BMW Z3 3.0i A Future Classic?

This week we are looking at a 2001 BMW Z3 3.0i. Is this a future classic in your opinion? A sports car to consider alongside Miata’s and MR2’s? Hit play to find out, and please subscribe for more videos!
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[@713vinh]

I agree this era cars were the best, more simple and not bloated with electronics that takes away the fun in the driving experience.

[@michaelheinrich44]

and what matters for europe, cars of that era had very good body conservation - z3 do not rust.

[@Alltracavenger]

I picked one up a couple of months ago. Silver '01 3.0i roadster with the rare optional hardtop. My mom had a 2.8 with much the same options back when they were new and I absolutely loved the car. To me, it's both a direct shot of nostalgia for days that were arguably better as well as a simple, proper convertible sports car. And, with gas prices the way they are getting nearly 30mpg if I'm light on the go pedal is not a bad thing, either.

[@SIEVECN]

All 6 cylinder Z3s will be classics.

[@clementquirder]

Not the 2l you might as well get the 1.9l and save money on fuel 😂

[@craigsievewright8003]

@@clementquirder no - even the 2.0 because it has the 6. Only the 1.8 & 1.9 will not become classic

[@Aikaramba12]

@@craigsievewright8003 Why? The 4 cylinders are super fun, and the same car 😂 they sound good as well. I have had a 1.9 and a M roadster and the 4 cylinder was so much fun. All Z3s will be classics. I don’t get Why you’re going to hate on the 4 cyl without any reason.

[@Aikaramba12]

All Z3s*

[@craigsievewright8003]

@@Aikaramba12 Because when you open the bonnet there’s a 6 cylinder beauty there. And the noise is something the 4 cylinder can’t compete with.

[@davidlheureux846]

FYI, only about 14,500 of the 3.0 were produced, not “a ton”….

[@ChanceBerryman]

Those are the ugliest wheels I've ever seen

[@tombrown868]

I have a 2001 3.0i . fantastic car. Put the top down, sunny day hard to beat, If you fall of motorbikes this is next best .

[@mikeholland1031]

Off

[@erendyalatorre7785]

Bring this video down immediately. (I want one before everyone gets the nice ones)

[@schunkolade8217]

Here in Europe the prices are exploding on these cars. I bought a 2001 3.0i Automatic Japan Import in 2015. I was looking for a Manual, but this one was so cheap that I couldn't resist. Now I could sell it for tripple what I bought it. But I can't do it, because it's such a fun little car. It is just perfect for twisty Mountain roads.

[@georgefernandez5362]

Dude you’re a good reviewer !! Adding that cut scene shift was actually awesome and unique!! And overall kept me entertained and parts had slight humor ! Keep making reviews!

[@shanechostetler9997]

If the z3 3.0 isn’t considered a true sports car, there is something I haven’t heard yet! Our 2002 3.0 is a rocket, plus a kick to drive!

[@eeldude]

I have an '01 2.5 that I have owned for 18 yrs. Has 75k miles and I am going to hold on to it as long as I can. Such a fun car. I totally agree that it is the perfect blend of classic and modern.

[@PresidentKony]

Rocking the 01' Z3 S54 3.2Lwith 89K miles, love this car to pieces, gonna ride it till the wheels fall off. (but repair is gonna be pricey)

[@Bangerboy985]

s52 is a lot better... than s54... bro

[@mikeholland1031]

Wouldn't that be an M roadster and not a Z3?

[@davethomas14]

Have a 34k Mile z3 3.0 sport , built aug 2002 immaculate not messed with. Every extra in sienna red metallic. No, it's not for sale even for 12k. Or 15k ......

[@salami99]

id sell mine for 15 at 106k miles tho

[@gregsmith1070]

3.0i sounds good..style wise..not a patch on Z4 IMHO

[@MomentofZed]

Great take on all your points. I daily a 1.9, but will buy a 6 cylinder some day. The 1.9 is under-powered, but still love it. Nice video, very professional, subbed.

[@PetrolHead1]

Thanks! And hey, you get to give it the full beans more often, so joke’s on me!

[@MomentofZed]

@@PetrolHead1 True, and full beans just so the Camrys don't beat me!

[@GreenWitch1]

I just bought a ‘98. Most fun I’ve ever had behind the wheel of a car!

[@InspirationSessions]

Taking ownership of one of these bad boys at the weekend, couldn’t give a toss if it’s more of a roadster/tourer and not such a ‘pure’ sportscar as Elise/7/Boxster etc. It’s summer!

[@robby_robby_g]

Hope you are enjoying it!

[@philipraphael5188]

Nice video that gives the Z3, for once, a fair shake. Here's a video of my 2000 M roadster with the Euro-spec S50 (321-HP) engine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a56oh2ynr9SoaK8

[@clementquirder]

I love that car but those wheels are horrible

[@kevinlefeuvre8502]

my neighbor has one and I was soooo curious about the specs, good timing for the Youtoube recommendation, the algo reads my life apparently. Where did you get the sunglasses tho ? Asking for a friend ;-)

[@PetrolHead1]

They are Persols. The folding ones. Sometimes referred to as the McQueens. I’m sorry I don’t remember the reference #!

[@brucegambill6303]

The car desperately needs some different and wider wheels & tires

[@JD-cy2rs]

Am I the only one seeing a 1.9 exhaust on this "3.0" ?

[@christopherlawrence7081]

No u r not mystified me 2

[@PetrolHead1]

Just the tip ;)

[@davethomas14]

It's got a z3m front too. Or 1.9 with splitters grafted on . Think this car has been messed with. Looks 1.9 rear box too

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

I enjoyed your interesting and informative video, thank you SIR. I'm going to be 71 in October and I want a RELATIVELY inexpensive TOY to drive. For many years I drove manual transmissions. My first car was a 1959 VW BUG then I got a 1964 MGB roadster then a 1974 Fiat X1/9 which was FUN to drive but had NO POWER, it would STEAL your breath away in the curves especially after I changed the wafer thin 145SR-13's to 185/60VR-13's so it was DIFFICULT to get in TROUBLE trying to HOT ROD IT. The MGB was a different story it had LOTS of POWER considering I was driving a 1959 VW BUG with 36hp. The MG did handle pretty good compared to the BUG but still not anywhere near the X1/9. I started to look at the BMW Z3 especially with the inline 6 made by BMW is a GREAT STRONG and DEPENDABLE engine. I found a 1997 Z3 2.8-i6 with 114Kmiles for $9K, oh IT'S A 5speed manual which is the ONLY WAY I WOULD GET IT. SO WHAT DO YOU THINK, SHOULD I GET IT. IS THAT A DECENT PRICE. IS THAT YEAR inline 6 plagued with PROBLEMS? I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE.😉😁👍

[@PetrolHead1]

Could be a decent price depending on miles, history and condition. I’ve never regretted paying a little more for the best cared for car I could find. Remember you’re “buying” the owner as much as you’re buying the car. God bless!

[@treeskier802]

This dude is cool.

[@Edcrisworldfit]

What do you think about a z3 2000 2.3 stick shift, soft top, all stock, 2owners, priced at $16,999 at a dealership in northern california. Is it too expensive or just about right? Thank you sir in advance🙏🏼

[@mikeholland1031]

It's a 2.5. They used 2.3 badges for some reason.

[@thedayhayfilms]

Beaverton? Lol cool I got a z3 and I’m in Beaverton too 3.0 but auto

[@PetrolHead1]

Yessir!

[@toddkane3152]

I'm also a Z owner in Beaverton. 1.9L that is getting an m52 swap shortly.

[@thedayhayfilms]

@@toddkane3152 nice the power is nice in these

[@kiimore7093]

This is bomb 💣

[@IPv6people]

Your eyes are covered. Is that your message?

[@Aikaramba12]

What are those wheels 😩

[@danielblackton5545]

What is the tire size being run on this car?

[@PetrolHead1]

205/60/15 more of a winter set, but she’s lively for sure.

[@olindor220]

this one cannot have limited slip differential

[@PetrolHead1]

I’ve had it on a lift and confirmed it does. Maybe a previous owner install? I’m the 3rd. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dodgysteve7699]

I believe all 3.0i were fitted with Torsen "Sperrdifferenzial", ie LSD. Mine certainly is. You can check your car's original factory spec by putting the 17-digit VIN into an online vin-decoder. Some will even output a nice pdf for you car. :-)

[@salami99]

it does. clutch based

[@cabi94andre]

Restyling is shit. Widebody 2.8 is the queen.

[@bmva8263]

Hell no it is ugly car

[@GreenWitch1]

Opinions are like assholes. Everybody’s got one & you’re definitely alone in yours.