1997 BMW Z3 Review

There is no comparison between the BMW convertible Z3 1.9 four-cylinder and new Z3 2.8 six-cylinder models. The four-cylinder is pretty much a sedate cruiser. The six-cylinder is a rocket.

No wonder. The basic Z3 only has a 1.9-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder. The latest version has a 2.8-liter, 189-horsepower six-cylinder.

Too bad James Bond didn't get a chance to drive the Z3 2.8 in the movie ``GoldenEye.''

The four-cylinder produces little torque, but the six-cylinder generates so much torque you can put the Z3 in fifth gear at 25 m.p.h. and smoothly accelerate to its electronically limited 128 m.p.h. top speed. It should be good for 150 m.p.h. with no speed controls in Europe.

The 116-m.p.h. Z3 four-cylinder costs $29,425, but I would beg, borrow and stop just short of stealing to get the extra money for the $35,900 Z3 six-cylinder. The difference in price means little, considering the vast difference in performance and driving kicks.

One shifts a lot and keeps the throttle to the floor to make the noisy Z3 1.9 perform decently. Its 0-to-60 m.p.h. time is a leisurely 8.2 seconds with the five-speed manual transmission and a lackluster 9.4 seconds with a four-speed automatic.

The quiet Z3 six-cylinder zooms to 60 in only 6.3 seconds with manual and in 6.7 with automatic. Merges into fast traffic are a breeze.

The Z3 four-cylinder has an economy edge, but the six-cylinder still delivers a decent 19 m.p.g. in the city and 27 on highways--against 23 and 31 for the four-cylinder. Anyway, nobody buys a BMW sports car for economy.

Both Z3s look racy, but the six-cylinder model looks tougher. It has a 2.6-inch increase in the rear track and corresponding increase in rear body width--giving this already beefy looking car a more muscular appearance. The car has a modified suspension, and you can get super-wide performance tires for the Z3 2.8 that aren't offered for the Z3 1.9.

The Z3 is generally solid for a soft-top roadster, but rough roads elicit a few rattles and shakes.

Like all the in-line BMW six-cylinder engines, the Z3 2.8's motor is butter-smooth. The car works best and is the most fun with the manual transmission. The clutch has a long throw that can get tiring in heavy traffic, but the engine generates so much torque at low speeds that you don't have to shift much if you don't want to.

Anyway, the Z3 2.8 is no commuter car--although quiet and well-mannered.

The Z3 six-cylinder has the same delightful steering, handling and braking and nice ride as the lower-horsepower model. And the rear-drive car has a standard traction-control system for better grip on slippery winter roads.

Visually distinguishing the Z3 are round-spoke wheels and newly designed front spoiler. Inside, leather seats and door trim are standard. The 2.8 also gets wood console trim and a wood-and-leather shift grip.

But all that extra stuff is superfluous. If you're a serious car person, you know the bottom line with the Z3 2.8 is its stunning combination of great looks and vivid performance.