Like the Miata, the Z3 updates the classic roadster with civilizing contemporary updates. The windows go up or down at the touch of a button--power windows cost extra on a Miata--and the manually-operated soft top is simplicity incarnate. Unlatch the twin fasteners at the top of the windshield and flip it back. It's an operation anyone can do one-handed, without stirring from the driver's seat. A soft plastic tonneau cover can be snapped into place over the folded top to tidy up the appearance.
The top seals well when it's up, although a fair amount of wind noise finds its way through the high grade material, something that's true to some degree of any convertible. And in any case, the Z3 is quieter than a Miata.
Our only criticism of the Z3's folding top is its plastic rear window. At this price level, we'd expect glass. Although the Z3's backlite is scratch-resistant, plastic windows inevitably deteriorate over time. However, the plastic window zips out for easy replacement. And BMW will make a removable hardtop available as an option later this year.
The classic 507 roadster had room for two and not much more, and the Z3 is true to the tradition. However, it's distinctly roomier than a Miata in all its interior dimensions. Drivers over, say, 6-ft.-3 might find themselves short on headroom with the top up, but leg and elbow room seem well conceived to fit most body types and driving styles.
The instruments are standard BMW, dominated by the large white-on-black analog speedometer and tachometer which are fully visible through the steering wheel throughout the range of seat adjustability.
You'd expect sporty seats in any BMW, and the Z3's twin buckets are excellent representatives of the breed. Well-padded thigh and torso bolsters keep driver and passenger solidly in place during hard cornering and quick changes in direction, which are, of course, core activities in a sports car. A high-grade leatherette is the basic upholstery material. Leather, of course, costs more--$1150 more.
Although the classic sports car concept--street-going 2-seaters that could, in a pinch, be raced--didn't include many frills, the standard Z3 comes with a goodly array of comfort-convenience features. In addition to power windows, the list includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette sound system and power mirrors.
Safety features are consistent with the times--dual airbags, side impact protection and, of course, ABS.
We did our test driving on a collection of Texas back roads that left us with a positive impression of the Z3's athleticism, which we expected, and an even more positive impression of its ride quality, which was a pleasant surprise.
With its firm suspension, quick steering and meaty 16-in. tires, the Z3 can change directions quicker than a politician and grips the road in high speed corners like a race car. The only surprise that emerged was just how high this car's absolute cornering limits are. There's more grip here than most of us will ever use, a nice reserve for emergency maneuvers and a big plus for hard braking.
Considering the Z3's basic sports car capabilities, its ride quality verges on amazing. Yes, it's firm, as you'd expect of a car with this kind of character from this particular company. But BMW has discovered that taut doesn't necessarily have to mean harsh. Although those Texas backroads were an endless collection of small lumps, bumps and pavement patches, the Z3 took the hard edge off what was going on underfoot, to the benefit of both comfort and control.
Thanks to the large tire contact patches and oversize front brake rotors, the Z3's braking performance also qualifies as outstanding. This car will stop as safely--and as quickly--as any car on the road today.
Engine performance is generally in step with the rest of the Z3's dynamic traits. Acceleration falls short of eyeball-flattening territory, but it's brisk, about 8 seconds or so to 60 mph, and midrange response is satisfying. Top speed is electronically limited to 116 mph. For those who want more, a more potent Z3, probably equipped with the 328's 190-hp 6-cyl. engine, is about a year down the road.
The final impression to emerge from our Texas barnstorming foray was one of overall quality. The Z3 conveys a stronger sense of solidity than the Miata, and we'll be surprised if it falls prey to the buzzes, squeaks and rattles that show up in a lot of other convertibles.