Skip to main content

1996
BMW Z3

Starts at:
$28,750
Shop options
New 1996 BMW Z3
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 1996 BMW Z3 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Thanks to James Bond and Neiman-Marcus, the 1996 BMW Z3 was approaching cult status even before it went on sale this spring.

As Bond, Pierce Brosnan drove an Olympic Atlanta blue version in the movie Goldeneye, and a limited edition of the German-American roadster gleamed in the pages of the 1995 Neiman-Marcus Christmas Book and sold out almost immediately.

But how will the South Carolina-built Z3 weather the onslaught of two serious competitors due out next year – the Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes-Benz SLK?

We test-drove the basic $28,750 model – $29,320 including destination charges – without the smoke bombs or stinger missiles.

He: It took some getting used to, but I think the Z3 has replaced the Mazda Miata at the top of my personal automotive wish list. I’m partial to BMWs anyway, but the Z3 almost feels like it molds itself around your body after the first few outings. You’d never guess most of the stuff under the skin was lifted from the regular 3-series. BMW has struck a nice balance in designing a pretty sophisticated automobile that still manages to evoke the much more primitive British roadsters of the late Fifties and early Sixties.

She: I didn’t like it.

He: Figures.

She: I thought you were going to say the Z3 molds itself around your body like those Bond babes you drool over. Isn’t it interesting that James Bond, a totally sexist anachronism, has become the prototypical Z3 driver? It’s proof that this is a guy car. And if you’re not convinced, just get behind that claustrophobia-producing hooded instrument panel. Yuk. The Z3 is faddish and won’t stand the test of time like the Miata. The only good thing is that the price is affordable – so if you really want one, you won’t be making a total mistake.

He: Gee, honey, I guess you’ve said it all, huh? I can’t wait to read the latest sack of hate mail from our male readers. Don’t you think you’re kind of missing the point? Not to mention the boat? Of course, this is a guy car. Why else would BMW outfit the Z3 with neat sports-car stuff like gas-pressurized shocks, speed-sensitive steering and Z-rated performance radials? I mention that the Z3 takes some getting used to. When I first climbed into the roadster back in December, it felt like I was sitting too low, and I had a hard time staring over the cowl. That’s before I found out the power seat had a height adjustment. No problem. Once you get things adjusted properly, you really feel at one with the car, especially when you’re flying around some tight, reverse-radius corners on your favorite country road.

She: You should be writing ad copy for wine coolers. Admit it. You just liked the fact that the Z3 has an available luggage rack with matching suitcase and an optional chrome trim package that lets you deck out the door handles, steering wheel, hand-brake lever and exterior air outlets. And you loved all the attention you got every time you parked it. Last nig ht, there was a crowd of six or seven people around the BMW, checking out the louvered side vents and the clamshell hood, when we came out of the drugstore. The last time that happened was when we test-drove a Hummer.

He: And you’re going to tell me the Hummer is more your speed, right? With or without the chrome. Hey, I’m not saying the Z3 is perfect. The standard leatherette upholstery is kinda chintzy looking, and the whole cockpit is a little too monochromatic and spartan for my taste. But the whole package somehow just feels right.

She: I thought the ride felt rough. And coming around a big freeway cloverleaf that was filled with potholes, I had the feeling that the rear-wheel drive Z3 was slipping out from under me, even though I wasn’t going more than 35 mph.

He: That’s a problem with that light rear end. But the Z3’s relatively modest curb weight also helps performance. I know there’s only a small twin-cam, four-cylinder engine under the hood right now, bu t makes 138 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than the Miata, and more than enough zip to make you feel like you’re going places fast. BMW quotes a zero-to-60 time of just over nine seconds with a five-speed manual, but it sure feels quicker than that. Need more gumption? Wait until they bring out the six-cylinder next year. Just don’t expect to get up to 30 miles a gallon in highway driving, like you do with the four.

She: I would rather have a basic Miata, which is $18,450 and costs about $500 a year less to insure. Even the fancy Miata M edition is cheaper at $24,760, and it just feels more classic and classy than the Z3. Granted, the BMW convertible top is easier to operate because you don’t have to zip out the back window like you do on the Miata. And next year, you’ll be able to get a power-operated roof or an optional hard top on the Z3.

He: Let’s put things in perspective. You can buy a Z3 now for less than $30,000.

She: Some of the people who stopped me to ask about the BMW guessed it cost about $80,000.

He: My point is that when the Porsche and the Mercedes roadsters arrive early next year, they’ll be priced at least $10,000 higher than the BMW. In my book, that makes the Z3 look like a real bargain. And one that’s great fun to drive.

She: I’d recommend just renting Goldeneye for $3 – and saving yourself $29,317.

1996 BMW Z3

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-passenger roadster.

Price: Base, $28,750; as tested, $29,320 (inc. $570 destination charge).

What’s new for ’96: All-new model for ’96.

Standard equipment: Four-wheel power disc brakes, variable-assist power steering, gas-pressurized shocks, 225/50ZR-16 performance radial tires on 16-inch cast-alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, intermittent wipers, power mirrors, cruise control, digital clock, power seats, leatherette upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, air conditioning, AM-FM stereo cassette, dual cupholder, tool kit.

Safety features: Dual front air bags, antilock brakes, traction control (optional).

Options on test vehicle: None.

EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

Engine: 1.9-liter I-4; 138-hp at 6000 rpm; 133 lb-ft torque at 4300 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Competitors: Mazda Miata.

Specifications: Wheelbase, 96.3 inches; overall length, 158.5 inches; curb weight, 2690 pounds; legroom, n/a; headroom, 37.6 inches; shoulder room, 51.7 inches.

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $1,487

Rates based on an average family of four from the Livonia area whose primary driver is aged 40 with no tickets who drives 3-10 miles each way to work. Rates reflect multicar discount and, where appropriate, discounts for air bags and seat belts.

Where built: Greer, S.C.

1996 BMW Z3 review: Our expert's take
By

Thanks to James Bond and Neiman-Marcus, the 1996 BMW Z3 was approaching cult status even before it went on sale this spring.

As Bond, Pierce Brosnan drove an Olympic Atlanta blue version in the movie Goldeneye, and a limited edition of the German-American roadster gleamed in the pages of the 1995 Neiman-Marcus Christmas Book and sold out almost immediately.

But how will the South Carolina-built Z3 weather the onslaught of two serious competitors due out next year – the Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes-Benz SLK?

We test-drove the basic $28,750 model – $29,320 including destination charges – without the smoke bombs or stinger missiles.

He: It took some getting used to, but I think the Z3 has replaced the Mazda Miata at the top of my personal automotive wish list. I’m partial to BMWs anyway, but the Z3 almost feels like it molds itself around your body after the first few outings. You’d never guess most of the stuff under the skin was lifted from the regular 3-series. BMW has struck a nice balance in designing a pretty sophisticated automobile that still manages to evoke the much more primitive British roadsters of the late Fifties and early Sixties.

She: I didn’t like it.

He: Figures.

She: I thought you were going to say the Z3 molds itself around your body like those Bond babes you drool over. Isn’t it interesting that James Bond, a totally sexist anachronism, has become the prototypical Z3 driver? It’s proof that this is a guy car. And if you’re not convinced, just get behind that claustrophobia-producing hooded instrument panel. Yuk. The Z3 is faddish and won’t stand the test of time like the Miata. The only good thing is that the price is affordable – so if you really want one, you won’t be making a total mistake.

He: Gee, honey, I guess you’ve said it all, huh? I can’t wait to read the latest sack of hate mail from our male readers. Don’t you think you’re kind of missing the point? Not to mention the boat? Of course, this is a guy car. Why else would BMW outfit the Z3 with neat sports-car stuff like gas-pressurized shocks, speed-sensitive steering and Z-rated performance radials? I mention that the Z3 takes some getting used to. When I first climbed into the roadster back in December, it felt like I was sitting too low, and I had a hard time staring over the cowl. That’s before I found out the power seat had a height adjustment. No problem. Once you get things adjusted properly, you really feel at one with the car, especially when you’re flying around some tight, reverse-radius corners on your favorite country road.

She: You should be writing ad copy for wine coolers. Admit it. You just liked the fact that the Z3 has an available luggage rack with matching suitcase and an optional chrome trim package that lets you deck out the door handles, steering wheel, hand-brake lever and exterior air outlets. And you loved all the attention you got every time you parked it. Last nig ht, there was a crowd of six or seven people around the BMW, checking out the louvered side vents and the clamshell hood, when we came out of the drugstore. The last time that happened was when we test-drove a Hummer.

He: And you’re going to tell me the Hummer is more your speed, right? With or without the chrome. Hey, I’m not saying the Z3 is perfect. The standard leatherette upholstery is kinda chintzy looking, and the whole cockpit is a little too monochromatic and spartan for my taste. But the whole package somehow just feels right.

She: I thought the ride felt rough. And coming around a big freeway cloverleaf that was filled with potholes, I had the feeling that the rear-wheel drive Z3 was slipping out from under me, even though I wasn’t going more than 35 mph.

He: That’s a problem with that light rear end. But the Z3’s relatively modest curb weight also helps performance. I know there’s only a small twin-cam, four-cylinder engine under the hood right now, bu t makes 138 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than the Miata, and more than enough zip to make you feel like you’re going places fast. BMW quotes a zero-to-60 time of just over nine seconds with a five-speed manual, but it sure feels quicker than that. Need more gumption? Wait until they bring out the six-cylinder next year. Just don’t expect to get up to 30 miles a gallon in highway driving, like you do with the four.

She: I would rather have a basic Miata, which is $18,450 and costs about $500 a year less to insure. Even the fancy Miata M edition is cheaper at $24,760, and it just feels more classic and classy than the Z3. Granted, the BMW convertible top is easier to operate because you don’t have to zip out the back window like you do on the Miata. And next year, you’ll be able to get a power-operated roof or an optional hard top on the Z3.

He: Let’s put things in perspective. You can buy a Z3 now for less than $30,000.

She: Some of the people who stopped me to ask about the BMW guessed it cost about $80,000.

He: My point is that when the Porsche and the Mercedes roadsters arrive early next year, they’ll be priced at least $10,000 higher than the BMW. In my book, that makes the Z3 look like a real bargain. And one that’s great fun to drive.

She: I’d recommend just renting Goldeneye for $3 – and saving yourself $29,317.

1996 BMW Z3

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-passenger roadster.

Price: Base, $28,750; as tested, $29,320 (inc. $570 destination charge).

What’s new for ’96: All-new model for ’96.

Standard equipment: Four-wheel power disc brakes, variable-assist power steering, gas-pressurized shocks, 225/50ZR-16 performance radial tires on 16-inch cast-alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, intermittent wipers, power mirrors, cruise control, digital clock, power seats, leatherette upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, air conditioning, AM-FM stereo cassette, dual cupholder, tool kit.

Safety features: Dual front air bags, antilock brakes, traction control (optional).

Options on test vehicle: None.

EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

Engine: 1.9-liter I-4; 138-hp at 6000 rpm; 133 lb-ft torque at 4300 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Competitors: Mazda Miata.

Specifications: Wheelbase, 96.3 inches; overall length, 158.5 inches; curb weight, 2690 pounds; legroom, n/a; headroom, 37.6 inches; shoulder room, 51.7 inches.

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $1,487

Rates based on an average family of four from the Livonia area whose primary driver is aged 40 with no tickets who drives 3-10 miles each way to work. Rates reflect multicar discount and, where appropriate, discounts for air bags and seat belts.

Where built: Greer, S.C.

Available cars near you

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 1996
    4.4
    BMW Z3
    Starts at
    $28,750
    -
    MPG
    -
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1998
    5.0
    BMW Z3
    Starts at
    $29,425
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2009
    4.2
    MINI Cooper Clubman
    Starts at
    $20,200
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2013
    4.8
    BMW 128
    Starts at
    $31,500
    -
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2000
    4.6
    BMW M
    Starts at
    $41,800
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2012
    4.6
    MINI Cooper Countryman
    Starts at
    $21,750
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2006
    4.9
    BMW Z4 M
    Starts at
    $49,300
    16 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.5
    MINI Coupe
    Starts at
    $21,450
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2013
    4.8
    MINI Roadster
    Starts at
    $25,550
    27 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    4.4
    MINI Cooper S
    Starts at
    $19,300
    24 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.4
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • A true classic sports car

    The car had great features for a sports car, good handling, and ride . Well appointed interior, but lacked the British real wood finishing on the dash
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    17 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great 23 yr old roadster, Know what you're buying.

    Best bang for the buck - be ready to put some work & $ into it - suspension, exhaust, stereo etc. Mine now pushing @ 150 hp now. Opened up airbox and lost the cat. Put freeflow cat-back and new coil pack , plugs and wires. She handles great and runs strong. The old 1.9's are getting more respect these days and they are easy to work on to get right. This car turns heads and the guys running the big M's are always giving me crap but they can't lose me and most times I out-drive them anyway. Great sports car to run until you get something better or just to keep. I've had mine six years now and she runs and drives better than ever.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Z3 comes home

    This is a fine example of the Roadsters produced just down the road in Spartanburg in the 90's, from where I retired after 22 years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A great little roadster.

    Handle very well on curvy roads. Great braking power. Very comfortable on long trip. You have to learn how to drive it. It is not a roadster for dummies. Great over all car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • One of the most reliable cars I've owned.

    This car met all my needs and expectations. This has been a trouble free car for the past eleven years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Drive anywhere with fun

    Love it & sorry to sell but I don't get the chance to drive it as much as I want too. Pretty car & fun to drive. 25 mpg on the highway. Excellent mechanics & well taken care of.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very Reliable car, drive effortlessly

    This is a perfect 2nd car or Sunday special. California car, clean underneath, no rust or dings. Great for a College student.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very reliable car.

    This is one of the most pleasurable cars that I have owned. It has a very smooth ride and has been very reliable. The oil has been changed every six months. This is a very low maintenance car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Z3 as a first car? Well yes, actually.

    As our teen will be driving daily to school, we began our search for a commuter car. His criteria: manual transmission, convertible or removable top prefered (actually required by law here in Southern California, I think.) Our criteria included relatively good gas mileage and reasonabe maintenance and reliability. The initial list included Honda Del Sol, Miata, Toyota MR2 - usual suspects in the inexpensive fun runabout category. Z3 was not on the list until we caught a few salient facts: - most Del Sols are beaters, automatics or on salvage titles . High mileage examples still command premium prices despite this. - MR2s and Miatas command higher than expected prices even with >150K miles. - Z3s depreciate so lower-mileage cars are more affordable than higher-mileage versions of the competition, at least around here - Z3 1.9 has surprisingly good fuel economy (23-24 mpg around town, 33 highway for us) Plan on replacing suspension bushings - not a cheap proposition but every BMW more than 10 years old needs this at some point. The design of the suspension means worn bushings will contributed to wander, "rear steer" and tramlining on the freeway. Our pre-purchase inspection found this issue so we weren't surprised after the fact. We made this repair; it was expensive but it transformed the handling and the car is much safer for it. The 1.9 four is peppy, able to get out of its own way without having so much power as to scare the parents of a teen. I spoke to multiple BMW techs who indicate it is one of the most reliable powerplants BMW has made. The 5-speed smooth and the clutch light and positive. Our teen learned to drive the manual with only a couple of lessons. I drove both the 2.3 and 2.8 six cylinder variants before we purchased our Z3, and actually enjoyed the 1.9 more. It felt lighter and provided more responisive cornering without the 6's added mass over the front axle. The interior is cozy, not cramped, and even a 6'2" driver can find a comfortable driving position. There is a variety of options and trims available, too, so look around to find what you really like. The Z3 has good online forums and a strong enthusiast following, too, so maintenance tips and known pitfalls are well documented. Look for and read one of several "what to look for when buying a used Z3" documents and learn while you are searching. We've owned the car for almost a month and are, so far, very happy with our new commuter? Does the teen like it? Absolutely! The biggest problem is getting it away from mom and dad.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love this car

    Not what I expected IT WAS BETTER love this car good milage about 21 22 car get a lot of attention easy to get in and out of traffic
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • bmw z3

    Car had some real issues; I bought the manual (fit it) and went through it and fought all the problems. As usual. the mechanics on these BMW are great; the electronic not so great. A nice car for a reasonable price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Super Model Looks:Excellent Roadster for the Money

    I have had a 98 z3 for two years after lusting after one when I was in grad school. I bought it as a gift to myself, and the car has been a great value, draws admiring looks and people often tell me it's beautiful. Among tThe pros are the show stopping looks. It has the classic short deck, long sexy hood that is super sexy. I think the car looks best in the metallic colors, although black and red can work well also. I have a 1.9 manual and while it is certainly not fast, it has enough power and excellent balance to be great fun on winding roads. I would avoid the 1.9 automatic, b/c I can't imagine it would be powerful enough to get the job done. I test drove a 2.8 and 2.3 and found the smaller engine not much more powerful than the 4cylinder. The 2.8, 3.0 and M versions are way faster. The gear shift is excellent-short and snickety. The steering yeilds good road feel and although not as 'alive' as an unassisted unit, is very good. The suspension is suprisingly supple and copes with all manner of road imperfections, while also being stiff enough to be good in the curves. There is some scuttle shake-the platform is essentially e30 (BMW claims it's e36 but I have my doubts) and not as solid as it could be. Reliability-particularly on the 4 is very good. Z3s tend to have pretty predictable problems: window guides, interior trim, radiators need to be replaced at 100,000 miles, water pumps, etc. Mainly maintence kind of stuff. If you look on a BMW forum you can get a run down on these minor issues. I hear the 6s have more problems, but keep in mind z3s are at the tail end of bullet-proof BMW build quality. So these cars are capable of some pretty big miles. Downside-the interiors were exercises in cost cutting. Kind of cheap for the money they cost new. I particularly hate the cheap carpet-my E30 3 series has really plush carpet. Still, everything is functional, although the Ms are a bit garish in the inside if you ask me. The WORST feature, although easily fixed is that the factory exhaust leaves the car SILENT. A roadster (try classic Alfa, Fiat MGB) should have a rasping, burbling engine note. Not so with BMW's little beauty. We call it 'quiet hour.' Even after an after market ANSA muffler it still is kind of lame when it comes to that crucial part of the roadster experience. On the other hand, part of the 'problem' is that the little 4 is soooo smooth that you'd think it a six or eight. So it's not entirely a strike against the Zed. Overall, the z3 is a great little roadster. Excellent value, handling, adequete to sensationional acceleration, stunning looks and BMW cachet. You can't go wrong here....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

BMW dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 BMW Z3?

The 1996 BMW Z3 is available in 1 trim level:

  • Z3 (1 style)

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1996 BMW Z3?

The 1996 BMW Z3 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1996 BMW Z3 reliable?

The 1996 BMW Z3 has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 BMW Z3 owners.

Is the 1996 BMW Z3 a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 BMW Z3. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":null,"stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Convertible","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":[null]}]