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."