2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster Is Today’s Bring a Trailer Pick
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster Is Our BaT PickBring a Trailer
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BMW’s Z3 roadster appeared in 1996 as a sort of German-accented Miata.
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The arrival of the six-cylinder engine added greatly to the Z3’s appeal.
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This Z3 2.8 with just 28K miles is up for auction at no reserve.
Car and Driver
The roaring success of the Mazda Miata touched off a roadster mania in the 1990s, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche all fielding attainable (if not quite Miata-level affordable) two-seaters. BMW’s Z3 arrived in 1996 with a 138-hp 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine under its classically-inspired long hood. It only took a year for the Z3 to more fully reach its potential, with the arrival of a 2.8-liter inline-six bringing an additional 51 horsepower concurrent with a limited-slip rear differential. Swollen rear fenders, necessary to clear a 2.5-inch wider track, nicely balanced the styling.
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This crisp-looking example currently on Bring a Trailer[1]—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—is powered by that desirable six, paired, crucially, with BMW’s ultra-slick five-speed manual.
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In an in-period road test, we clocked a ’97 Z3 2.8 at 6.3 seconds to 60 mph, a result that’s still credible today. For 1999, the 2.8-liter engine saw output nudged to 193 horsepower. This 2000 model also benefits from other running changes including the fitment of side airbags, rollover hoops, and a slightly nicer interior. This car also boasts a power top, heated seats, and leather trim. [2]
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Recent service includes the replacement of the drive belt, a new transmission selector seal, and new rear dampers (last year). The plastic rear window for the top has also been replaced. While there are a few minor paint chips and underbody scuffs noted, but the car overall appears to be in very tidy condition as befits its odometer reading of just 28,000 miles.
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This car is located in Newburgh, New York, and can’t you just picture flying out and driving it home, flogging it down twisty roads with a contrail of foliage behind you? With New York State’s leaves already changing to an autumnal palette of red and gold, now’s the time to enjoy a classic roadster.
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Act fast, however, as this no-reserve auction ends October 1.
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References
- ^ currently on Bring a Trailer (bringatrailer.com)
- ^ an in-period road test (www.caranddriver.com)