One of life's mysteries
12-16-2003, 03:24 AM
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One of life's mysteries
was in Sainsbury's Cobham last night and I counted a large number of BMW Z3's....
As I walked towards the entrance I thought........."Why in hell are the residuals so good for a car that gets slated so heavily by the journos?, especially now the Z4 is out which the journos love?"
Can it be that the Z3 is actually not as bad as suggested?..anyone driven one as I've only been a passenger and frankly I didn't think it was that bad
As I walked towards the entrance I thought........."Why in hell are the residuals so good for a car that gets slated so heavily by the journos?, especially now the Z4 is out which the journos love?"
Can it be that the Z3 is actually not as bad as suggested?..anyone driven one as I've only been a passenger and frankly I didn't think it was that bad
12-16-2003, 03:45 AM
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I drove a 2.2 Z3 for 2000 miles all across New Zealand. Well built, performance ok-ish (0-60 in 8ish), annoying traction control that I ended up turning off anytime I wanted a bit of fun 
Nowhere to put my left leg which was annoying and unconfortable (ok on long roads in NZ when you can put your foot under the clutch pedal but wouldn't be safe in this country). Manual roof. Needed 6th gear. Chassis probably suits the power of the 2.2, however I'd like to try a Z3M! 
Generally, I thought it was not a bad car. Pleasant and easy to drive and a bit of fun. Not a patch on the S2000 though. Although it was my first 'proper' experience of a roadster type car so it could be argued that that's what got me into the S2000
Nowhere to put my left leg which was annoying and unconfortable (ok on long roads in NZ when you can put your foot under the clutch pedal but wouldn't be safe in this country). Manual roof. Needed 6th gear. Chassis probably suits the power of the 2.2, however I'd like to try a Z3M! Generally, I thought it was not a bad car. Pleasant and easy to drive and a bit of fun. Not a patch on the S2000 though. Although it was my first 'proper' experience of a roadster type car so it could be argued that that's what got me into the S2000
12-16-2003, 05:47 AM
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A friend of mine had a 1.8 and I drove it a couple of times. Engine revved freely to the red line and the chassis felt very good at that power level.
But - it felt pig slow and it's absolutely tiny inside - you literally rub shoulders with the person next to you. And the plastic chrome trim round everything is just nasty.
I was behind one this morning and it struck me how dated it looks from the rear now - very much like a mark 1 Granada in fact
But - it felt pig slow and it's absolutely tiny inside - you literally rub shoulders with the person next to you. And the plastic chrome trim round everything is just nasty.
I was behind one this morning and it struck me how dated it looks from the rear now - very much like a mark 1 Granada in fact
and chaps that like to cottage as well 
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12-16-2003, 10:07 AM
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Passenger in a 2.0 roadster last night. Most striking thing as i sat in it, was how low the door seemed bymy side i.e. top of door aligned half way down my arm rather than at shoulder height in the S. Also the door seemed to be a bit flimsy when opening and closing. Dash seemed ok but a little too much acessories for my liking (heated seats, bum hair platting device 
)
performance was ok but sounded a bit wheezy. looks wise, awful from just about every angle.
In summary, i would say it shouts "focus group compromise vehicle".
Very mediocre.
)performance was ok but sounded a bit wheezy. looks wise, awful from just about every angle.
In summary, i would say it shouts "focus group compromise vehicle".
Very mediocre.
12-17-2003, 12:09 AM
#10
Bit of an oddball, the Z3.
Very draughty at any speed, due to the low waistline.
The 4-pots have their ass whipped by the MX-5 in most departments, especially as Z3's have got wheels like road rollers.
The 6-pots are more like it, but wobbly body/suspension causes most drivers to complain about the handling.
As you can tell, I've never taken to it, which is a pity.
Very draughty at any speed, due to the low waistline.
The 4-pots have their ass whipped by the MX-5 in most departments, especially as Z3's have got wheels like road rollers.
The 6-pots are more like it, but wobbly body/suspension causes most drivers to complain about the handling.
As you can tell, I've never taken to it, which is a pity.