What's so special about a Z3?

[Chris Hunter]

What is so special about the Z3? Well in my mind in the Z3, we have a car which has a timeless elegance and grace. Very few cars can boast this quality. Perhaps the MGA, but not the B. The Porsche 356 series and the air cooled 911s, but not the water cooled ones. The Triumph TR2, the TR3, and TR3A, but not the 4. and subsequent. Perhaps the Healeys, and ACs. The Jaguar XK 140 and 150, but not the E type. The Lotus type 14 Elite in my view also also fits the bill. What yard stick do I use? That's a difficult one, as its only my opinion but all of these cars display Class, they may have a few years on them but nevertheless are fit to be seen in any company. An early Z which has been cared for, to the untrained eye, looks the same as a later one, indicating that its designer got it right the first time apart from a few tweaks. Who but an enthusiast can tell the difference between a Porsche 356A, B, or C. The Z3 is not technically perfect, but then nothing is. I am sure most owners feel this or that could have been better, but we have fine cars which looked after will give Stirling service and still turn heads in years to come. As I stated earlier this is only my summation, and I am sure many will disagree.

 

[GazHyde]

Don’t know! Odd answer from me, drove a mates M Roadster, then wanted a Z3 for my own. Couldn’t afford one until I got divorced then bought one. Then started a forum about them, sold the Zed. Bought a Z4, sold it, bought a Z3. Sold that one, bought another Z4. Now drive a diesel TT.

Spent every Saturday for the last 7 odd years laid under everyone else’s Z3 fixing and fettling them. Only Z3 I want to own next is a Pheonix Yellow Coupe, but unless the lotto numbers go my way that ain’t happening.

Still don’t have the slightest idea why I like them so much, but they are stuck in my head.

 

[mwpe]

When the Z3 first came out, I liked the look of it but thought it could do with more power. I didn’t take too much interest in them, I liked the look of the 2.8 when it came out but it was beyond my reach. In 2008, I was getting tired of keeping my old GT6 on the road and realised that I could now afford a Z3 or Z4. I didn’t like the styling of the Z4 so looked for a Good 3.0 Z3. I found the one I now have with 21.000 miles and a BMW warranty and bought it. Since then I have realised that the Z3 is a much more old style sportscar than the Z4 with less unnecessary electronic junk. I have done 129,000 trouble free miles and would definitely not change it for something newer.

 

[D R Oldfield]

I just love the retro looks and excellent quality mechanics, over the years have owned a few older british softtops including MGB roadster, Triumph Spartan, Gt6 etc even a Mg Metro Convertble , but there has always been something special about the Z3 , I think its the solid feeling and general feeling of Quality of the car , and also its not over complicated and most of all its reliable

 

[Davil]

What is special about this car is it is therapeutic. The sun comes out (sorry UK readers but it happens in other places ), you get behind the wheel top down, it makes an intoxicating sound, it makes you feel like you are going very fast when you aren’t. It looks absolutely gorgeous and has aged so beautifully. It has no carplay, a crappy radio that you can tune into an 80s 90s station and you have gone back in time. I’m addicted.

 

[Kyle auty]

The popularity of the Z3 is amazing. Its lost the nick name of hairdressers car and become a stylish icon. In years to come I feel only the wealthy will own them. they will be towed to a track by an electric vehicle, you will then be allowed to purchase a rare commodity called petrol (with a licence) and drive for a short period of time, but enjoyed. They will then be towed back to there home and live life behind glass with there tyres only gracing a polished timber floor, to be admired by there owner within there extensive homes. They are a true supermodel of a car. Extremely timeless and unique and amazing in-front of the camera.....

 

[Nodzed]

I didn't want a Z3, I wanted a mark 3 Zodiac I really just wanted something to do. TBH I had to see a Z3 to remember what they looked like. It just so happened a colleague was changing to a Z4 and had his 2.8 Montreal blue Z3 for sale that needed some TLC so I purchased her and had my project, I wasn't really interested in convertibles or BMWs the plan was to get through the winter doing the work, have a bit of fun in the summer and get shot of it and go look for that old Ford. My problem then was I got hooked
The look of the car is spot on, proportions perfect and so reliable.

 

[Sajk]

It's special to me because I look forward to the journey. I am fortunate in that I have a few cars to drive. Since lockdown reduced the traffic so vastly the Z has pretty much been my daily driver and the battery charger is keeping the other things alive.

At the end of the day when I am going home from work it is a pleasure to climb in, scarf on, coat on, roof down and blast home.

 

[Chris Hunter]

I am glad my post was uncontroversial, and every one seems to agree the Z3 is a fine car, and pleasing to the eye. It is so easy to nit-pick, and nothing is perfect. To my mind there are a couple of mechanical design faults, which are easy to live with, but hey enjoy them we are lucky to have them.
Chris

 

[andyglym]

Retro styling, great engines, solidly built, good to look at from any angle and a pleasure to drive.

 

[t-tony]

The Z3 is a great stepping stone to a Z4

Tony.

ps. Having said that, the Mazda Eunos was a great stepping stone to a Z3.

 

[Z Victor 1]

'What's so special....?' It is simply one of the best looking two seat open top sportscars. The retro 60's styling married to reliable mechanics and quality production make it a winner. It wasn't the best sportscar of it's day, but it lasts better than the competition and has enduring style.

 

[Sajk]

At the time I bought it I was torn between boxster and the Z. The 2.8 Z got me with its greater drivability over the then 2.5 boxster. Only this morning after 23 years owning this Z I said to myself "glad I did not get the boxster"

 

[Iamjonw]

I loved the Z3 from the first time I saw one in Paris. At the time I was not long married, had two young kids and responsibilities. Now the kids have grown up and gone and I could justify finding one. I did toy with other options, Boxter, TT, MX5, Alfa, all the usual suspects, but none of them have aged as well in my eyes. I could have bought a newer (technically better Z4) for similar money to what I paid for my Z3, but as others have said, I think the Z3 just looks right.

After buying I then stumbled on the forum, and the local Z-Shed. What a great place this forum is and another welcome aspect to owning one of these cars. I am learning that they are easy to work on, parts are still (mostly) readily available and they are fun to own and drive (aside from a mishap with a pot hole and a couple of curbed wheels last week).

I am also finding that it has become a new hobby, to fettle and fix up the little things that need doing and in doing so having the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends. I am also gaining in confidence in thinking I can do some of the jobs myself, after seeking guidance and assurance from forum members. I have never owned a car just for fun, but I don't see this one going anywhere in the foreseeable future.

 

[RickyBobby]

In the past couple of years I've been through 6 Zeds.

I've done fast in the Z4MC and I've done comfortable in the E89 23i.

I've had an automatic E85 3.0i and a manual E85 2.5i and I've even done basic in the M44 that I bought off the forum for £750.

But out of them all the 2.8 Z3 is the one I've enjoyed the most - for me it's the baby bears porridge from the famous fairy tale. I love the look, it's engaging to drive and always attracts appreciative comments from other motorists and members of the public.

For all the reasons above I think the Z3 offers fantastic value for money and although at times I miss the speed of the Z4MC and the comfort of the E89 for me it's the perfect compromise - and let's be honest unless you can run a fleet of motors it's all about the compromise.

Now let me get back online to search for my next purchase

 

[Chris Hunter]

I am sure the Z.4 brigade will jump on me, but I don't think a 4 can hold a candle to the Z.3 in terms of looks. The 3 is like a pretty woman all curvy and with all the curves and bumps in the right places, not a straight line to be seen, whereas the Z4 with its sharp edges and creases is more like a stern school mistress. Sorry Z4 owners you can draw lots which one of you shoots me.

 

[t-tony]

The problem is that the Z3 was supplied to some with a set of blinkers.

Tony.

 

[Chris Hunter]

thanks Tony you didn't let me down

 

[hard top]

The problem is that the Z3 was supplied to some with a set of blinkers.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

I readily agree that there are some sharper lines on an E85 Z4, no doubt about it but there are many curves if you can be bothered to open your eyes and look for them.

None so blind as those who will not see.

Tony.