Hairdresser or James Bond, or why you should buy a BMW Z3 before it's too late!

Small roadsters from big manufacturers were never the type of car a petrolhead will long for, of even respect. The Mercedes SLK, Audi TT, BMW Z3 and many more are what many of us refer to “hairdresser’s car”. There are many reasons why car people don’t take these cars seriously - and many of them are as true as possible. But in 2019, when SUVs and crossovers are all over the roads, and finding a stock MX-5 is becoming mission impossible, maybe the car world should reconsider his values.
So, why an almost forgotten BMW model from the mid 90’s is worth mentioning? First of all, the 90s gave us maybe some of the best cars in the world, and without a doubt - it was the decade when cars became somehow modern and intelligent, without being too complicated. That said, the Z3 is based mostly on the E36 platform - with some components from the E30, and some from the E46 for the facelift. It may sound like dr. Frankenstein’s monster, but that’s a good thing for a car. Why? Because the majority of suspension, engine and drivetrain components can be directly borrowed from a mass-produced BMW 3-series. The car is cheap to maintain, and if that wasn’t enough - it’s quite easy to work on too! Like most other BMW’s everything is well organized, and even with 6-cylinder engine under the bonnet there is plenty of space to operate. And because I’m on that subject - the 6-cylinder engines are the only ones you should get. There are plenty of dirt cheap 1.9L BMW Z3’s - they are reliable, but somehow underpowered, and the sound just can’t complete the driving experience. The 2.2, 2.8 and 3.0 engines are exactly what a car like the Z3 needs - good amount of low-end torque, a nice punch after 5000rpm, and that sporty exhaust note that will wake you up in the morning better than coffee. Yes, the 4-cylinder versions weight less, but they are no MX-5.
So, about the driving experience. Like every other roadster, there is body roll. There are some things that can be done about it - strut braces, rear braces, etc., but it will never be as stiff as a Z3 Coupe. It’s not a good choice for a trackday car - and body roll is not the only reason why. Under the skin it may be just a regular BMW, but you don’t want to hit it and look for a bonnet or a door on ebay. It’s a car with style, and beating it up on a racetrack may sound fun, but it’s way more rewarding to park it on a good scenery and enjoy how it looks. It shines on a twisty B-road - you’re sitting near the ground, almost on the rear axle, and the long bonnet just can’t get out of your sight. It always remains you that you’re not in a regular BMW, and there is something more about it. Because the car is so short (exactly as long as a MKIV Golf) the exhaust note is stronger and angrier. It’s equipped with faster steering rack than the regular E36 3-series and it’s way more precise in the corners. The rear axle is from E30 and the E36 compact, which makes the car easy to drift. Some Z3’s come from the factory with an LSD diff, for even easier drifts. There are plenty of aftermarket components to improve the handling like poly bushes or a set of coilovers. With a few tweaks the Z3 becomes very rewarding car to toss around.
The Z3 is not a good car for someone who wants a practical, everyday commuter. The two-seater configuration, small ground clearance and 160l trunk are too much of a compromise to live everyday with. If that’s what you need - a hot hatch is your car. But for someone who wants a weekend toy to enjoy, giving it some heat from time to time - the Z3 is a great option. Great looks, involving driving experience, addictive sound, rising value - these are just the ingredients for a good deal. Yes, you’ve read it correctly - the 6-cylinder Z3’s are going up in value, as in 2016 the cheapest LHD 2.8 one is Europe’s biggest online car market was 4400 euros, and now they’re trading for at least 6000. That’s what you pay for a car that starred in a James Bond movie.