Driving Impressions
reviewed by
For all its handling precision and quick response, the dynamic trait
that impressed us most about the original Z3 was its ride quality. Like
all of BMW's recent offerings, it managed to blend sports car reflexes
with a supple ride that took the harshness out of small potholes and pavement
patches.
Our Z3 2.8 tester exhibited this same quality, but with a slightly harder
edge. The suspension components are tuned a click or so tighter, and the
whole setup feels a bit firmer underfoot.
But if the 2.8 doesn't smooth out the road quite as well as its milder-mannered
stablemate, it will perform feats on a skidpad, slalom course or winding
road that the 1.9 can't match. It sticks better in hard turns, with a shade
less body roll in quick transitions, and its brakes seem virtually immune
to fade, no matter how hard or how often they're applied. The stopping
power that went with the upgrade wheel/tire package on our test car was
nothing short of raceworthy, even when we found ourselves approaching corners
at an eye-widening pace.
There's no question that the 2.8-liter engine makes this a much more
entertaining sports car. In addition to its extra punch, it even sounds
more authoritative, thanks in part to its dual outlet exhaust system.
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