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The Z3 roadster "a great choice!
BMW, use to build open two seaters, but then you talk about the thirties and (a bit) fifty. Before the war the Germans made great fame with the 328 roadster in 1956. They tried to out class the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with the finally (commercial) failed model 507. And eleven years ago, BMW has a pinprick in the direction of convertible-lovers by the technically innovated, but also exclusive Z1 roadster production. The current BMW Z3 has nothing to do with it, because it is brand new and simpler in terms of technique. But the current BMW has a strong sporting reputation and with large sales numbers in America, the company decided a few years ago to have a fresh start with a two seaters sportscar.
It is therefore even built in America, the country with the biggest marketing opportunities for open sports cars. The Z3 follows a proven BMW concept, with a front engine, rear wheel drive and independent rear suspension. The chassis is almost simular with the BMW Compact. The car has a very distinctive nose with an air intake in the form of two kidneys. The nose is beautiful and especially three-quarter rear view reflects the BMW Z3's nostalgic tradition. The side air grills of the 507 and the low on the wheels wings, pulls memories of the classic 328, sixty years ago. The slight cut of the door is classic and this justifies the name 'roadster'. The front is relatively high and the back a little less interesting to watch. And with the softtop on the Z3 it is a bit off a odd 'ball'.
The BMW looks are partly due to extremely compact form (just 4 meters long) very playfull. Smooth performance
The Z3 has a power source with 16 valves and multipoint injection. The sober-sounding four cylinder engine measuring a sloppy 1900 cc and produces 118 hp. This gives the Z3 a good acceleration and a topspeed of 196 km / h. This are, though it is an open sportscar interesting figures, but of a second order. Open two-seaters are the last pure sportscars concepts of our world be. If the wind blows through your hair and you're deep in the cockpit left you get the feeling of really driving. So a good driveability is essential for the best experience of some flagstones rijfes .. The BMW Z3 shall not disappoint in that respect. With its rear wheel drive the car is in perfect balance, from light understeer to neutral. The steering is with 2.9 turns pretty direct and in the middle not hypersensitive. The BMW steers braver than it's frame can handle. With an six cylinder engine the driving characteristics are really sensational, but also the extra available M-Technic sports chassis, can provide the Z3 customer with more grip. The standard ABS with disc brakes all around, also works fantastically - and also with large reserves - to.
Crucial to any open sportscar, his its body stiffness. This provides not only a good handling, but also comfort. In that respect, the BMW scored a few tough points in his favor, despite the not so modern rear suspension, the Z3 has a remarkably great comfort. Even on very bad roads, the cars works out great.
The Z3 has a simple dashboard that broadly comes from the Compact. The BMW is equipped with leather upholstery and electric seat adjustment as a bonus.
The Z3 gives you a pure sportscar feel. The cockpit is simple and a bit tight. You wear this car as a tailor made suite. With a good sollid gearlever next to the hand and the steering wheel at the correct height. The softtop construction is solid and extremely simple. It ease to open and clos by one hand. The softtop cover must be stored in the trunk. In short: the Z3 is a pure sports car with great potential, despite his good behavior.
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Specifications BMW Z3 Roadster 1.8 / 1.9 (1998 - 2002)
| Fuel |
Gasoline |
| Cylinders | straight 4 |
| Valves/cylinder | 2 |
| Fuelsystem | multipoint injection |
| Cylinder capacity | 1895 cc |
| Maximum power |
87 kW/118 pk at 5500 rpm |
| Maximaal torque |
180 Nm at 3900 tpm |
| Transmision | 5 speed, manuel shifted |
| Brakes front/rear |
disks 286mm / disks 272mm |
| Tyres | 225/50ZR16 |
| Turning circle |
10,0 m |
| Weight |
1195 kg |
| Topspeed | 196 km/u |
| Acceleration | 0-100 km/u test |
| Acceleration | 0-100 km/u test 10.4 s |
| Fuel consumption | 7.8 l/100 km (combined) |