Interior
reviewed by
There's not much inside the Z3's simple but stylish cockpit to distinguish
the 1.9 from the 2.8. We regard that as a good thing, because BMW got it
right to begin with. Major controls are exactly where you'd expect them
to be, something we reaffirmed with our curbside eyes-closed review, a
test you can conduct in the showroom. Hop in, close your eyes and reach
for something--the gearshift, for example. We'll bet your hand will make
precise contact first time, every time, and that's not something we can
say about all cars.
Obviously, the Z3 is a two-seater, and, just as obviously, two-seaters
are snug by design, the kind of car you wear like a finely tailored garment.
Even so, there's plenty of legroom and enough headroom under the beautifully
crafted soft top for drivers well over six feet.
Fit and finish are superb, inside and out, 1.9 or 2.8, and the seats
provide the kind of lateral support that's required for enthusiastic cornering
as well as the kind of contours and padding that go with all-day comfort.
If there's any fault to be found it's the plastic rear window, which
will inevitably become clouded and creased over time, and a diminutive
trunk, the price of the Z3's classic sports car styling. It's only fair
to note, though, that the rear window zips out for easy replacement, and
the smallish trunk is a price we'd gladly pay for one of the best-looking
sports cars going.
Speaking of price, the 2.8 starts a hefty $6475 north of the basic 1.9.
Even with an above-average list of standard features, that might seem like
a lot for two more cylinders, but the price includes leather-clad seats
(an $1150 option in the 1.9), as well as heavier-duty rear suspension components
and enhanced braking.
The soft top for both cars is manual, and is ultra-simple and ultra-easy.
We were able to flip it open from the driver's seat with one hand, and
buttoning up is just as simple.
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