Here's Why The BMW Z3 Is Such A Cool Car!!
In this video we review a 1999 BMW Z3 2.3 Roadster and tell you why we think its interesting and surprisingly cool. The BMW Z3 was first introduced in the early to mid 90's and ended production in 2002 when it turned into the Z4. The BMW Z3 was first only available in a 2 seater roadster format but later on became available in a hatchback coupe format, which many people call the clownshoe. Regardless both the Z3 coupe and convertible have styling that has held the test of time.
The BMW Z3 came with a couple engine options. This one is equipped with a 2.5L straight six cylinder engine making close to 175 horsepower. Many may laugh at that number but the Z3's lightweight allows for it to accelerate at a decent pace, definitely enough for day to day or cruising situations.
Overall the BMW Z3 was cooler and more interesting that i had originally expected. There are several interesting queues that i discovered about the body, chasis code, and even where the Z3 was made. Its s fun cruiser car, even in the lower level 2.5L engine. If you want to have more fun, get the manual or even better get the M version with the S52 engine!
Thanks for watching this video of the 1999 BMW Z3 2.3 Roadster!
#bmwz3 #1999bmwz3 #z3convertible
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What do you think of the BMW Z3?
I have a 2000 BMW Z3 2.8 manual with 123,000 miles and the facelight. I use it as a daily driver in the spring-fall. I love it! Aside from upkeep maintenance (few grand a year) the car is perfect and I have never had reliability issues. With custom chrome roll bars, halo headlights, titanium silver metallic paint job, and the snowflake wheels, people think I am lying to them when I tell them what I bought it for. Non car people assumes it is a brand new $100,000 BMW and almost get insulted when I say I bought it in 2016 for $8,000.
Just don't try to race anyone in a new car because it is not fast by modern standards. So much fun to drive, but most new SUVs will beat you in a race lol
Hah, i wish the one I drove was a manual. Have fun with it! Thanks for watching!
I decided to get rid of the straight 6 and am right now placing an ls2 into it. It'll have 400hp at the end and I'm pretty sure by modern standards, that's a decent amount.
@@TheJdinner I get a lot of compliments on mine that I bought in a trailer park for $4k. People think i spent way more money than I actually did.
Picked up a ‘98 2.8 manual a few years ago. It’s the only car I’ve had that I just want to go out and drive for fun.
Can you please tell me a bit about reliability and maintenance??? I’d appreciate that
@@Shotgun_Only expect to put a lot into the car to keep it reliable. For example I spent about $3000 over the 4 years I owned it. (Sold it a few months ago when the clutch looked like it would need a replacement)
Same here, I own a 97 2.8 Manual/Hardtop in Boston Green, not for sale ever - may I recommend you upgrade to the Garagistic solid mount shifter/OEM spec - it complements the driving experiences perfectly
I bought a 1999 Z3 1.9 brand new from a dealer and drove it for 3 years. Best car I ever owned. I never had any issues. Solidly built like a little tank and drove very well. Traded it in for an Audi with just 23k, big mistake! Should've kept the Z3. But no worries, got rid of the Audi 2 yrs later and purchased a CPO 2005 Z4 3.0i...heaven!
I have the 2002 3.0i. People always think it costs lots of money. My favorite was "That looks like a down payment on a mansion". I just look at them all disapproving and say "it's not about the cost. It's about the enjoyment". Damn, I crack myself up. lol.
Is it expensive to maintain?
@@reesesty I do all my own work, so no. That's why I chose the Z3: it's fairly mechanical compared to all the other hi-tech German cars. Plus, parts are reasonable because there are a lot of 3 series out there. I've owned every type of German car, except for a Porsche. I tend to choose models that can be worked on without the special computers. No way around that with Mercedes though. Have to get your hands on their software.
Can you please tell me a bit about reliability and maintenance on the car?
My dad just bought a 3.0i z3 for his birthday from 2001 in Boston Green and it's such a beautiful car! Amazing
the Z3 Roadster is my favorite car or all time. so beautiful
Damn bro then look at my channel. Gonna be putting bucket seats and everything in it soon
Ill sell you mine 👀
Definitely my favorite car I've ever owned. And I've had a lot of roadsters since I was a kid.
I do love my baby "z"
@@KyleGreenSpeed3 I checked out the video, but you only showed a few tiny sections of the car for about 4 seconds. Why would you do tell us to go look at it, then do us like that man? Lol, hope it turns out. But don't all Z3s already have bucket seats?
The reason the Z3 and the 3 series are both E36 is because they both share chassis parts. The Z3 is basically a parts bin model -- it was designed with existing off-the-shelf parts from other models.
Had a 2.2 z3 and then wanted to scratch the itch of the z4 e85 so got the 3.0 si. It's so fast and handles amazingly but i miss the z3 because it is so simple and is actually more fun because it is not as good lol
Nice car! Only thing I'd comment on that particular car for anyone curious who owns one / wants to own one is that the factory bmw intake is actually already layed out about as best as can be. The stock filter box is a cold air intake that is fed from lower down near the front. People putting pod filters or similar often end up actually causing a very slight decrease in performance. Its negligible though and a lot do it for the slight change in tone and intake sound, which is fair enough. As such, the performance gains are also negligible so you're probably doing it more for the sake of it if anything which is also fair enough as its your car. If you want to pod it similar to this, locate it further out the side and have a sealed box that stops recirculation of hot air from the engine bay and have heat wrap or something. Pod filter + hot air from engine bay = most of the time very slight decrease in performance. Pod filter in sealed box that is as thermally isolated as possible = most of the time very slight increase in performance. Overall pod filter vs stock = not much difference but people do often like the change in tone.
My uncle owns a Z3. It’s an amazing car!
I have a 99 pre-lift model, a genuine ‘widebody’ car. The straight six is incredible and soooo flexible. Brilliant car
Best car review I’ve EVER watched so into detail and no biased
I have a 97 Z3, has 36K miles. I do occasionally drive it long distances, and it's so fun on the winding back roads.
Great video- yours was one of the first I watched when considering my purchase. Got a 98 1.9 in Atlanta Blue. Love it! Like your channel as well, subbed, keep up the good work!
The wider rear end was introduced in 97 with the introduction of the 2.8.
That wide body end with the 2:8 is different from the wide body that was introduced in april 1999.
I have a 1999 BMW Z3 2.5 as well and i absolutely love it for a weekend cruiser. The only thing is that it is extremely small with very little space, when i bring my Gal Pals with me and we both have our purses, it quickly becomes overcrowded, it's best to drive solo in this car. Also I learned something new about my car's convertible and the button that helps raise and lower the top. I have that button but i don't think it works anyhow I will have to look into it further. I know one thing I get so many compliments from people of all ages it just has a fun look and feel to it and I will be hanging onto mine for the foreseeable future...
you and your gals put your purses in the trunk
Great review buddy
Excellent review
My 1998 1.9I with 62k miles has been able to hold it's value!! This vehicle has been garages it's entire life and is in pristine condition. The car has only been dinged once by a rude inconsiderate tourist. So my advice, park with plenty of space between others!! Great fun car!!
I knew you were across from the Burbank Post Office for the walkaround. That building is so recognizable!
It’s South Carolina. And it’s e36/7 because it shares the same chassis as the e36s especially the 318ti’s
Yep, just outside of Greenville, SC.
Mac Rivera, glad to know that you know lol.
yeah i was so confused as a south carolinian when he said north carolina
I for one am so so so glad they decided to put straight 6 cylinder engine in this car. Its a wonderful, powerful saloon feeling car.
The miata is the same size but it weighs almost 1000 pounds less. A 2000 miata weighs 2200 lbs and a Z3 weighs around 3100 lbs. You can feel the stability of the z3 because it's built more solid so it doesn't feel like you're driving a go-cart, but it is 50% heavier. Luckily it makes up for it with a firm suspension and larger engines.
The 2.3 weighs 2900lbs per my manual, but that also includes a driver and full tank of gas. This is different from how most manufacturers report their curb weights in the USA. True apples to apples weight is around 2750, which is still heavier than a Miata granted.
More like around 2,800lbs tops. Get your facts straight.
Great Video. Today i bought one but 2.0 Liter with 150 PS. Regards from Germany ✌🏼
My 5 speed ‘97 6-cyl Z3 is probably the most exciting roadster I’ve had the luck of owning/driving. Would definitely choose z3 over the mx-5 of the time
Just got one of these! It’s so cool
My 2000 Z3 is going into the body shop again. Once again So. Cal. freeway trash took out my front spoiler. A jerkoff at 7-11 dented my trunk. 2K in co pays. I have 248,000 and if the motor dies, I will fix that too. At 65, I have my dream car since 2002. Dealer demo, ya know. $19.500
I drive a BMW Z3 2.8 manuel black on black hardtop. This car is amazing, I love driving in roundabouts and any Corners I can possibly find. This car is light and has plenty of power you can go 10 round in the twisties with any car current or otherwise. I love the fact that there's not a lot of them on the road, it's extremely rare that I see multiple z3s on the road while I'm driving. These cars are extremely fun to drive . Mine is straight piped, Miata suck, they're underpowered and can't keep up. The Z3 has a 50/50 power to weight ratio. There are a lot of engine mods that you can do that are inexpensive and quick that change the performance of your 6 cylinder engine. Personally I wouldn't Buy anything under a 2.8 just because they had lack of power. The 2.8 and 3.0 just had that extra oomph that it was missing in power.
What mods have u down to yours
I have the exact same black 1999 Z3 with an automatic transmission. It's a fun car to drive.
Great review!
thanks Sonya
He sure is ALL about that REAR END :D
Lovely vibes already.
We really love our 2002 3.0, it’s just so fun to drive. And with the 3.0, in sport mode, even the auto transmission is just a killer car to drive!
I own this car ans this was an excellent review. This car is incredibly fun to drive.
This is awesome!!!
Thanks for watching!
Quik reply, At 9 minutes the gauge cluster……. The tach is on the right for left hand driving while shifting you can see the tach. For cruising, right hand driving (left arm on the door)you see the speedo
I just got one today and I cannot articulate my excitement
Congrats! Have fun!
Oh wow! Thank you so much bro🙏🏽
@@Versace_Hottie how'd you like it and what engine size?
Just got a 96 in great condition. 1 owner.
It would be good to mention the weight balance of these vehicles, front to rear. That, along with the rear wheel drive makes for superior handling, with no oversteer/understeer issues. Also, these cars are good on the freeway, which is not what one might expect from a small, lightweight vehicle. I have a Z3 coupe M54, and I take it be the perfect car. It does everything well.
Rad Randall thinking about buying a z3 1996 1.9 with 156,xxx worth it?
@@randormoreno4531 you can easily find lower mileage with a higher L engine for cheaper
I've owned 3, continuously since 2010 - they're fun cars! 2010-2010: 1996 4cyl-1.9 5spd -- I bought it without knowing how to drive stick, so I could learn. Kind of slow. 2010-2019: 1999 6cyl-2.8 5spd -- Fun car! 2019-2024: 1998 6cly-3.2 5spd M (Dinan Supercharged) -- Still own today! It's quick.
Awesome video. You mentioned all BMW Z3 from 99 and up came with the wider rear. Is that the same for the 3.0 as well,? I believe those are still the slim rear quarter. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
U r rong
When BMW came out with the 6-cyl for the Z3, it was available in 2.5L, 2.8L and (a bit later) 3.0L. They found that almost nobody was buying the 2.8L version - customers figured the 2.5L was close enough, so BMW re-labeled the 2.5L as "2.3L" in order to make the 2.8L relatively more appealing. I don't think I've ever heard a stupider reason to put a particular number on the back of a car, but there it is. The Z3 (and the M roadster) in general suffered from much lower sales numbers than BMW anticipated, and this manifested itself in weird ways. Both Z3s that I've owned had some M-styling trim pieces despite the fact that the cars weren't Ms. This was because they had a bunch of leftover parts for unordered M roadsters lying around so they threw them in later ordinary Z3s.
Awesome info, thanks Ruta!
I love my bmw z3 2.3 it is a manual and facelifted the mods are endless. You can get a stage 3 tune that adds 60 hp and an aftermarket air filter and more.
Is it expensive to maintain
@@jonanddy mine is not expensive to maintain. I had to change a few sensors last year but that only cost abt $100 and then I just do my own oil changes. Apart from just normal maintenance there’s nothing out of the ordinary. I have the m54 2.5 liter and that engine is extremely reliable.
Can they become quick ?
I have bmw z3 and I love it
Me too I got it today for a graduation gift
How awesome! Congratulations
Drive Steady thank you🙏💯🔥
Usually wouldn’t be one to ask financial questions but I’m looking at buying a z3 and am wondering what the insurance prices are like on it
Where do you get new pieces, for example the two pieces of the front of the entrance of air and the plated thing that goes around.- Mine is ok but I would like to have it new.- And the botons to put up and down the windows, mine are really bad, very used.- Do you know where a can get those pieces.- Also the total sistem of alarm, mine does not have.-
As a man born in North Carolina that's freaking cool ! I want one bad now 😩
The funny thing about the interior space is that despite its size, it still has more practicality than the new ND miata or FIAT 124
Cant comment about those cars, but the Z3 definitely does not feel cramped inside. Thanks for watching Lawrence!
FIAT’s are garbage
The Z3 I believe was designed after the 1950s 507, and is the last roadster built with the old school feel. My 99 z3 is pretty much brand new since it's been refurbish. Kinda like a 23 yr old new car.
I like it! I have an X4.
The Voodoo Child intro is awesome!
Can you give me here the full name of the song? (intro) I cant find it by description "The voodoo child"
@@TheKalusko it’s called Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix
@@TheKalusko you should check Stevie Ray Vaughan’s cover of this song which in my opinion is the best one.
@@_KerinR_ I don´t know man. When I hear Jimi Hendrix´s version and also Stevie Ray´s, it´s not even close to the intro :/
@@TheKalusko wym not even close? Voodoo child is the actual song where that intro came from, what you hear first is the Wah pedal literally crying.
I had one of these in the early 2000's Montreal blue with chrome appointments. Muff slayer.
Bmw made a 2.3, 2.5 and 2.8 variant of the m52. Z3 also had the 3.0 m54, 3.2 s52 and 3.2 s54 ;p
The z3 has the e36 model code because it’s base is the same as the e36 compact, they are basically the same car with a different look
I love my 3.0i Roadster!
Does it blow you back in your seat ???
@@MrJlgsaw Not like a modern sports car, but it can to an extent if you drive it hard or downshift to the lowest usable gear and floor it. I've kept up with some cars that, on paper, I should not have been able to keep up with.
Great review but a shame you didn't get to drive a manual and one with a better interior. Don't know what those holes are on the passenger & driver's door skin and the seatbelt holder on your driver's seat appears to be broken off. You didn't mention the anti skid control button ... Love my Z3 in Montreal Blue. Have had it for 1/ years and the engine is bullet proof. Bought a Porsche Boxster 2 years ago but drove my Z3 more as I found it more fun to drive so sold the Porsche.
Get the 3.0 or M version if you can find one that's been well maintained.
Built in South Carolina
For sure the valley, maybe even burbank?
My BMW z3....1.8...Cabrio...23 years old.. It is a great amazing to drive this car. GETMANY /Hungary presently...
The title of this channel should be, camera unsteady
Skeleton crew.
The 3.0 manual is a freaking rocketship
Does it blow you back in your seat ?
2.3 technically a 2.5 with smaller intake plenum were around 170 HP, the 2.8 was around 195 HP so worth getting one. Why would anyone get an automatic version of this IDK. Unless they can't figure out a clutch or just want a boring sports car.
If you’re a taller person, just remove the bump behind the seat (under the carpet). That is a 15 min job and it changes the world! 👍
what for?
@@JusFonz so you don't see over the windshield and can fit in the car?
My dream car
My family’s is for sale lol
The handles of doors like a mustache
Seen a yellow one for 4000 I am trying to buy it!
Sweet color
@@alepepperoni2563 I turned down the offer and bought a 2 door E46 330ci instead
how tall are you?
I’m hoping to get one of these when I turn 17, I’m 16 now and it looks like the perfect car for me ( obviously not the 2.8l ). But I’m terrified of the insurance 😳
Insurance isn’t bad, definitely get the 3.0 if you can, and GL they go for about 5-7K on facebook marketplace right now
Insurance is rather cheap for these cars. You're affected more by your age than anything else. There is also the z4 which can be a little more reliable and with more modern creature comforts. My favorite is the z4 coupe. That is a beautiful car.
I've been driving for a while and I'm insurance through haggerty.. classic car insurance is around $750 per year for full coverage. Might be a bit higher for you because of that age. Once the car is 20 years old it qualifies for classic car status
Sorry to correct you. The z3 was built in SOUTH CAROLINA not North Carolina
No worries, you're not the first to correct me on this point! Thanks for watching
My next car.
really want the coupe so bad
That’s not a facelift I’m afraid as that’s a wide body MK1 and on that particular model check the 3rd brake light seal for leaks.
By the way, the adequate seats with no special features are actually Ostrich leather. Name me another factory car with bird leather as an option.
U r right
Z3 leathers we’re made from cow and were Nappa, Classic, Chameleon, and Oregon. Oregon Leathers were embossed patterns, usually the center section of the seat was Oregon with Classic leather on the outer portion of the seat, the Oregon embossed pattern is much smaller than Ostrich quill. It is sometimes called Pebble. Chanel calls it Caviar leather on their handbags. The car in this video has only classic leather and a standard interior leather package. I have the original brochure for the 1999 Z3.
Currently waiting to see if the seller would accept my offer. He wants to get rid of his 97 Z3, Has a bit of rust and faded coloring. But drives great and he only wants $1.5k!
Built in South Carolina. Greer, SC
Spartanburg
Thats a super weird version of the Z3, its like a hybrid of pre and post facelift, the prefl only came with hte 2.8L engine and had no door airbags and came with your center console, the fl came in 2.0 2.3 2.5 2.8 and 3.0 but allways had the new rearend and the new center console, yours must be right inbetween the two...
Would you say this is a gas saver and how much would a full tank cost?
Depends what engine size you go for and how hard you drive it.
how much should these cars go for when they’re in fair condition? is 2000 a good deal?
So hard to tell, friend. Used car market is a little bonkers right now. $3,500 seems fair at the moment, but most on Facebook marketplace go for $6K for example
2000$ would be a great deal. I got mine for 4200$ (120k miles) and had to replace oil filter and theres some trans issues If i resold it i would look for above 4k without a doubt (dealerships have been selling them for 7k)
Really depends, my dad paid $30,000 in Australia for a 2001 3l in perfect condition with only 60,000km
The Facelift makes the car!
How tall are you?
An automatic Z3.. that’s depressing
What is that intro song? Ong I need to find it
Mine is a 1998 with 2.8L automatic and wide fenders. Note the automatic is a GM automatic made at GM France. The engine is amazing i.e. at 40,000 miles I took a 4200 mile trip expecting to top off oil. Never had to replace any oil. The engine is awesome.
How is the automatic? I’m looking to buy a z3 as a daily but unsure if I should go auto or manual.
I love my z3 ! #Ayibobo
You are totally incorrect in saying the 1999 model has a wider rear track than the previous years. The fact is the 4 cylinder versions all had the narrower rear track from day one. When they went to the 6 cylinder in 1997, they gave them the wider rear track. My 1998 2.8 has the same rear end as your 1999 2.5. Even the M Roadster does not have a wider rear track. However, the pre-facelift rear end design is without a doubt, the best version of the Z3 design.
Definitely looks the best
You really don't know why it's called the "clown shoe"? Whoa!
The car was built in South Carolina.
The z3 is the German Miata and nothing will change my mind on that.
Mines a stripped 1.9 it feels very light
Tell us about it, I have a 96’ 1.9 from the fourth month of production with 44kmiles. I have been thinking about what I should do to it.
James Bond
I put a 6 liter engine in mine because I got bored
i want a Z3 thats a two seater boi
They're all 2 seaters, boy.
Baby I’m a Beamer Boy
Should I get a 3.0 auto or just wait
Auto with tiptronic will it blow you back in your seat ?
SOUTH Carolina.
Yup, been dinged for that multiples times....thanks for the feedback and watching!
Z3 was built in South Carolina, not North Carolina
If you like z3 so much then you will fall in love with a miata...
Drove one for the channel and I did. Check it out
South Carolina Greer
What's wrong with streaming music from Pandora?
extremely weird lmao
**it was built in South Carolina
i need a z3 thats a two seater boy