Hey Andy! Loved the video! I just purchased a 1997 Z3 1,9L this very afternoon! It has a few light cosmetic items to be restored but was a total trip to drive for sure. Your video really made me excited that I purchased the car. Thanks so much!
Hey man awesome content I recently bought a rough 2.8 myself and it's been so much fun to drive around in, great to see another young guy into them as well, greetings from Hobart!
You convinced me. I'm buying one for weekend car. I was thinking about the 2.0 inline 6. But this 1.9 is perfect 😍 sold!!!! Thanks for video. First one I've seen about the Z3. Cheers!!
I've read and watched reviews on the A90 Supra 2-liter. The "underpowered" version of the car, so to speak. People have said the only thing it's missing is the manual transmission and then it would be the car to buy of the range in front of the 3.0. I believe it since I think the weight balance is much better. I think somewhere down the line we just forgot that fun cars aren't supposed to be about horsepower, but about enjoying the drive. It's something I've learned riding motorcycles, where my paltry 300 won't be fast in the straights but braking is optional in the corners and it feels like you can take them faster than a bike with three times the power. I'm convinced that you really don't need power anymore since manufacturers have done the research and know what it takes to draw high power out of small engines. The problem is the electronic aids and the amount of assistance required to make a car or bike draw that power out, and at 7-800 horsepower on a Hellcat or 1000 in a Bugatti, zero driving aids makes skipping the jail sentence a guarantee since you'd already be on death row. My advice for any car maker is maintain the current power and focus on making cars lighter and more efficient while advancing their safety features. That way when the driving aids are turned completely off, the only sentence to serve is a bruised ego.
Couldn't have said it better myself! Manufacturers are getting way too caught up on power metrics rather than driving pleasure. Lightness and fun should 100% be the focus. I'm all for face melting Hypercars but there should also be a bigger range of lightweight tossable sports cars 🔥
Nice review of the 1.9. I also believe the Z3 is a future classic. I fell in love with it when I got to test drive one in 1996 while working for a small car enthusiasts magazine in Vancouver. Vowed I would have one some day. And that happened in 2017 when I acquired my 2000 M roadster - a Euro-spec, Japanese export. Just love it! Here's a short video I shot of it in early 2000 - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5mEV9qzou2M.html.
I've read in a comment that soke German brands back then didn't do cup holders because they wanted you to enjoy the car and drive and not eat/drink in them. Not sure if true lol
Z3 is the next car to sky rocket to me that car ticks all the boxes to have fun. Soft top, manual, rwd, straight 6… I wanna buy one before it’s too late but already hard to find one in good condition
LOLOL! As my wife and I watched this video, we couldn't stop laughing. The number of simply incorrect statements and clear ignorance is hilarious. I get that RU-vidrs need content, but this is a frenetic 20-minute word inherent word blurp.
just purchased the 98 1.9, like you say its well built and is a nice place to be in when driving, just doesn't offer the same driving experience as an MX-5 but with MX-5's trebling in price for a decent one over the last 12 months, I had to opt for a Z3. I gave 2400 AUD for a 177km car in the UK, there is some light aesthetics but otherwise its very good for a 23 year old car. Certainly enjoyable for what it is but definitely lacking when you put your foot down. As for becoming a future classic, with the advent of electric cars and fazing out of of mineral fuel based cars after 2030 I find that unlikely unless these cars are adapted to battery cell motors.
That's awesome man, glad you're enjoying it. Yea by no means is the 1.9L Z3 fast, but it's good fun! 🔥 I mean future classic in terms of rarity, with the new wave of EV's there will never be another purpose built front engined, manual, rear drive, lightweight, 2 seater roadster quite like the Z3 or MX-5 for that matter. People will look back on these cars as something unique and special 😄
I don't see the world going all electric. There's many reasons I feel this way, but too much to type. But regardless, it's not something I personally am not even remotely worried about.
Nothing wrong with m44 engine,I’m running e36 with m43 1.8 100,000 miles only still going strong,searching for a z3 2.2 for summer kilometers in France.
What about SLK R171 I think they will be classic if they’re low milage and especially the AMG Version even the Slk 200 1.8 the supercharger makes it fun and thanks for great videos man forget to mention take a look at the interior on R171 as well especially cream colour it’s class
Totally agree with you, those SLK’s will be a classic because nobody is doing lightweight luxury sports cars these days. Glad you’re enjoying the vids man! 😄
So you bought a Tuesday morning car! Meaning it was built on a Tuesday morning when everyone on the American production line was awake and sober ! It’s a lottery win no doubt and I have to admit it’s a cute little car! Even the exhaust note sounds like it should and not like a loud unsatisfying fart like most 4cyl BMW’s
Hmmm if its coming from the motor it's most likely the timing chain, once that's sorted these motors are generally quite bulletproof. Otherwise could be loose trim Hope you can fix it soon! 🔥
Thanks! 😄 I do most of the maintenance myself which saves on cost but when I can't I go to Cooper Park Garage in Double Bay. Also, if you're looking for cheap OEM parts check out runautoparts.com Hope that helps!
When does a future classic become a classic? About now! I have the M54B22 pistachio Z3 with lotus white seats. Just an absolute joy. And the 6 cylinders are such a noise! Also - the original auto 1.9 box was a bit crap. I have the Steptronic box which turns mine into a go-cart! Love my Z3!
I saw a '97 Z3 privately for sale today for $7500. 103k miles. Leather seats are still in great condition. Paint not fading. No doubt this has been parked in a garage when not in use. Very tempted to contact the owner and ask some questions. :)
How is it going to be a Future classic? Won't all ICE cars just become eventually redundant. Long-term with the unavailability of petrol and in the near future - Just by being taxed off the road... Sad, though this is!!!
@@Gambit22003 yep all done! Worked through a long, long list but it drives like a dream and has never let me down in the year I’ve had it. Still got a few little mods to do here and there but he’s sweet other than that!
@@AndySprocket that was weird… I have a 2000 2.5 Atlanta Blue Z3 unfortunately it’s an automatic BUT in my defense I bought in an automatic so my wife can drive it lol. Well put together car and fairly inexpensive to repair. Have no regrets buying the Z3