Since its inception in 1996, the Z3's main attractions have been its
long, boldly styled nose, its stubby rear end, and its low-slung
silhouette, which epitomize the classic sports-car look. But there were
two problems with the Z3 from the start.
First, it looked a lot more fetching coming at you than it did going
away from you. The styling of the rear end could best be described as
pedestrian when compared with the dashing shape of its front. Second, its
four-cylinder engine was not much of a performer.
In 1997, new firepower came in the form of an optional 2.8-liter
six-in-line (the standard engine was a 138-hp, 1.9-liter four), although
it added $6512 to the car's cost. The six-cylinder model also got a
2.5-inch-wider rear track, and the rear fenders were flared. Starting in
'98, BMW also offered the M roadster with the gutsy 240-hp, 3.2-liter
engine. Later that year came the coupe versions of the 2.8 and M models.
With all these variants, it's no surprise that the Z3 is outselling its
pricey German rivals;the Mercedes SLK and the Porsche Boxster. Even so,
BMW is hardly resting on its laurels. Last year, it threw out the wheezy
base engine and replaced it with a new standard powerplant;a 2.5-liter
six. (The confusing "Z3 2.3" moniker is used because in Europe,
all "2.5" nomenclature refers to a diesel engine.) And the good
news: The base price is hiked by only $1875, to $31,870 (beware, though,
that optional goodies such as heated leather sport seats and a power top
can quickly elevate the bottom line).
Satisfied that no one can call the Z3 underpowered anymore, BMW has now
redesigned the rear end. There's a more pronounced bulge to the rear
fenders, sort of a Coke-bottle flare, the trunklid is slightly restyled,
and the taillights are now L-shaped. In all, the Z3 has a bolder look.
Since this rear-end treatment is now standard on both versions of the
Z3, BMW decided to distinguish one model from the other with more than
just different badges. The 2.8 has chromed grille slats and exhaust tips,
a full body-colored front spoiler, fog lights, and clear lenses for the
turn signals and the center high-mounted brake light. The entry-level
2.3's grille and front-spoiler slats are black, the lenses are amber and
red, and the fog lights are optional. Inside, the center console has been
slightly redesigned to include a prominent, somewhat gaudy-looking analog
clock. The top gets a new insulated headliner, which looks better and
reduces wind noise.
Although we can't fault the exterior cosmetic work to the Z3's tush,
the reworked center console does have some irksome details. The switch for
the optional power top is located way at the back of the center console,
right up against the rear bulkhead. It's hard to see and reach back there.
Elbowroom is also at a premium in the cozy cockpit, and locating the cup
holders at the back of the center console, right where the driver's elbow
needs to be when shifting, causes gnashing of both gears and teeth.
The 2.5-liter six produces 170 hp, 32 more than did the 1.9-liter
powerplant; torque, at 181 pound-feet, outtwists the 1.9 by 48. Our
2.5-liter car sprinted to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is 1.3 seconds
quicker than our last 1.9 and only 0.4 second slower than the 2.8. In
fact, under most driving conditions, it's hard to discern the difference
in performance between the 2.3 and the 2.8. The larger engine costs $5688
more.
Standard on all Z3s is a thick, three-spoke M Technic steering wheel
that enhances one's enjoyment of the already quick and precise steering.
Our test car's handling is for the most part neutral, and it deals with
whatever you might throw at it with great aplomb. Its calm composure is
due in part to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which applies
brake pressure to individual brakes to limit skids or slides. It's now
standard on all Z3s, as is traction control.
Such constant upgrading and model expansion are exactly why the Z3 has
become the bestseller in this segment. The Z3 2.3 delivers lots of driving
fun and excitement with a generous dollop of sexy good looks.
