Miata Mailing List: December 1995, Message #55
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   From: "Drake A. Daum" 
Subject: BMW Z3 Test Drive
   Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 15:03:46 -0500


Just came back from a lunchtime test drive of the new BMW Z3.  The following
is a very personal opinion.

Nice looking, very underpowered, very heavy, sluggish, & massive, nice top and
rear window (top is not lined and the rear window has a zipper completely
around the perimeter of the clear vinyl to facilitate replacement -- sort 
of like a disposable window because there is no way to unzip it and lay it
out of harm's way before the top is folded down on it, and no way to use a 
window protector), "gill" vents on sides of front fenders are strictly 
ornamental -- not functional at all and don't appear to be able to be made
functionl because that portion of the fender (which is all part of the hood
sheet metal) overlays an inner fender when the hood/fender bonnet is closed.

Very luxurious and stylish, too expensive, no-tilt steering wheel is
too large a diameter and postioned too high (like driving a bus), trunk space
about the same as a Miata if you took out your spare tire (which I 
have now mounted under my car), no exhaust note to speak of (much quieter 
than a stock Miata), rather sloppy shifter.

Z3 weighs 2600 lbs, 138 HP from a 1.9 liter engine, tires are Pirelli 
225/50 x 16, my stopwatch time of 50 to 70 mph in 3rd gear was 6.1 seconds.

Salesman said a $2000 painted hardtop will be available later, as will
optional traction control.  Standard features include ABS, dashboard computer 
(mpg, miles to fill up, avg. speed, outside air temp, etc.), power operated 
heated seats, power mirrors and windows, map pockets molded into the lower 
plastic door panels, integral plastic molded storage compartment permanently 
installed laterally behind the seats (in a similar location as the Atlantic 
Design Cooler/Storage case in some Miatas, mechanical clutch, inside light 
on windshield header with mirror on windshield glass (just like '96 Miatas),
seat panels and door panels were covered in a raised spotted material that 
looked like a miniature giraffe's hide -- very cheap looking.

Z3 is not really a sports car, but more of a luxury 2-seat touring car
for the well-heeled who want to look good on the road, not carve up the
road.  Will only take away from the high end M Editon full-boat Miata sales
at the $ 25,000 end of the price range.  Z3 ticket is $ 28 thou and change,
plus all the standard extras to get out the door.

Bottom line:  No threat to the majority of Miata sales.  You won't see the Z3
at an autocross course near you, but the boulevard will probably
be clogged with them.  My checkbook is safe again until the Boxster 
test drive.

Latest issue of CAR & DRIVER, page 38, (Jan '96, I believe) has a test drive
article on the Z3.

Cheers,
DRAKE A. DAUM, Founder & 1996 Membership Director
Miami Valley Miata Club
PO Box 33503
Dayton, Ohio 45433-0503