It takes a while to come to grips with BMW's 1.9 litre Z3 roadster. On first acquaintance, there are things about its layout and design, and the way it performs and handles, that are disappointing.
Longer liaisons don't make the picture completely rosy, but at least they provide time to adjust to some of the car's foibles, and to appreciate that it does have quite a few endearing features.
BMW obviously places a lot of store on the nameplate and the image the Z3 projects, because in size and performance it's close to Mazda's highly regarded MX-5 which sells for around $20,000 less. The manual 1.9 litre Z3 (as tested) costs $65,900 and the automatic version, $67,900. s
Of course the Z3 comes with more standard equipment than an MX-5, and its list includes dual airbags, ABS brakes, leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment, electric windows, airconditioning, alloy road wheels, six-speaker stereo system and advanced anti-theft security. In the NRMA's car security rating exercise, the Z3 was awarded an excellent 89 points out of a possible 100.
The styling of the Z3 seems to generate mixed opinion; some love it, others think it looks too 'retro' for a late 1990s sports car. Personally, I like it because it's distinctive, and dares to be different. One thing for sure is that the Z3 attracts attention and turns heads like few other sports cars.
Finish standards on the Z3 look very good throughout, but I don't like the matt paint finish on the inside of panels such as the bonnet, boot and doors. The body itself feels solidly built, which is understandable in view of the car's hefty 1230 kerb mass.
The test car's all black interior trim, with cheap plasticky inserts on the seats and doors, looked unnecessarily drab - brighter colours would enhance the appeal. Putting the hood up or down is a straightforward task, but the hood tonneau cover is fiddly and awkward to fit.
The Z3 is strictly a two-seater and it does that pretty well, with good leg room and shoulder space, but the cabin ergonomics didn't suit me. I found the closeness of the pedals and their uneven heights uncomfortable, and the fixed steering wheel was too low and too large. The left footrest is not of much use, due to its angled position.