Page 80 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

Occasionally referred to as the “clown shoe,” the Z3 coupe was developed in secret and has gained a loyal following.
The Z3 M-series cars had outputs as high as 315 horsepower in the US. The line six engine was a tight fit. The well-finished interior featured chrome-rimmed gauges and leather seats.
78Wayne CariniAffordable Classics
The Z3’s shared underpinning with the rest of the 3-Series throughout its production life is a benefit. The engines, transmissions, suspension components, and brakes all have much in common with BMW’s other products. That means that parts and expertise to keep a Z3 running will be readily available today and into the future. It also means that aftermarket and BMW- original performance upgrades are easily applied. Performance enthusiasts have retrofitted higher-performing engines such as the S54 into the Z3. Additionally, aftermarket providers such as Dinan have a variety of products developed for the Z3, even up to supercharging kits that boost engine output substantially.
The one downside to note is that automatic transmission models lack the crisp performance of the manuals, especially when paired with the original 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine. If you’re buying a Z3 for performance, look for a stick – or least a six-cylinder if that’s not possible.
As with most sports cars made over a number of years, the Z3 got better as it went along. Later cars, made after the 1999 mid- cycle refresh, received dual airbags and a more advanced stability control system. Technology was changing swiftly in the Z3 era, and a later car will have more of everything you associate with a newer car. Post-1999 roadsters also have more top insulation than earlier ragtops.
The removable hardtop that BMW started selling in 1998 is an important feature. As other roadster makers discovered, owners like to drive their cars all year long, but even if the convertible top has avoided the leaks that often develop in a car’s long middle age, a convertible top does not generally provide as much insulation as a hardtop. The hardtop was an optional accessory, and many budget-minded buyers passed on the chance to get one new. The