1997 BMW Z3 in Mankato, MN - $7,989

"Blue skies above, endless roads ahead," intones the glossy cover of the 2000 BMW Z3 brochure. Low, sleek, elegant and sexy, the rear drive Z3 has become the boutique nameplate's runaway success since it was first introduced to American motorists during the 1996 model year.

Built at BMW's Spartansburg, S.C., manufacturing complex -- the automaker's first in the United States -- over 223,350 coupes and roadsters have been assembled at the plant since product launch. Available as a coupe or roadster, the regular Z3 is offered with a choice of two 24-valve, in-line six-cylinder engines -- 2.5L (Z3 2.3) or 2.8L (Z3 2.8).

The coupe is only available with the more powerful 2.8L engine. A precise and responsive five-speed manual transmission with a direct 1:1 fifth gear is standard, a smooth four-speed automatic gearbox is $975 additional.

For those drivers that prefer their Z3 wild, BMW offers an M-Series version of both the Z3 coupe and roadster powered by a lethal 3.2L six-cylinder prime mover. This powerhouse transfers power to the road through a five-speed manual slushbox, the only transmission available.

On the road, the 2.8L in-line six-cylinder engine mated to the optional four-speed automatic is awesome! Quick, solid and sure, the roadster is a marvel of balance and control at speed in the twisties. The engineered mating of a front suspension with MacPherson struts, gas shock absorbers, stabilizer bar and coil springs with a semi trailing arm, gas shocks stabilizer bar and coil springs for the rear suspension translates into magic on the road. Substantial Michelin Pilot HX P225/50VR16 tires assist in making it all work seamlessly.

Inside the cabin, a manual ragtop mechanism is standard with a power lined top part of the $950 optional 2.8 Premium package -- making the driving experience all the more pleasurable, regardless of the weather. The storage boot for the ragtop is separate from the small 5.0 cu .ft. trunk. The windshield with the large side wing windows creates a very quiet environment with very little wind turbulence. Displays and controls are easy to read and use.

By the numbers

Engine performance numbers are as follow: Z3 2.5L -- 170 hp at 5,500 rpm and 181 lb/ft of torque at 3,500 rpm; Z3 2.8L -- 193 hp at 5,500 rpm and 206 lb/ft of torque at 3,500; M3 3.2L 24-valve in-line six-cylinder -- 240 hp at 6,000 rpm and 236 lb/ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. EPA fuel economy ranges from 20 city/27 highway for the five-speed Z3 2.3 to 19 city/26 highway for the M3. All three engines require premium unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are easily accessible, but not clearly marked.

Standard safety/security equipment includes: dynamic stability control, all season traction and limited slip differential, rollover protection bars, dual front and side impact airbags, central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature, coded drive away protection, remote keyless entry system and toolkit in spare tire compartment. The Z3 2.8 adds fog lights.

Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2000 BMW Z3 coupe and roadster begins at $31,300 for the Z3 2.3 up to $42,700 for the M3 roadster. Destination charge adds $570. Dealers report light inventories of the Z3, so a bit of patience and planning will be in order. Trust me, the wait is worth it.

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