2001 BMW Z3 Series: Road Test
2001 BMW Z3 Series ▼
- MSRP: $31,300 - $45,990
- Invoice: $28,330 - $41,550
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Our road test for the 2001 BMW Z3 Series includes a full evaluation of the 2001 BMW Z3 Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 BMW Z3 Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 BMW Z3 Series help you decide if a 2001 BMW Z3 Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Test manual-transmission 2.5i did 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.0 sec and had ample midrange passing punch. Test 3.0i/manual hatchback does feel more muscular--BMW lists 0-60 at 5.9 sec--but doesn't present significantly more usable acceleration on the street than the 2.5i. BMW says the M models do 0-60 in about 5 sec.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Test 2.5i/manual averaged 18.6 mpg with performance tests. Test 3.0i/manual hatchback returned 19.7 with more highway driving. All engines require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Acceptable for sports cars, but they can be abrupt on rough roads. The M suspension is even stiffer and its tires thump loudly over bumps. All suffer tiresome "freeway hop."
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 7.8 |
Stable, nearly flat cornering, but the tail can be unruly on bumpy surfaces despite standard traction/antiskid system. Coupes have more precise handling than the less-rigid convertibles. Large ABS 4-wheel discs make no-sweat, very short emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3.6 |
Quieter overall than Porsche's Boxster or Honda S2000, but still, there's marked tire and exhaust noise most anywhere any time; convertibles add expected top-up wind whoosh. Engines sound pleasantly racy, though.
CONTROLS
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Typical BMW and mostly good, but some interior plastics border on economy grade. Our 2.5i had a misaligned glovebox door, but seemed more rigid on rough roads than earlier test Z3 Roadsters.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 |
More snug than Mercedes SLK, but room enough for 6-footers. Seats well-bolstered but a tad thin on padding. Low build means entry/exit tricky for many people. Standard power seat, but steering wheel doesn't adjust.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2.1 |
Convertible trunks are small with openings to match. Hatchbacks offer more space and easier loading, but you'll still need to travel light.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 |
No bargains here, and this is a dated basic design that won't be replaced for a few more years. But BMW's strong resale values compensate some. M models are thrilling and 3.0i versions come with lots of features that cost extra on the 2.5i. But the 2.5i is a satisfying performer and probably the best value of the bunch, all things considered.
Total Score
| 2.5i, man. | 3.0i hatch, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 44 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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