2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Review - Cheap And Fun!

Time to find out if the starter car in Need For Speed High Stakes (my favorite childhood racing game) is any good in real life 25 years later.
Mod List:
TCKline 1-way coilovers
Harddog rollbar
Apex ARC-8 17x8.5
Yokohama V601 245/40/17 square
Full camber/toe/caster adjustment
Poly bushings
Solid aluminum subframe bushings
OEM rubber RTABs
RBF660 brake fluid
Autozone brake pads
Stoptech stainless brake lines
Simota Ram Air intake
Subframe reinforcement
See how I rank the cars I've reviewed in my Zygrene Performance Index (ZPI): bit.ly/3Vo0Idd
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Email me if you'd like me to review your car: [e-mail]

[@sebastianstoian6233]

Thank you for reviewing my Roadster! Its been a lot of hard work to get it where it is, but worth it!

[@salami99]

You did a great job modifying it!

[@shotty.]

any reason you chose the TC Kleins over other coils? also very curious what spring rates you’re running. Cheers

[@sebastianstoian6233]

@@salami99thanks!

[@sebastianstoian6233]

@@shotty.I chose them bc they knew these cars pretty well and best bang for buck. I went 400/600 lb springs (front and rear).

[@sunnyvalentino]

Seriously. Fenton has impeccable taste and he loved your Z3.

[@BiggCliph]

The Z3 is my dream car 🙂 it’s not the fastest, nimblest or most reliable car out there but there’s something about it I absolutely love

[@sdlausen1]

The first Gen Z3 has always been gorgeous. It's aged really well!

[@bustjanzupan1074]

Yes, it just Needs a Turbo onto it 🙂

[@sunnyvalentino]

I've owned a Z3M (with the hardtop) and NC Miata. The Z3 is a much more "muscle car". It's no where near as agile or controllable, the body is significantly more loose, and the car just doesnt feel anywhere near as pointy or auto-crossy. This example is modified, with aftermarket caster, nice coilovers, full stiffening etc. That changes the equation, as now we are comparing modified cars to stock. Throw a set of Xida's on an MX5 or JRZ's on an S2000 and the game changes again. Regardless, I do love the Z3 (never liked the Z4) but sold mine as, despite the weight, it didnt feel "safe" in an accident due to the skittishness, thin A pillar (which carries the weight) and vintage feeling steering. I now on a 24 ND3 that I am modding and not looking back, but, the Z3 is a lovely car and one of my fave BMWs (along with the E46 M3!)

[@salami99]

I think you have the most correct answer here.

[@sebastianstoian6233]

I agree, however we are comparing it to an NC which has a very robust chassis and newer. The s2k and NC will always set the bar above the Z3 indeed.

[@johnnypetro9314]

I drive an NC, but I really covet an inline 6. Maybe Mazda will surprise us with what they do with their new inline 6.

[@xkimopye]

I have a lovely NA MX5, but have always loved the Z3s as well particularly the Goldeneye blue Z3. I think they are slept on. Which car do you think would be more enjoyable a NA or a Z3?

[@sebastianstoian6233]

@@xkimopye I think both can be fun. Miata is the slightly rawer of the two.

[@john1999reis]

The Z3 and Z4 are so underrated, even in base forms. Not to mention those interiors are leagues nicer than whatever came out in the og miata/s2k/even the 986 boxsters.

[@888jimm]

And as a six footer i can actually fit in it

[@QuickQuips]

No kidding the Z4 still looks good and their depreciation is insane.

[@flat6croc]

I bought a Z4 3.0si roadster with the 260hp N52 motor this summer, just as a temporary bit of fun for a few months. It's a great looking car inside and out, and has a nice feel good factor. But it was a pretty disappointing driver's car. Didn't handle, didn't ride well, steering had far too much off-centre gain, the engine wasn't even very tuneful. The M54 definitely sounds a lot better. Pity as they're so cheap now and they look fab.

[@john1999reis]

@@flat6crocyeah the z4 more than the z3 took a more consumer approach with that eps steering rack. Its precise and not as bad as people say but yeah it has 0 feel. I had a 07 3.0si Z4 with an n52 as well and i can agree too. Though note with the SI version you get a stiffer suspension which for my driving changed the car a lot. A stock model is actually more comfortable. I feel that the purpose of the z4 is more of a sports/gt luxury proposition to cruise and can hit the twisties at 7/8 tenths and still have a blast and that motor sounds great if you open it up+ some intake mods. The z3 is more purist for sure. I really want a Z3M/Z4M though, seems like a better diff and an M-car motor would be really fun

[@flat6croc]

@@john1999reis I don't mind the lack of feel from the Z4 rack that much. But the stupid off-centre ratio gain to make the car feel superficially dynamic is horrible.

[@mac_m3]

Z3 3.0 and M are underrated cars for sure. I think they styling has aged very well.

[@idokwatcher2062]

Not underrated - if you must spend the money to weld the floor under the subframe might as well just buy Z4M instead for that extra cash. Or E46 M3 and weld the floor on that.

[@mac_m3]

@@idokwatcher2062 You can buy a 3.0 z3 for ~$10k and a Z3 M for ~$15k thats a lot less than a z4M and e46M... you make it seem like it cost $10k to do the subframe reinforcement.... it is not. $1k max.

[@idokwatcher2062]

@@mac_m3 In my experience not all welds are created equal, often those welded reinforcements rot even worse than the floor it self was rotten in the first place. Very sad you cannot trust "experts" with your money :(

[@justmyselfandcars5845]

@@mac_m3 I've done the RF reinforcement in NorCal. $7k bill

[@JustMe-pc2ii]

I've never really looked closely at this BMW Z series. Awesome car, great review and thank you Sebastian for use of your car. Love an inline 6..

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Hard-core road & track MX5 guy here… These old Z3’s growing on me… 👍😊

[@CapELarry]

I’m in the middle of restoring a 2001 2.5 Roadster. It was a DUMP when I got it. I’ve done a full overhaul. FCP Euro and the forums are your besties when you work on these. The engine is great but the interior plastics are ridiculously brittle. I’m proud I only lost two knuckles when replacing some rear vacuum lines. It’s a love/hate relationship for sure.

[@mevans313]

I daily a 2000 Z3 M coupe with the S52 motor. Such a fun car! It’s in the shop now with a blown head gasket (yay) but while it’s in there I have them installing some extra go fast bits. The M’s are rising in value but the non-M’s with the 3.0 are nearly as quick in a straight line for a fraction of the cost. They’d be a great buy for a budget roadster or coupe if you’re into the clownshoe!

[@mevans313]

@@ghrtt7 I personally always loved it! All my friends asked why I’d want to buy such an ugly car until I actually got one and they saw it in person. Then they changed their mind! If you’re interested I make videos on my journey with the car on my channel!

[@freshtapcoke]

Can confirm the clownshoe coupe is a marvelous car.

[@TheZooness]

The 4cyl ones are a joy. I miss the light front end and quicker turn-ins compared to m54.

[@KotomiP]

Optimistic view: Half-way between E30 M3 and E36 M3 with short wheel base (could be positive or negative, more positive for enthusiasts), less practicality (negative), more simplicity (positive) Pessimistic view: Inferior competitor to AP1 S2000/986 Boxster/NB Miata (Roadster/MX-5), in my opinion, it is 'different' and charming in its own rights rather than 'inferior'

[@gad63511]

I do prefer a z3 to an NB but it's a lot more of a hassle to keep it running

[@BrunoFioratti-s3x]

Cheers from brazil. Love your channel. I own a 2.8 five speed z3 for five years now. It was my first weekend toy so i have lots of love to this car. I have other roadsters from the 90s (for me the golden automotive era) such as a miata na and a 986 boxster s. I have been driving the z3 hard all this years and i can say: the z3 offers a lot for its price. The solidness of the engine...easy maintenance...gorgeous looks. It sits right between the miata and the boxster: the miata is the pure bare bones roadster and the boxster is a more refined sports cars. The z3 is the great cruiser. I love mine z3 and i will keep and maintain her as i can

[@123pcaa]

Need a comparison vs the S54 M Roadster!! 2001-2002

[@sofiarivera1915]

Awesome review! This car is always fun to ride in

[@sebastianstoian6233]

Hell yea!

[@27Ctrojans]

Love my TC Klein SA coilovers on my z4m. There really is no need to spend more money. The z3m and z4m are really awesome bmws and dont get the love they deserve

[@InHotAz]

Have a 97 z3 1.9l 5 speed all stock and just got a 01 z3 3.0i 5 speed all stovk as well. The power difference is noticable but since the 97 is my wifes car I have only driven it twice because she hates my driving style. Have only had the 01 for a week without time to put it through some ability testing (for both me and the car). It has been decades since I have driven anything but a large pickup so may take awhile to get back up to speed as it handles so much better than anything I have driven in 25 years. I feel like it makes me overconfident because it just feels so planted.

[@TheJNASTY864]

Platform is phenomenal for age/price. M54 motor is sublime. They'll run if you take care, highest example I've seen is 374k mi on original chassis/motor.

[@CubanDre]

Before I had driven that s2000, I always felt like the z3 was a much better drivers car than the Miata. Ive had a couple and even a z3 clown shoe. But my clownshoe was more of a weekend car and I felt bad about modding it for track use. The z3m shoe was on steroids, and the subframe reinforcement made it even better. Ended up selling it to a Gentleman who pretty much drives it once a month. Still on the hunt for a track car at a worthy price

[@Dietcola1]

Have you ever driven a well setup e30? It's lighter with pretty much the same suspension.

[@dp2901]

The S54 M Roadster is the apex of the Z3. Had one and stupidly sold it.

[@joeracer302]

I felt like those were better assembled or something, they felt more solid to me back in the day when I was valet parking these cars. The standard Z3 felt cheaper to me, but I know that’s subjective, and it was a long time ago, time can change how it has aged.

[@salami99]

No way, I just got someone who wanted to test drive mine today. I have had mine on sale for 6 months. Rear m sway bar was the single biggest improvement I got for this car, m front struts allow for M sway bar links which mount more one to one with the wheels motion, Stock front front sway is in a worse spot.

[@mtshark7]

Nice review Fenton!😊

[@kevinjekyll1521]

I am trying to find a good Z3, meanwhile I am enjoying my Z4M, in red, and I think they too are aging quite well... I look forward to seeing more content from you. I also have a SLK55AMG...

[@antoniomccartney1461]

I've driven the clownshoe Z3 MC, I don't think you'll notice that much more power than the M54 car here. The M54 is also all aluminum, unlike the iron block S52 in the M. The 3.0 model might be the best value in the Z3 lineup.

[@simonstuhl4170]

How about doing a comparison of bmw z3 and the mini Cooper roadster(2 seat convertible) Have to seen that on youtube

[@patricsteele]

A modified Z3M roadster with a short shift kit would be fun to see!

[@1240enzo]

Out here on Oz, the average price for a 4cyl Z3 is between $11-18K, while for a 2.2/2.8/3.0 6cyl Z3 they seem to range from around $21K-49K. So hardly a cheap car, especially the 6cyl versions.

[@RBslowman]

Love BMW, love the way these look, they drive great, but they are almost *600* lb heavier than a Miata as you point out early on. It feels more solid than the Miata for sure, and the Miata does feel like a tin can often, but you also feel all that weight driving the Z. More refined but it has a penalty.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Please do reveiw of 1920 ford

[@IssAHeYY]

I just want to know where is this canyon, it looks fun to drive on

[@dannyh6511]

I think you'd enjoy a nicely setup Z4 3.0si coupe.

[@EFRANEED]

is not the air going go out very hot? I though the only way to get cold or at least "fresh" ait was with air con?

[@liggins2458]

I have a 2002 one of the last in siennarot red , only 36000 miles. Thought about selling it , but no. It still looks as new. Has every extra

[@EchoSigma6]

Probably most of us with Miatas got into them for the fun and cheap to maintain factor and we’re wondering how much parts cost? A 2001 BMW sub $10k is probably going to need an investment in time and money.

[@salami99]

Iv'e posted alot here. I would argue the ND miata is near 15k and an nc is comparable. Both have a better rear end for sportier driving, the trailing arm is so limited if you see it it's just not like a elan it's more like a jaguar cruiser. i think the miatas interiors are better IMO, the shifter is better, the sound imo is better revving out and the reliablity and maintenance and after market support of the miatas are better and much cheaper. Some z3 parts like ac lines are discontinued for so long even a bmw dealerships can't get them forgetting the price. The z3 can be tuned to be a good car but I think the miatas do I better for less $ and less weight. Also the s2000 for me is much higher in price to compare, that car beats the z3 and miata and is cheaper to keep running than bmw with vanos. The boxster has bore scoring fears which is why I can't own the 986 generation as they get older forgetting the fixable ims bearing. The hydraulic steering is from the e36 with a faster ratio making it one of bmw's best ever steering racks for feel, yet personally i don't care for it that much as great as it is.

[@sebastianstoian6233]

Indeed many cars have more advanced suspensions, but it still can be made competitive. It wont win much unless you are a top driver, but it will be fun.

[@notdaltonxd]

A Z3 or a 986 Boxster? I ended up going with the Boxster. 3 reasons: I've already owned a Z4; I wanted mid-engine balance; the Z3s and Z4s are softer and more lux than Boxsters, which are more driver focused and sporty.

[@Nightwalker86]

So, I never tried one of these*. I was looking for a "forever car" and went through a long list of potential candidates with a lot of reading behind it. A near unanimous opinion was that the Z3 was worse than the Miata. I ended up on an E30, on the basis that it was as close as I could get to a Miata that could also do real car things.

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

Any car would be fun/funner with those extra parts

[@romeored3889]

Oh man I love these

[@jeffg4008]

What rollbars are acceptable for HPDE use? Many organizations won't let you run these cars.

[@sebastianstoian6233]

You should be able to with the Harddog Bar. If not, for similar price, you can get a custom bar done that goes all the way to the frame rails.

[@salami99]

stick an m bar in and don't tell anyone. game changer

[@larney37]

You let the cat out of the bag! Z3s and even the z3M s52 are sooo cheap right now.

[@dreamdrivedrift]

The Z3 and E36 318Ti carried over the rear end from the E30 making these cars a delight to rotate. Limits are a bit lower than the standard E36/E46 trailing arm design but these cars are so distinctive and fun in their rear end feel!

[@bobbykhan5787]

I tried looking at some on cars & bids or BaT, but it never ends up under 10k. I guess nothing remotely good is under 10k on those sites, even if it’s a 1990 NA Miata.

[@sebastianstoian6233]

FBM and Craigslist are your friends

[@salami99]

Mine has been on sale for 6 months for $8900, 5speed 3.0 Convertible. It's on cars AutoTrader and fbmarketplace, was on car gurus too. Cars and bids sold 2 of these under 10 k like 7k and 9 k very recently. same engine and manual. I see a few for under 10k Double check your distance correctly.

[@hothatchpa]

Do not sleep on a Z3. Btw my 97 has 52.xxx and a Downing Atlanta supercharger.

[@harrisjames2047]

I'M A JEEP/WRANGLER GUY. BUT I JUST PICKED UP A 2001 Z-3 TO WORK ON WITH MY TWO GRANDSONS FOR AUTOCROSSING. I DID AUTOCROSS BACK IN THE '60s AND '70s WHEN IT WAS CALLED GYMKHANA.

[@shotty.]

Fenton, you have ABSOLUTELY got to get behind the wheel of a z4 3.0s.i. (the engine & generation that came just after this one) not the M coupe. I think people would also very much like to see you behind one of the newer b58 powered Z cars as well. Great stuff

[@sonnijc]

Picked up a 2000 2.5 with 79k miles from Socal adult owned and drove it up in 100 plus degree weather back in July. All stock just put a new set of Falkens on 16’s wheels . Coilovers next ! I had a new S2k AP1 back in 00 24 years later pick up the Z3 with a 350Z in between … I tracked the S2k and 350Z at Thunderhill .. Not going to track the Z3 just back roads and touring up Lake Tahoe lol. Better topdown experience in the Z3 with the low belt line . feels like a true roadster! Less wind buffeting than my S2k. My mechanic said it’s a gem looks like the car only has 20k miles . I missed out on a yellow 3.0 clown shoe though ! 😢 Goood old craigslist.

[@scottcolpitts8521]

Those keys drive me up the wall! How annoying.

[@gregm9230]

A used BMW that's out of warranty is NOT cheap!

[@krazykeith6001]

Really? My 20-year-old Z4 cost me £750, needed a £200 fix to get it roadworthy, and has had ZERO issues in the last 14 months. It turns heads everywhere it goes and often gets mistaken for a new car-it's that clean! Just keep it serviced, and the M54 should last for many, many miles. A brilliant drive, for less than a used Fiesta!

[@phan2268]

Mini Cooper and Z3 are nice, too bad they made by BMW

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Far better than a miata

[@Z3greg]

Lfgooo

[@tommyistommy]

The Z3 and MR2 Spyder are much better driving cars than a Miata, always have been lol don't tell anyone 🤣 the issue with these....it's a 90s BMW lol they have cooling issues, transmission is average, electrical issues and terrible build quality. That's why they have remained cheap, they are great to drive but everything else is typical shitty German design and quality.

[@FreshYoungDude]

Driven all those cars, what drugs are you on? 😂

[@hothatchpa]

Mine has been solid other than the radiator which is the weak spot for these cars. It was replaced once.

[@tommyistommy]

@@FreshYoungDude What does a Miata do better exactly? The Spyder is significantly lighter and feels it. It's quicker to and from every speed, turn in is instant and it's also more stable with longer wheelbase. The Z3 has better steering feel and enough torque to hang the tail out at will with the trailing arm rear suspension. The Miata is a good platform but it drives like absolute shit in comparison to the cars I listed.

[@oraclemiata845]

No, no they’re not. 😂

[@tommyistommy]

@@oraclemiata845 what does a Miata do better exactly?

[@Bimmersomi]

Finally some love for the z3 !!

[@kaybee7173]

Great car until something goes wrong - and then cha ching!! 🤑🤑