BMW Z3 Reviews
BMW Z3 BMW's engineers and stylists began working on the Z3 Roadster back in 1991. Production of 1.8-litre four-cylinder cars started four years later, with more powerful six-cylinder models arriving from 1996 onwards. Z3 production ran alongside the E36 3-Series at BMW's then brand new plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina and it was to be the Munich marque's first massproduced roadster. US-built Z3s were shipped around the world, making it the first BMW model produced exclusively outside Germany. Continuing the international theme, styling was by Japanese designer Jogi Nagashima, with his Z3 body shape gaining celebrity endorsement via a guest appearance in the James Bond movie GoldenEye. BMW Z3 Reviews
The Z3 shared more than just an American production line with the E36. The powertrain and platform were lifted from its 3-Series sibling, including the effective MacPherson strut front suspension. However, the semi-trailing rear suspension came from the previous E30 3. Series, as BMW's engineers considered space at the rear of the sports car body would not allow for the more sophisticated E36 multilink setup.
Four-cylinder models began with a 1.8-litre engine, later increased to 1.9 litres. This gave adequate if not outstanding performance, with the 0-60mph dash requiring around 10 seconds. The Z3 was crying out for more power and performance: BMW duly obliged with several Six-cylinder options, initially of 2-litre capacity but increasing over time to 3 litres, with over 200bhp and a 6.0-second 0-60mph sprint. The ultimate Z3M had the M3's 3.2-itre six delivering 320bhp, and could scorch its way to 60mph in a mere 5.5 seconds.
Our Twin Test candidate today is a 1998 2.8-litre wide body model, which is currently for sale at Worcestershire sports car dealer Hagley Specialist Cars. Proprietor James Head offers an eclectic selection of high quality performance cars, ranging from a lovely 1958 MGA to a modern Ferrari 458. This Z3 is finished in near-flawless Boston Green metallic paint. Showing just 66,500 miles on the odometer it has a full service history, so should give its next owner years of trouble-free top-down motoring. The car comes with a list of desirable factory options including leather upholstery and M-Sport suspension.
Setting into the driver's seat, the Z3 is immediately comfortable with all the controls in easy reach and major instruments clearly viewed in a binnacle dead ahead. The cockpit is simultaneously ergonomically effective and aesthetically pleasing. After a brief spin of the starter, the big six fires up and immediately settles into a smooth thrumming tickover, even though it's stone cold. Of course the BMW has digital engine management and electronic fuel injection, so its manners are those of a modern car. Press down the lightish clutch pedal and first gear engages easily on the five-speed box. Pulling away the six-cylinder motor is smooth and civilised, with a purposeful growl from the exhaust. Out on the road, the BMW nips briskly through the gears with plenty of torque but the real action is above 4000rpm. At this point BMW'S VANOS variable valve timing comes into play, boosting the power curve as the revs rise. Using all the power, the acceleration is impressive; this BMW was as quick off the line as a co temporary Porsche Boxster.
Like the MGC, the Z3 was criticised for poor handling back in the day, being unfairly burdened with the same reputation for a wayward rear end as the earlier E30 3-Series. Objectively, the 23 handles well and is predictable approaching the limit, so don't be put off by period road tests, the only slight downside is a firmish ride.
It's tempting to compare the Z3 with Mazda's MX-5 but we should resist. The MX-5 is a lithe and nimble sportster whilst the Z3 is a grown up grand tourer. In six-cylinder format the BMW is smooth, powerful and involving but it was never intended as a sports car. A six-pot Z3 continues the ethos of the MGC, the Austin Healey 3000 and the Triumph TR6. If you like the character of big British roadsters but seek something that's a little more modern and easier to live with, a Z3 could be exactly what you're after.
Sources:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/CarTech_BMW_E30/BMW_E30_Suspension_Information.htm
0 Response to "BMW Z3 Reviews"
Post a Comment