REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Moden 50’s

With the Z3, BMW got its revenge for the failure of its 507 roadster, withdrawn in 1959 after finding only 252 takers in four years, the most famous of whom was "the King" himself.

The Z3 is an entirely different story and the Carolina assembly plant is running full steam to keep up with an insatiable clientele. Confident that it has found the right formula, the Munich company upped the ante by offering the 2.8 (six-cylinder 2.8-liter), the M Coupe, a Z3 coiffed with a metal top and reminiscent of the fun-loving Volvo P1800 and other MGBs, as well as a diabolical M version (convertible this time) packing a 240-hp output.

In 1999, the unassuming 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine (138- hp) gave way to an in-line 2.5-liter six-cylinder (170-hp), an improvement that easily won approval from fans. The same goes for the subtle changes to interior details and the rear fascia design (trunk lid, taillights and fenders), intended to put a stop to the main source of criticism heaped on the Z3 since it made its debut in 1996.Despite a small cockpit, there are a number of practical storage spaces. Although the trunk is small, it provides an adequate amount of space for baggage. Another positive aspect is the ample size of the sideview mirrors. On the negative side, controls for the electrical roof could be placed elsewhere than at the back end of the console. And why position cupholders where they hit against the driver’s elbow every time gears are shifted? Not to mention the considerable size of the pillars that hinder visibility, the continued lack of a height-adjustable steering column, bucket seats with stiff backs and the quality of the finish, an area where there’s obvious room for improvement. And I almost forgot: seat belts are anchored so low they saw into your collarbone and the rear windshield is made of plastic and has no defroster.The 2.5-liter six-cylinder lets owners have fun without breaking the bank. The fact that it’s almost on a par with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder is certainly an added bonus. So why pay more? Maybe for a bit of extra chrome?

If you really want to attract attention, go for the M Version. Its 315 hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder offers phenomenal acceleration and vigorous pickup. It’s enough to give you goosebumps. Like all Z3s, the M has an ultra-precise steering system and powerful brakes, but its chassis is beginning to show its age and despite bit tires and a series of driving aids, it no longer sticks to the road surface like Velcro.

Another criticism is its slight instability on rough roads and a limited cruising range when the driver decides on travelling at consistently higher speeds.

Even though it has a harder time to hide its age when it rubs shoulders with the up-and-coming generation (Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster S), the Z3 is still the best at reflecting the roadster spirit, the very spirit that has you digging out your white silk scarf, goggles and leather helmet to fill your lungs with fresh air.

PROS
Choice of models
Sporty handling
Superb engines

CONS
Aging chassis design
No tilt steering wheel
Inconsistent finishing