2001 BMW Z3 BMW Z3 2001 BMW Z3 2.5i Roadster Convertible Convertible RWD USA Engine displacement in the 2.8 Roadster and Coupe is bumped from 2.8 liters to 3.0 liters. Horsepower and torque has been increased to 225 and 214 foot-pounds, respectively. Bigger brakes and larger 17-inch wheels and tires accompany the new engine. The base 2.5-liter engine also sees a 14 horsepower increase, and will appropriately be called the Z3 2.5i. An optional five-speed automatic with manual shifting capability replaces last year's four-speed automatic transmission. Superb road manners, sexy shape, lots of standard high-tech goodies, brand cachet. Some cheap interior bits, roadsters have a plastic rear window, significantly less expensive two-seaters are out there. The Z3, introduced in 1996, has seen unfaltering popularity with young and old alike even as the line has grown to include more models. It seems that wherever we take these cars, a crowd quickly forms to ask questions about performance and to drool over their lovely shapes. The Z3 lineup consists of three sportsters: the base Z3 Roadster 2.5i, Z3 Coupe 3.0i and Z3 Roadster 3.0i. The Z3 Roadster has an upgraded 2.5-liter, six-cylinder engine that now makes 184 horsepower while meeting low emission vehicle (LEV) standards. Z3s outfitted with larger, 3.0-liter, 225-horsepower six-cylinder engines are available as coupes or roadsters. Z3 Roadsters feature L-shaped taillights with clear turn signal lenses, fully lined tops, and sculpted rear flanks. The capable sound system is actually audible at speed and clear instrument gauges, plus an analog clock, give the interior a classic look. Some carefully chosen upgrades in interior plastics would go a long way toward improving the Z3's value equation. And what's with the plastic rear window on roadster models when a $12,000 cheaper MR2 provides glass and a defroster? The 2.5i gets four-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip differential and 16-inch V-rated performance tires as standard equipment, while the 3.0i cars have larger brakes and new 17-inch wheels this year. A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Z cars, but this year a five-speed Steptronic automatic, capable of being manually shifted, is optional. Audi TT Chevrolet Corvette Mercedes-Benz SLK Plymouth Prowler 450,000 450,000 450,000 6Unlimited NA NA NA 6 2.5 liters Inline 184 hp @ 6000 rpm 175 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm 159.4 in. 68.5 in. 50.9 in. 2899 lbs. 96.3 in. 37.6 in. NA 51.7 in. NA 54.1 in. NA 41.8 in. NA 5 cu.ft. Standard Not Available Not Available Standard Not Available Standard Standard Rating = Not Tested Rating = Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested 13.5 gal. 20 mpg / 27 mpg 19 mpg / 26 mpg 270 mi. / 365 mi. 257 mi. / 351 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $28,330 $31,300 7.35% $645 N/A No Holdback 2.5i ROADSTER (5M): 2.5L I6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine with variable valve timing, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed manual transmission; 90 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential, traction control, 3.46 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; electronic stability control, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent trailing arm suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering, engine-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 13.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; manual convertible roof with lining, roll-over protection; front and rear body-colored bumpers; rocker panel extensions; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored folding outside mirrors; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P225/50VR16 BSW performancetires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 10 speakers, amplifier, theft deterrent, fixed antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock; cell phone pre-wiring, 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter elements, driver's foot rest, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, clock, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, service interval, low brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's door-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, security system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, driver's seat includes 10-way adjustment (6-way power), passenger's seatincludes 6-way adjustment (2-way power); seatbelts with front pretensioners; leatherette seats, leatherette door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; interior lights include dome light with fade, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box, front cupholder, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; chrome grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles. 3.0i ROADSTER (5M) (in addition to or instead of 2.5i ROADSTER (5M) equipment): 3L I6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine with variable valve timing; front 17" x 7.5" silver alloy wheels, rear 17" x 8.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/45ZR17 BSW front performance tires, 245/40 rear tires; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 10 performance speakers, premium amplifier; driver's and passenger's front seats include 10-way adjustment (4-way power); leather seats and leather door trim insert. 3.0i COUPE (5M) (in addition to or instead of 3.0i ROADSTER (5M) equipment): 3.07 axle ratio; additional interior lights include illuminated entry; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; 9 performance speakers, premium amplifier. -- Classic Leather Upholstery $980 $1,150 -- Classic Leather Upholstery $0 $0 -- Leather Upholstery $980 $1,150 205 Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic with Steptronic $1,210 $1,275 270 Sport Package $510 $600 306 Paint: Atlanta Blue Metallic $405 $475 343 Aluminum-Look Interior Trim $255 $300 345 Chrome Line Interior $130 $150 354 Paint: Titanium Silver Metallic $405 $475 362 Paint: Siena Red Metallic $405 $475 364 Paitn: Topaz Blue Metallic $405 $475 388 Black Top $0 $0 394 Beige Top $0 $0 398 Electric Top $640 $750 400 Paint: Steel Grey Metallic $405 $475 405 Heated Seats and Mirrors $425 $500 418 Paint: Impala Brown Metallic $405 $475 430 Paint: Oxford Green Metallic $405 $475 435 Wood Trim $340 $400 468 Premium Package $1,360 $1,600 475 Paint: Black Saphire Metallic $405 $475 550 On Board Computer $255 $300 658 BMW CD Radio $170 $200 674 Harman-Kardon Sound System $575 $675 982 Hard Top $1,615 $1,900