Let me start off by stating that I love the BMW Z3 and personally own one, so I am a bit biased about these cars. In fact, I think that the Z3 is the best modern take on a vintage roadster that anyone has ever built. Yes, Mazda still sells the Miata, but a nice example of a 20-plus-year-old Z3 still feels like a nicer car (especially inside) than any Miata I have driven. This is my opinion, but it is based on spending extensive time in each car. The Z3’s materials are nicer, the car feels more solid, and the options well outpace those that Mazda offered at the time. The reason is simple: The Z3 was a much more expensive car than a Miata and BMW could afford to do things that Mazda was unable to do at the price point. The masterstroke for BMW was that although the car launched with an M44 1.9-liter I4, it was quickly followed by a number of truly great BMW I6 engines which make the Z3 a car that simply has more power and torque, all working to make the little roadster much faster.
The Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2000 BMW Z3 painted in the very desirable and iconic Dakar Yellow over a Black leather interior. This car has covered a total of only 29,000 miles from new. It is powered by the BMW M52 2.5-liter I6 that produces 170 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Those figures add up to a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds.
This Z3 is loaded up with options which include leather, heated four-way power driver and two-way power passenger bucket seats, heated mirrors, heated windshield washer jets, wood console trim and shift knob, the chrome interior trim, cruise control, a limited-slip differential, a leather-wrapped M Technic sport steering wheel, and Dynamic Stability Control.
To let you know my frame of reference for talking about this 2000 Z3, my personal Z3 is an immaculate, show-winning, low-mileage example. The photos of this particular Z3 for sale show what appears to be original paint in exceptional condition, a black convertible top in excellent shape with a clear rear window, and wheels with no apparent curb damage. The car also includes its factory tonneau cover for the roof.
The interior is the same, with the black leather seats in like-new condition, carpets that are perfect, and all wood trim in excellent condition as well. The only flaw I can detect is that the driver-side seat-mounted seat belt guide is broken and should be replaced (this can be seen in the photos). This is a common issue on the Z3 and easy to rectify.
Under the hood, you see an engine compartment that looks immaculate. The clamshell design of the hood is one of my favorite parts of the car. I see nothing at all that makes me doubt that this car is practically perfect, with no modifications whatsoever.
It comes with all factory books, the original window sticker, various invoices, and service history information. Given its asking price of only $21,999, I really don’t know how you can buy a better roadster for less money. When you consider that a 2000 Miata in similar condition is likely to cost as much or more, this Z3 looks even more attractive. I know that my personal Z3 is a car I am keeping forever; if you buy this one you may well end up feeling the same way about it. Yes, the Z3 is really that good. It’s the perfect retro/modern sports car.
Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
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