Interior
reviewed by
A two-tone interior treatment distinguished the M version from the other two Z3s. Simplicity is a good thing and BMW got it right. Major controls are exactly where you'd expect them. 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--something we cannot say about all cars.
Obviously, the Z3 is a two-seater, and two-seaters are snug by design. This is the kind of car you wear like a finely tailored garment. Even so, there is 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, 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 are any faults to be found, they are the plastic rear window, which will inevitably become clouded and creased over time, and the diminutive trunk, the price of the Z3's classic sports car styling. Fortunately, the rear window zips out for easy replacement, and the small trunk is a reasonable tradeoff for one of the best-looking sports cars going. And it's easy to live with when there's another car in the driveway.
All three Z3 models come with a manual top that's easy to operate. We were able to flip it open from the driver's seat with one hand. Buttoning up is just as easy.
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