BMW Z3: Timeless Design Meets Affordable Driving Fun
The BMW Z3 (E36/7) proves that real roadster feeling doesn’t have to be expensive. Built between 1995 and 2002, it now offers the most affordable entry into the world of BMW roadsters.
History and Significance
Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 1995 | Production starts in Spartanburg, USA |
| 1996 | James Bond film “GoldenEye” appearance |
| 1997 | 2.8 litre engine introduced |
| 1998 | Facelift with new design |
| 2000 | M Roadster with S52/S54 engine |
| 2002 | Production ends, Z4 successor launches |
Engine Range and Prices
Four-Cylinder Models
| Engine | Power | 0-100 km/h | Price Spring 2024 |
|---|
| 1.8i | 116 hp | 10.5 s | €5,800 - €9,500 |
| 1.9i | 118 hp | 10.2 s | €6,200 - €10,200 |
| 2.0i | 150 hp | 8.5 s | €7,500 - €12,500 |
Six-Cylinder Models
| Engine | Power | 0-100 km/h | Price Spring 2024 |
|---|
| 2.0i (I6) | 150 hp | 8.1 s | €8,200 - €13,500 |
| 2.2i | 170 hp | 7.7 s | €9,500 - €15,000 |
| 2.8i | 193 hp | 6.9 s | €11,500 - €18,500 |
| 3.0i | 231 hp | 5.9 s | €14,000 - €22,000 |
M Roadster
| Variant | Power | Price Spring 2024 |
|---|
| M Roadster (S50) | 321 hp | €28,000 - €45,000 |
| M Roadster (S54) | 325 hp | €35,000 - €55,000 |
Price Development 2020-2024
BMW Z3 2.8i Roadster
| Year | Average Price | Change |
|---|
| 2020 | €9,200 | Base |
| 2021 | €10,400 | +13% |
| 2022 | €12,800 | +23% |
| 2023 | €14,200 | +11% |
| 2024 | €14,800 | +4% |
Total Development: +61% in 4 years
Buying Guide: What to Watch For
Common Problems
| Area | Issue | Repair Cost |
|---|
| Soft Top | Rear window cracks | €800 - €1,500 |
| Body | Sill rust | €1,200 - €2,500 |
| Suspension | Rear axle worn | €600 - €1,200 |
| Engine (M52) | VANOS wear | €400 - €900 |
| Electrics | Window regulator failure | €150 - €350 |
Inspection Checklist
| Check Point | Importance |
|---|
| Test complete soft top function | Very High |
| Check sills for rust | Very High |
| Check rear axle play | High |
| Test air conditioning | Medium |
| Hardtop condition (if fitted) | Medium |
Our Engine Recommendation
For Beginners: 2.0i Six-Cylinder
| Property | Rating |
|---|
| Value for Money | Excellent |
| Running Costs | Moderate |
| Reliability | Good |
| Driving Fun | Very Good |
| Value Appreciation | Possible |
Why: The 2.0i six-cylinder offers typical BMW smoothness at an affordable price. The M52 engine is robust and affordable spare parts are available.
For Enthusiasts: 2.8i
| Property | Rating |
|---|
| Value for Money | Good |
| Running Costs | Moderately High |
| Reliability | Very Good |
| Driving Fun | Excellent |
| Value Appreciation | Likely |
Why: The 2.8i is the “sweet spot” - enough power for real driving fun, proven technology and good appreciation potential.
Seasonal Price Development
Annual Cycle BMW Z3
| Month | Price Index | Recommendation |
|---|
| January | 92% | Buy |
| February | 90% | Best Time |
| March | 95% | Still Good |
| April | 102% | Rising |
| May | 108% | Expensive |
| June | 112% | Seasonal High |
| July | 110% | Very Expensive |
| August | 105% | Starting to Fall |
| September | 98% | Buy |
| October | 94% | Good |
| November | 92% | Buy |
| December | 93% | Buy |
Tip: February is statistically the best time to buy. In April we’re already in a rising market.
Z3 vs. Competition
| Model | Price | Fun | Reliable | Costs |
|---|
| BMW Z3 2.8i | €14,500 | ++++ | +++ | ++ |
| Mercedes SLK R170 | €12,500 | +++ | ++++ | +++ |
| Porsche Boxster 986 | €18,000 | +++++ | ++ | + |
| Mazda MX-5 NB | €8,500 | +++ | +++++ | ++++ |
Conclusion
The BMW Z3 still offers comparatively affordable entry prices into the roadster world in spring 2024. Four-cylinder models start under €10,000, while the recommended 2.8i six-cylinder is available from around €11,500.
Those with flexibility should wait until autumn to buy - savings of 10-15% are possible then. For immediate buyers: the market is already in seasonal upswing, but not yet at its peak.
Market data based on our continuous analysis. As of: April 15, 2024