintaining it. To me, the 1997/1998 BMW Z3 body style is the best styling/design. There are many of these Z3's on the market....If you're interested in purchasing one, I recommend searching for one on-line and maybe one for less than 100,000 miles (and have it checked out by a mechanic before making the purchase). I even looked out of State to find the Z3 I really wanted (color, engine, manual transmission, etc.). I plan to stay on top of my BMW Z3 maintenance...keep it garaged and plan to keep it for many years to come! Just a brief P.S.....The Original Owner of my Z3 had a "Dinan" cold air engine intake system installed (I think a $635.00 item plus installation)...this gives the car an additional 10 hp. As I mentioned above, in Feb. 2018, the previous Owner was the person who added all 4 NEW tires & replaced the Convertible Top. The ONLY negative I can even consider here are "maintenance costs"...not especially low for BMWs compared to many American Cars. But, as this author mentions, even with a good or even new car, you have to be willing to spend $1k to $2k per yr. in auto maintenance. Oh, and with I think with many Z3s (and even with my wife's SUV) that have power seats, after several years, the seats tend to "move" a bit when you start & stop...mine does. To properly repair this, you have to remove the seat/s OR you can set the seat in the lowest position or highest position & the sliding stops. I keep my seat low. Always use Premium 93 octane unleaded with BMW Z3s and don't allow the oil to get low (or it could have a negative impact on your timing chain)...(synthetic oil is best). Car is very low, so be careful with the front end when parking. FANTASTIC CAR...seriously doubt I'll ever buy another car, unless it's a BMW Z3. *Jan. 24, 2021....Update: I continue to restore my 1997 BMW Z3...it now has just over 150,000 miles on it. Decided to change out the Clutch & Flywheel....got a few estimates...one was even $3,100.00...but, found a better est. for $1,500.00. Like driving a NEW car; Super smooth shifting. Now, just need to keep an eye on routine maintenance, fluids, etc...STILL the BEST car I've ever driven or owned and I'm now 71 years old. UPDATE info. on January 25, 2022. My 1997 BMW Z3 (which has the smaller engine, not the 2.8L engine) is still running GREAT. Over the past 3 years since I purchased it, I have been restoring it....sort of as a Hobby. It is NOW pretty close to "Show Room" Condition. STILL having people ask me if my BMW Z3 is a NEW car? And I tell them, "No, it's a 1997 BMW". This Spring of 2022, I figure my Z3 will be 25 Years old....has approx. 152,000 miles on it. Though I sort of wish it had LESS than 100,000 miles on it, I recently read where some Z3 owners had put over 300,000 miles on their 1997 BMW Z3. According to BMW, you do have to put the HIGH GRADE UNLEADED gasoline in this car....but, since I get close to 30 mpg cith and Highway, the price of gasoline just is NOT an issue for me. Being retired, I only put about 2,000 miles a year on this car. STILL love driving this car and glad it's a 5 speed manual transmission. I feel with a stick shift I have more control over the car and it's just so much MORE FUN to drive with a manual transmission. I recently learned that ONLY about 10% of the cars on the road today have "Manual Transmissions", which surprised me. I also see that there's this movement towards ELECTRIC CARS....I would NEVER buy one. First they are way too expensive. My Son's TESLA's battery costs $25,000.00. Plus, you can't hear an electric car like you can gasoline powered cars...so, I think that's a SAFETY issue...as you need to HEAR the cars and trucks around you when you're driving. There are TONS of very affordable BMW Z3's out there on the market....1996 thru 2001...from $9K to $15K with reasonable amounts of mileage on them. If you decide to buy one, be sure to get a "Mechanic" check it out for you before you purchase it...and check out the CARFAX on the specific car. HIGHLY RECOMMEND the BMW Z3 for everyone. Mine is a Convertible and being in Texas, I drive my Z3 with the top down about 95% of the time. Bob
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A Classic in all Respects
While in college in the late 1960's, I owned an Austin Healey 100-4. The Z-3 I purchased in 1997 had all the elements that I loved about the Austin Healey. The 6 cylinder in a must for the Z-3 and frankly the only color to consider if you are an aficionado is the dark green with tan interior and top. Any one who reports that there is insufficient power or that the top is too hard to put up is not a roadster devotee. Boys, step aside and let the real men tell you what constitutes a genuine sports car. Thank you BMW for bringing back a car that is in the lineage of the Austin Healey, Morgan and MG.
Fun Car for the 'Twisty's...and very reliable!
Bought the 1.9L version for my son's first car in 2008, with only 70,000 miles, for a little under $8,000. He drove it a couple of years until he decided he wanted to buy himself a different car with manual transmission. We decided to keep the car for both a daily driver and for our many trips to the Smoky Mountains...to include many runs on the "Tail of the Dragon", Cherohala Skyway and many other twisty roads. I take care of normal maintenance such as oil changes, air filter, shocks, brakes, etc., and this car has been great with very few repairs required. Just recently passed 231,000 miles and still going strong. Great car for the fun roads as well as a daily driver!
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BMW Z3 2.8 - one of the best roadsters
I bought the '97 Z3 2.8L with the M body style, wide tail and tires, the first year of this style. I think this body is a classic. The Z4 is a bit crisp for me. I have owned my car for 10 years and have had no problems other than a minor driver's seat rail play (seat slid back/forth) which I got fixed under warranty. In 2000, I compared this vs. my neighbor's Porsche 2.5L boxster he wanted to sell me and this vintage of the two cars didn't render a big difference. I felt the BMW 2.8 had more power than the Boxster and handled as well when I pushed both on a very windy back road. There is a huge difference between the 4 cyl and 6 cyl BMW. Once I drove the 2.8L, I said no to the 4 cyl.
zooooooom
This is truly one of the most fun cars to drive. Excellent acceleration. You definitely need manual transmission for the true driving experience.Is there road noise? yes! That is what makes this car fun. Not only do you feel the road but you hear it as well. You have to drive one to know what I mean. Step on the gas and feel the rear end squat and the front end raise!!!!!!!!!!!!
52 Cars Later
I am sorry I have not bought at least 5 Z3s. Of the 52 cars I have owned in my life this is my favorite. When the car first came out a friend let me drive his 1.9 around Elkhart Lake and it was a ball, albeit under powered for that track. Then I bought the regulatory Boxster then an SL 500 plus others. At last I found a pristine 1997 2.8. Wow, this car is so well balanced that it makes even an old timer like me look good in the twisties. The 2.8 engine is wonderful. Lots of torque and smooth. Yes, I know the M; to me the M has so much power for the chassis that it is, Corvette like. I will keep my 97 for a very long time even if I find a perfect 2002. Enjoy!
BMW Z3 "Atlanta Metallic Blue"
My 1997 BMW Z3 had approx. 147,000 miles on it....the exterior paint was in pristine condition, new tires, new convertible top. I knew it would need work, so, it has become my hobby to restore it....upgrading it where it needed to be. I picked this car up for $4,500.00 & have spent approx. $4k...new stereo, the convertible top cover that hides the top as I usually have the top down (looks much better). New spark plugs & spark plug wires, new fluids. This Z3 is a 1.9L engine (140 hp), though it has a "Dinan" cold air engine intake, that adds about 15 hp. Drives like a dream...shifting the manual gears is like a knife thru butter. Just a SUPER FUN sports car to drive. I keep it polished and the wheels shiny black. I've even had a few people come up to me and ask me "Is that a NEW car?". And I would tell them, "No, it's a 1997 BMW Z3...so, 22 yrs. old. The color and engine in my Z3 is the SAME as that of the BMW Z3 used in the James Bond movie "Golden Eye" with actor Pierce Brosnan...though, the car was under used in the movie...Q, presented this Atlanta Metallic Blue BMW Z3 to James Bond in the movie. Great mileage (though, it has to have Premium unleaded)...close to 30 mpg city and highway. Though it only has 140 hp, with the 5 speed transmission, this car is quick...goes around corners like it's on rails. I've owned several other nice sports cars, including a 2003 new convertible Corvette (this BMW Z3 is more fun to drive). I am retired and will probably only put 2,000 to 3,000 miles per yr. on this car, so, I'm not concerned about the mileage it has on it. I actually owned a NEW 1998 BMW Z3 Convertible (drove it for 8 yrs. - wish now I had never sold it).
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Lift your spirits
A great, fun dependable car. I have enjoyed this car and still do. Feeling down, then put the convertible top down and hit the curvy roads.
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Still Turning Heads after 14 years!!!
Great car. Plenty of zip for a 1.9 l. It begs for acceleration into curves. Very tight build. Low slung. Handles curves with vim and vigor. Fun car to drive, especially on country roads. Never had a BMW but now, the ultimate driving machine motto takes on real meaning.
fun but not the great car it could be
several small electric problems terrible stereo and speakers for an expensive car back window (plastic) scratches too easily no cup holders! some cheap finishes terrible car on wet pavement (on snow don't even think about it!)
Not quite a 'vette...
...But the next best thing I could afford to buy. Picked mine up at a Porche owned used car dealership complete with Dinan flow through exhaust and modified thottle body boosting HP to 215 or so from stock 195. Has a deep, throaty sound and definitely can keep up with other pocket rockets. The 17 inch wheels/tires also help keep this pup on rails. Loves to cruise right around 80- 85 and has a great rollover through 110- 115. I love driving this car ! Bright white makes this a head turner too !
Very Fun Car
Even with the smaller 1.9 litre engine this car is an incredibly fun little car. I don't mind the manual top at all it takes 15 seconds to put it up or down at the maximum and it's really easy to do. The optional subwoofer is a must - otherwise you just can't hear music with the top down. My complaints are that the seats move around a bit and one got jammed after a small piece of plastic got caught in the rail. BMW removed the plastic, then told me that I shouldn't move the seats completely to the front, back, top, or bottom as there are known problems with them. Also, the center console cupholder and storage feels cheap. Other than that, I love this car.
Sophisticated fun
This car is absolutely a joy to drive. It has almost zero body lean in high speed turns and the automated traction control keeps the tires sticking to the road. Its got that solid and sophisticated german road feel... like drinking a fine wine or smoking a good cigar. The sport seats are comfortable, and provide just enough room for me (6 feet tall). Being a 2.8 and weighing 2,600 pounds, its got alot of jump from the get go, and mine came with a custom exaust that puts me up to speed a little bit faster. The controls are pretty obvious and close to hand. While limited in cargo space, if you're shopping for a z3, that isnt the main concern. Awesome
Beautiful, but full of bugs
I bought my Z3 used with 86,000 miles showing. It has many of the typical flaws of this car. Sagging glove box, sliding seats, leaky top, seriously crappy sound system, and cracks forming in the rear subframe. It will be worth the price of admission once all the gremlins are finally taken care of.
needs help!
the throtle on this car is a serious problem. the back window needs to be glass, not plastic!seats need work, after the car gets older they tend to move more than they should. the car basically looks a lot better than it really is and is not worth the money people pay for them.
Summer Car in Chicago
It's great and doesn't smell inside. Nothing beats a top down day cruising the streets of Chi-town.
'97 Z3
'97 1.9 Z3, silver and black top. I think is the best color combination for this car. The 4cyl eng from the 318 is expectedly not powerful but enough for cruising. Fairly good on fuel but my accord is better. Somewhat cheap interior but otherwise its nice. The exterior is what shines on this car, it is pretty with top up or down. The short throw 5-spd and good brakes makes it easier to drive. The suspension could be tighter, at times it wanders esp. on rough roads. Wood interior is classy but the LED clock is almost useless topdown at daytime.
Incredible!
This car drives really well. Great suspension, great handling. Plenty of pep but not a high performance vehicle.It is without a doubt the nicest designed car that I have ever seen.
The little Z3
Even though my Z3 has the "little" engine it is a blast to drive. It is very reliable and has a lot of get up and go. It is fast, with the 0-60 around 7.7 seconds. Not the fastest car out there, but faster than most. The handling is amazing and it is very easy and comfortable to drive. Get a newer one with the roll hoops if you want people to think it is new. The hoops are the give away that it is a 96 or 97. There are many performance up grades for this engine like a new computer chip, high flow intake, high flow exhaust, and even turbos. But if you need this car to be faster, buy one with the bigger engine.
Looking for fun & fuel savings??
After gas went sky high in mid-2008, I started looking for a commuter car, but also wanted fun. After some research, I decided on a Z-3, and looked on Auto Trader and E-Bay for a good one. I was fortunate to find a 1997 with the 2.8 six cylinder, five speed and only 42,000 miles. After nearly a year, I can tell you this was a great choice. Plenty of performance and drop top fun, plus a solid 26.8 mpg. I bet the 4 cyl are even better mileage, but the 6 is awesome. These cars have some quirks, like a sloppy seat track that allows you to slip forward and back on braking, but overall the car is a great value. Unfortunately, you aren't likely to find a good one at the Edmunds price.
A real British roadster
In British racing green. The car I have wanted but couldn't get from british cars.
Alot of FUN
I have a z3 and I love driving it.
Roadster Experience
VROOM! Love the power & response! You will definitely turn heads in this one. Surprisingly quiet ride and everything at your fingertips.
Completely awesome!
Atlanta Blue with Tan interior, and Automatic transmission. I can't say I've had ANY problems with the car. Well, aside from the whole plastic rear-window on the soft top. Other than that one little annoyance, I can't say there's anything else wrong with the car.
The little Z3
Even though my Z3 has the "little" engine it is a blast to drive. It is very reliable and has a lot of get up and go. It is fast, with the 0-60 around 7.7 seconds. Not the fastest car out there, but faster than most. The handling is amazing and it is very easy and comfortable to drive. Get a newer one with the roll hoops if you want people to think it is new. The hoops are the give away that it is a 96 or 97. There are many performance up grades for this engine like a new computer chip, high flow intake, high flow exhaust, and even turbos. But if you need this car to be faster, buy one with the bigger engine.
Z3 BMW
Nothing but awesome! Lots of power in the 2.8 You will turn heads. Car is very tight
BMW Z-3 1.8
All in all, an inexpensive sports car drive for a BMW. Good gas mileage but very weak pick up. Good for cruising, not much more. Build qulity definitely not up to BMW standards. Many problems widely known by BMW on this model that they leave owners hung with to pay. Mine also has a manual convertable top which is a bit of a pain.
Silver Bullit
Great ride and handling with a strong grip. Engine is a bit thrashy for a four, but the car is quick when need be. Great value for the money with good reliablity. One of the greatest styles ever.
4 Cyclinder BMW
16 Valve 4 cyclinder is rough, noise and lack of power, Japanese makes better 4 cyclinder engine. Poor chassis, very dangerous for fast driving. Chassis twise during hard corning. Poor quality seat, it moves back and forth due to wear out of seat rail. POOR!!!
Wonderful zzzzzzzz
Owned this z for 18 years. Reliable, fun, BMW.
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So much fun to drive!
I have owned this car for 10 years. I am the second owner. There is about 65,000 miles on the engine. It runs so well and handles so easily. I always look forward to a warm and sunny day to go for a ride in it!
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1.9 all the way!
First bmw anything..I’m 67 years old and was looking for something fun..checked out overpriced miatas..97 1.9..105000 paid 5G 102000 miles..peppy..put on 20G so far.. I push it and still getting 28 mpg on premium. Drove bigger ones before I bought mine.. I’ll take the 4 banger any day..Just enough!
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nice ride
nice ride bit everything inside the car is plastic.
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