1997 BMW Z3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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When the Z3 was launched in the 1996, the biggest and perhaps only complaint was that its 1.9 liter, four cylinder engine didn't provide the speed, torque and performance you'd expect in a classic sports roadster. BMW made amends with the 1997 Z#, dropping in a 2.5 liter in the standard version and adding the Z3 2.8, with a six cylinder, 2.8 liter engine to the line up.
That amounted to a 51 point jump in horsepower and effectively silenced the critics who are otherwise taken by the cars styling and handling. Also added in 1997 was a longer list of standard features, including fatter tires and a wider rear rack.
Inside, there's not much to distinguish the 1.9 from 2.8. But, as one reviewer said, "we regard that as a good thing, because BMW got it right to begin with."
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 BMW Z3
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
May 06, 2023
Rough car, more of a project then something you’d want to drive off the lot.May 06, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 21, 2023
Excellente voiture sport ! Fiable, super agréable à conduire. Un modèle qui ne se démode pas . Jan 21, 2023
by Wilkin C
Dec 24, 2020
The Z3 is a classic roadster. I bought one in 1998 with a 2.8 6 cylinder engine and loved it. Living North, I used it sparingly. I had less than 20,000 miles after 5 years. Now having moved to Florida the last few years, I am ready for another open top car. Because of my love for the Z3, I am looking for another. Since they longer make the Z3, I will look for a low mileage used one.Dec 24, 2020
User rating:
by Anonymous
May 06, 2023
Rough car, more of a project then something you’d want to drive off the lot.May 06, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 21, 2023
Excellente voiture sport ! Fiable, super agréable à conduire. Un modèle qui ne se démode pas . Jan 21, 2023
by Wilkin C
Dec 24, 2020
The Z3 is a classic roadster. I bought one in 1998 with a 2.8 6 cylinder engine and loved it. Living North, I used it sparingly. I had less than 20,000 miles after 5 years. Now having moved to Florida the last few years, I am ready for another open top car. Because of my love for the Z3, I am looking for another. Since they longer make the Z3, I will look for a low mileage used one.Dec 24, 2020
by Anonymous
Sep 14, 2020
The car was in bad shape and is over priced for the many cosmetic issues it has Sep 14, 2020
by William H
Apr 03, 2020
Any e36 is great!!! z3 is a derivative and all are great-6 cylinder is bulletproof if well taken care ofApr 03, 2020
by Anonymous
Nov 15, 2013
Like most everything now that I have it "fixed" up. Fun to drive. Negative: Too easy to go too fast. Gets compliments almost every time out. Takes curves like it's on a rail. Have had minimal mechanical problems and those were too-be-expected maintenance for a car of this age and miles (~90K).Nov 15, 2013
by Bonnie S
Jun 19, 2013
Great combination of sport and luxury all rolled into one! Unique leather interior. Has a typical stiff sport suspension, but still manages to deliver a smooth ride. Manual convertible top is easy to use. Fun to drive, especially with the top down!Jun 19, 2013
by David B
Jun 18, 2013
Good gas mileage from a sporty ride. Our Z3 has been in two minor accidents and I was pleased that it can take a beating and holds up so well. Its ability to go through corners like a go-cart puts a smile on my face on a twisty road.Jun 18, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 05, 2012
This car is powerful and fun to drive. I've found that it can be expensive to maintain if you have the servicing done at a BMW dealership. I prefer to do my own maintenance and the parts for this car are not too expensive.Mar 05, 2012
by Travis B
Nov 23, 2011
Fun factor is through the roof! After i put aftermarket wheels and tires there is no
corner this car cant handle. The cost to maintain is kinda high though, I had a fog
light ggo out and it cost $40 to ship from germany not to mention the cost of the
light. Fuel econmony isnt as bad as you would think, it still gets 28 MPG as long as
you keep your foot out of it. ONe downfall is the fact that it requires premium fuel.Nov 23, 2011
by Sami M
Oct 19, 2011
FUN car to drive, with the right upgrades, no body roll, perfect amount of power with a turbo 2.8 i6, get one and make it your project car, make sure t have some money for it, took me a while to get my parts together but sooo worth itOct 19, 2011
by dave B
Apr 07, 2011
all i need to say it's a BMW!!! WITH ONLY 50,OOO MILES!!! ALWAYS Baby!! performance is fun to drive. with great m.p.g. always gets attention from everyone,looks great top up or down, buy now for summer fun! need to sell soon because i want to drive it all the time!Apr 07, 2011
by David T
Dec 16, 2010
great car road handling in the wet is caution ...redm leather sets off the style an look of the car ....
the only cabriolet i have owned which dont leak in the rain
the stereo system is to be desired for Dec 16, 2010
by Emma B
Oct 30, 2010
it looks sexy
shame its only a 5 speed 4 cylinder but at least its a manual.
doesnt have much balls but its a cute lil car for summer.
this car is a fun lil car to drive its got no ass so it goes in and out of traffic with
no problems :)
Oct 30, 2010
by Anonymous
Oct 20, 2010
This car, although not as fast as some, is superior in overall
performance. It takes the corners like it is on rails. I have never had a
more dependable vehicle. It is constantly amazing to me that I can drive
it for hours and still be comfortable. It sips gas getting between 28 and
35 miles per gallon and can travel at excessive speeds for hours on end.
Wind and road noise are remarkably low for a vert. It looks fantastic and
draws attention as if it were just out of the show room.Oct 20, 2010
by Robert D
Jul 02, 2010
BMW Z3 is not what you can find in the road alot, it is a head turning, It costs cheap for say 5 grand plus. Yes it is a FUN CAR to drive, exhilarating.. Fuel-Efficient roadster it takes a couple of weeks for the gas to go down... It really is the ULTIMATE Driving MACHINE
NOTE: 4 Cylinders W/ Automatic or Manual to choose.. it moves you like the wind blowing your hair :) *smiles*Jul 02, 2010
by Mátyás D
May 25, 2010
This is the most stylish car I've ever had. It gives you the traditional roadster feeling. The build quality is excellent, cost of ownership is average. Performance is amazing, the 193 horsepower is ideal for this car. Maximum speed is 225 km/h, i've tried one time, but it is so noisy then;)May 25, 2010
by Michael G
Feb 21, 2010
This is "Crisis Mobile" it got me thru my 50's. It has amazing performance while getting nearly 30 mpg on the open road. We belong to the "Colorado Z Roadsters Club" and take drives every summer. We get a lot of looks when 10-12 Z's of various colors roll thru towns.Feb 21, 2010
by Archie G
Jul 15, 2009
4 cylinder car that can beat v6 engines cars and v8 trucks.... specially if i'm the driver......... nice for daily use......best ever.... tough..... 100% performance, quality, appearance, cost of ownership and fun factor . Lastly, it's a super duper cute car.Jul 15, 2009
by Emilio B
May 26, 2009
The '97 BMW Z3 1.9L is a great car of the late 90's. By today's standars, it shows it's age. Unles you buy the 2.3L or the M, the 1.9L is lacking in the acceleration department even with a manual. It does come with some good options but nothing a '97 Honda civic didn't come with in the same year. Some good notes are that it does save on gas and its a convertable. The dow side of the convertible is that its not a push button top. It's an old fashion pull it back with good ol manual labor, wich can be quite impractical if the weather decides to change in an instant. I would recomend this for any parents looking to buy their newly 16 or 18 yearold daughter a new car It has everything they need and can still wow the boys and friends. May 26, 2009
by Chuck S
Feb 25, 2009
The convertible is amazing. Love going 150mph with the top down. I drive it everyday.. its white and seckzy. It retails about 14000-16000. Has about 200rwhp. The next best thing is a motorcycle. I would suggest this car to anyone.Feb 25, 2009
by John P
Jul 29, 2008
Z3-M roadster!! Ikke så meget pis, bare masser af kræfter og baghjulstræk... Der skal ikke være tvivl om, at Fritz og Hansi nede i München forstår at skrue en køremaskine sammen.. Samtidig ser den knaldgodt ud, og især alle M-detaljerne går at den skiller sig meget ud fra den "almindelige" Z3 roadster. Jul 29, 2008
by Abbey A
Jul 02, 2008
Perywinkle Blue BMW Z3Jul 02, 2008
by Anonymous
May 18, 2008
Bought this car a year ago with 53,000 miles, looks like new and drives great. Everytime I take it out,(which I only do on nice days) it turns heads. Also I have people come up to me and want to buy it from me. The car is really a lot of fun, glad I bought it when I did, I will never sell it as it is getting to be a true collectors item.May 18, 2008
by Toni H
May 13, 2008
battery lasted for 8 years, brakes/rotors lasted 5 years each time.
after 11 years and 168K miles am still on the first clutch. The gear shifter broke off after 8 years.
other then that no real problems. awesome car
had to replace top after 5 years because I wasn't as careful and didn't use my cover for the plastic coverMay 13, 2008
by Kevin B
Apr 13, 2008
Very nice car and fun to drive. Apr 13, 2008
by Kevin B
Apr 13, 2008
a fjsdkal; ejjafl; Apr 13, 2008
by Kevin B
Apr 13, 2008
I love it...Apr 13, 2008
by Charles B
Apr 07, 2008
its kinda old, and creekyApr 07, 2008
by Erin F
Mar 05, 2008
it roars around cornersMar 05, 2008
by Christian B
Mar 05, 2008
The compination of BMW and roadster is such a pleasure.Mar 05, 2008
by Joyce M
Feb 06, 2008
this car is amazing, cncerning the look it is gorgeous and it is very fastFeb 06, 2008
by Travis B
Feb 05, 2008
These cars are amazing, the fun factor on these cars is through the roof, i absoulutly love driving them.Feb 05, 2008
by Melanie S
Feb 05, 2008
reliable, curvy, very girlie carFeb 05, 2008
by Orr L
Dec 22, 2007
loved it, but it was missing the power you expects from a sport carDec 22, 2007
by Dawn D
Dec 21, 2007
Needs powerflex bushes to improve handling but overall a fab drive. E36 six pot is the best balanced engine ever and goes like a bat out of hell.
Wouldn't mind having an MPowerDec 21, 2007
What users have asked
1997 Z3 1.9L beige boot cover and roll bars
Hello, I recently purchased a 1997 BMW Z3 1.9 w/ 98,204K miles. I am looking to for a beige boot cover for the convertible and roll bars at a reasonable price. I have not been successful. Does anyone know where I can find this in the USA. I have tried ebay/craigslist,etc.
45 views
How to locate/fix leak into trunk of 1997 Z3 convertible?
I discovered the battery compartment of my Z3 full of water and the rear portion of the trunk soaked. I took it to a body shop that charged me $100 and then told me they couldn't say where it was leaking. They said they checked the taillight areas but could find no leaks there. They figured it was leaking around the rear window. I went to an auto upholstery shop and they said the zipper around the rear window was most likely leaking and that I should run a bead of sealant around that area. I did that and now I note that water is collecting in a small receptical on the passenger side where the top meets the body and is spilling over onto the rear interior deck on the passenger side. Is this a rain gutter collection point that is blocked? Or ??? Any suggestions on what to try next to fix the leak?
8449 views
Sticking Accelerator
The accelerator on my 1997 Z3 sometimes sticks in the up position when I'm stopped at a light, or when accelerating from coasting. I have to hit it hard with my foot to push it down to accelerate. Any ideas?
711 views
having trouble resetting radio code. Must change it to European code first but it isn't allowing me to do so. what now?
Battery went dead over winter storage. Have had the car for 12 yrs. Stored each winter and have always been able to reset the radio code until this year. Took it to a BMW repair shop and they had to reset it to the European code then back to the USA code. They gave me instructions how to do that but, of course, it will not work for me. What's my next step?
2708 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 BMW Z3?Compare this car
1997 BMW Z3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$29,570 to $36,470Price range
$9,528 to $9,695Average price on CG
$9,695YoY price change
$9,528 to $9,695Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent