1999 BMW Z3 User Reviews

99 M Coupe — I love this car. I've had people yell, "That's the ugliest car I've ever seen!" and "Your car looks like a shoe!", when I drive by. It's like constantly giving the finger to snobs and other idiots. Performance - It shifts, stops, and turns (and over-steers) as well as any car I've ever had the chance to drive hard. It's very predictable and controllable. With good pads and tires I can run down all sorts of more expensive stock stuff on the track (911's, Corvettes, NSX's, M5's), although I do get crushed by the Z06, 911Turbo, e46 M3, Viper crowd. I would like more power (240hp/238tq, 3100lbs.), but it does pretty well with it's lowish gearing (1:1 final drive). It's not a drag racer, but you can kick the back end out at will with street tires on. Quality - without counting normal wear and tear and maintenance items, the only parts I've had to replace are the front brake calipers. Probably from pushing them a little too hard on hot track days. The right side one started to stick, or seize. I'm at 100k miles now, and I've started to notice some interior electrical wear; the window motors, door locks, and stereo controls are all getting fussy. I think the motor is a little down on power now too. I'm going to have to look into that. Appearance - Would I have ever designed it? No. That's probably why I like it so much. People do seem to like the way it looks a lot better in person. Mine is slightly lowered and has bigger tires which might help too. The interior is typical pre-Bangle BMW, functional not too flashy. It does have a two-tone interior option. I have yet to see one of those I liked. Cost of ownership - Anything at the dealer seems overpriced, but I think it's that way at most dealers these days. Parts aren't particularly cheap, like a 5.0 mustang or something, but it has the same engine, and many other parts, as the ubiquitous e36 M3, so they are not hard to find. It gets about 23 mpg highway / 17 in town / 9 at a track day. Fun Factor - It is fun to drive unless you are a pansy. It's loud (especially with Magnaflo mufflers) and can be too stiff. It really is comfortable if you're not hitting potholes all the time. The seats are great and have heaters. People stare at it a lot, I don't know if that counts as fun.

Next Best Thing To A Motorcycle — Great handling...turns on rails, could use more power, better built quality & materials, and minor electrical issues are to be awared of.

I Got My Wife With Her — Everything works to be the best it was made of. I love everything about BMW. No other car brand can come close. BMW the best I know everyday I turn her on. And go on the open road. with the top down.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

One Of The Best Cars I've Ever Owned. — I really love this car. Its been super reliable. She handles like a dream and always looks amazing! BMW sold me on all their cars because of this one. BMW enthusiast for life because of this great 1999 BMW Z3.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Fast Little Monster — It's a BMW. It's FAST. It's a Mini Little Itty Monster. Great Commuter. It's our Baby. Don't be Fooled. It was a gift from the papi. This car is VERY fun. It's EL ZORRO V. I Love IT. Sideways tho

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)