Question:

> [...] > I do wish that BMW had equipped the Z3 with an integrated flip-up hard > boot for the convertible top, like the ones in the early Corvettes: > http://www.vintagecorvettes.com/57.html

Sometimes I wish I had that kind of trunk space for my Z3! > Aside from minor niggles with the convertible top design, I couldn’t be > happier with my Impala Brown 2000 Z3 2.5L.  It’s the roadster I’ve always > wanted, but with handling and safety features (DSC, ABS, side air bags) > that none of the classic roadsters possess.

I feel the same way about my ‘97 2.8.  There are a lot of older cars out there that would be a lot of fun, but I probably wouldn’t want to take them on a long trip.  Even though my Z3 has ~124K miles, I still wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a 1000 mile round trip to the beach. -=- Tom

Response:

> If you really want to cut down on the wind buffeting you around you can > try driving with the windows up some, or of course the top up, but > personally, I just drive with everything down (in good weather) and revel > in the open-ness!!

I agree, Fred.  I traded my ‘97 Z3 2.8 on an ‘03 Z4 3.0 and while the performance, improved top and added luggage space is great, I do miss the openness of the Z3.  The Z3’s cabin reminded me of a TR2 I briefly owned long ago – only with functioning (non-Lucas) electrics! Tom

Response:

> Mid 99 change mostly dealt with shape of the rear fenders, and trunk > lid and rear tail lights.  The later cars rear fenders are "humped" > shoulders. Brings to mind a football player with pads.

IMO, the redesigned Z3 rear quarters draw design cues from the legendary AC Cobra roadsters: http://www.xs4all.nl/~luukb/cobra02.jpg The pronounced, feminine "waist", just aft of the doors on the Cobra, is subtly captured in the redesigned Z3 body styling. In general, the Z3 draws many design cues from the classic Jaguar XKE roadsters. Note the subtle hood bulge, fender flares, rear quarter shapes in these photos: http://www.autoweek.com/images/classifieds/1711/4?3656720856589196927 http://www.autoweek.com/images/classifieds/1711/1?3567486724233548349 I do wish that BMW had equipped the Z3 with an integrated flip-up hard boot for the convertible top, like the ones in the early Corvettes: http://www.vintagecorvettes.com/57.html Notice how seamlessly the flip-up hard boot integrates with the chrome-trimmed seat surrounds. This is a very elegant design. Also note how the exhaust ports are integrated into the rear fenders.  My father has a Vette exactly like this one.  IMO, it’s one of the most beautiful roadsters ever made. Aside from minor niggles with the convertible top design, I couldn’t be happier with my Impala Brown 2000 Z3 2.5L.  It’s the roadster I’ve always wanted, but with handling and safety features (DSC, ABS, side air bags) that none of the classic roadsters possess. B – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Wind deflector makes a HUGE difference. >I’ve been reading various reviews, specifications for the 2.8L model in >different publications (online & in print) and there seems to be some >confusion with regard to the age (and UK Reg letter) of the very last >2.8L. >Also, "A face-lift in April ‘99 brought better insulation for the hood as >well as some minor cosmetic changes" was mentioned…can anyone shed any >light on this cosmetic change etc..? >Finally, does a Wind Deflector make THAT MUCH difference to the enjoyment >of >this car as some have suggested that it does (in a good way)? >Cheers.

Response:

> I’ve been reading various reviews, specifications for the 2.8L model in > different publications (online & in print) and there seems to be some > confusion with regard to the age (and UK Reg letter) of the very last > 2.8L. > Also, "A face-lift in April ‘99 brought better insulation for the hood as > well as some minor cosmetic changes" was mentioned…can anyone shed any > light on this cosmetic change etc..? > Finally, does a Wind Deflector make THAT MUCH difference to the enjoyment > of this car as some have suggested that it does (in a good way)?

I own this exact car, and no, in my opinion it does not make a *huge* difference.  It makes a small amount of difference as to how much back draft you get, which my wife seems to appreciate more than I do, but it is not that big of a deal to me. If you really want to cut down on the wind buffeting you around you can try driving with the windows up some, or of course the top up, but personally, I just drive with everything down (in good weather) and revel in the open-ness!! -Fred W ‘97 Z3 2.8 ‘95 325i ‘94 540iA

Response:

Mid 99 change mostly dealt with shape of the rear fenders, and trunk lid and rear tail lights.  The later cars rear fenders are "humped" shoulders. Brings to mind a football player with pads. Wind deflector makes a HUGE difference. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’ve been reading various reviews, specifications for the 2.8L model in >different publications (online & in print) and there seems to be some >confusion with regard to the age (and UK Reg letter) of the very last 2.8L. >Also, "A face-lift in April ‘99 brought better insulation for the hood as >well as some minor cosmetic changes" was mentioned…can anyone shed any >light on this cosmetic change etc..? >Finally, does a Wind Deflector make THAT MUCH difference to the enjoyment of >this car as some have suggested that it does (in a good way)? >Cheers.

Response:

> I’ve been reading various reviews, specifications for the 2.8L model in > different publications (online & in print) and there seems to be some > confusion with regard to the age (and UK Reg letter) of the very last 2.8L. > Also, "A face-lift in April ‘99 brought better insulation for the hood as > well as some minor cosmetic changes" was mentioned…can anyone shed any > light on this cosmetic change etc..? > Finally, does a Wind Deflector make THAT MUCH difference to the enjoyment of > this car as some have suggested that it does (in a good way)?

From my limited experience with open top vehicles, the wind deflector shoulud make a huge difference. The airflow is over the passenger compartment because of the rake of the windshield, but the bubble collapses just behind the passneger compartment, and the relative low air pressure behind the windshield acts like a vacuum and draws air against the back of one’s head. People with short hair, and a hat, probably wouldn’t notice or care, but people with long hair will be constantly brushing their hair out of their face if you don’t have the deflector, or they will want to tie their hair into a pony tail and wear a hat. If you enjoy smoking a cigar while driving, the deflector will be a very nice touch. You will find the heater is more effective as well.

Response:

I’ve been reading various reviews, specifications for the 2.8L model in different publications (online & in print) and there seems to be some confusion with regard to the age (and UK Reg letter) of the very last 2.8L. Also, "A face-lift in April ‘99 brought better insulation for the hood as well as some minor cosmetic changes" was mentioned…can anyone shed any light on this cosmetic change etc..? Finally, does a Wind Deflector make THAT MUCH difference to the enjoyment of this car as some have suggested that it does (in a good way)? Cheers.

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