BMW - Z3

1996-03 

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Z3 is desirable, enjoyable and carefully crafted. It's perhaps the most distinctive small sportster in recent years, and it's more affordable now that the more muscular Z4 has replaced it.

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	Great presence for a small sports car
	Inherits 3-Series engines and handling
	Well built, reliable and affordable to run
	Some critics reckon that it?s overstyled
	Expensive alongside MGF or MX-5
	Only really sparkles with bigger engines

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The two-seater Z3 roadster has bags of style and a strong image. Its position as a fashion icon has suffered since its replacement by Z4. Even so, its styling, neat packaging and BMW prestige put it ahead of MGF, Mazda MX-5 or Toyota MR2.
Z3 succeeds because it's not a traditional hairy-chested sports roadster. There's a playfulness about its design details that makes it more of a lifestyle item, and it can be accessorised from a huge options list. These factors probably explain why it's just as popular with women drivers as with males.
Smaller four-cylinder 1.8 and 1.9 engines are popular and eager enough, but it takes the six-cylinder units (2.0 and above) to really bring the rear-wheel drive Z3 into its own. Handling is balanced with a taut chassis and precise steering. Ride is smooth but not soft, and overall refinement is good with the hood up.