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Used 1996 BMW Z3 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
26 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

96 z3

robert strauss, 09/27/2016
updated 03/27/2017
1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
17 of 17 people found this review helpful

purchased used around 2000. fun to drive, handles great and mpg close to 30 hwy. some things to look for if buying. 1 interior door pulls/handles have a tendency to come off (very poor design IMO) replacements very expensive 2 check seams on top and around window, if you can't see them they aren't there. meaning a replacement also expensive. 3 top WILL leak but most convertibles do LOL 4 my clear coat first clouded then flaked off. 5 know a good mechanic, not because it breaks frequently, but so you don't get gouged if it does

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Value

Steve D, 09/07/2010
1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
20 of 21 people found this review helpful

After having a Porsche Boxter (loved it), I tried a Mazda Miata and was disappointed. When the opportunity to purchase the Z3 came along I grabbed it. It has been a wonderful car and predictably reliable. The rear alignment has been problematic but besides that a great car.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fun, fun, fun

Doug G., 01/18/2006
1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

The four cylinder Z3's may not have the oomph of the later six cylinder models, but it is fast enough to get one a speeding ticket! On the other hand, I believe the handling is lighter and better balanced without the extra weight of the six cylinder in the front. The four cylinder wants premium gas, but gas mileage is great! And, yes, people do stop and ask about the car or look as we drive by. The BMW dealers are expensive for service and/or repairs. But dropping the top on a sunny day and cruising the back roads makes it worth while!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A Really Fun Car

Bob G., 02/11/2005
1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Now about to turn 9 years old, my Z-3 is just as much fun to drive as when new. I still get "thumbs up" and compliments from strangers (aged from teen to senior) on my "ride." It is a bit underpowered which shows climbing some of our rather steep hills or in the mountains, but that is minor compared to the superbly balanced handling - lost in the front-heavy 6's in my opinion. The interior has a few cheesy touches - especially the center console which would embarrass a Yugo - but is roomy and comfortable. Plus it has a real trunk with room for a week's groceries or a week's worth of luggage (softsided).

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5 out of 5 stars

Amazing 2 Seat Convertible

Z3 Man , 12/09/2009
1996 BMW Z3 1.9 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I've had my Z for about a month now and have had nothing but pure joy. Styling is amazing. So sleek and smooth. No doubt it has aged perfectly and will continue to age much better than the the Z4. People will ask what year it it is and I tell them to guess. Their average guess is 2002 lol. Lots of people complain about performance, but luckily mine came with a supercharger made specifically for the 96' Z3 and boosted the power to 225hp. Yup that's right horsepower more than the 6 cylinder. Handling is perfect, you can go around a curve at 50 miles an hour when it suggests 35 with ease and comfort. All in all a great car that will age perfectly and last forever.

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