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Used 1997 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
21 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

BMW Z3 "Atlanta Metallic Blue"

TexasBob, Plano, TX, 08/21/2019
BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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).

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Still Turning Heads after 14 years!!!

TJRoadster, 11/30/2010
BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

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.

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1997 BMW Z3 for sale near you
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Very Fun Car

MonteroFan, 06/24/2004
BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

needs help!

whitney , 12/17/2002
BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The little Z3

Brian, 02/07/2003
BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

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