Car financing: 1997 BMW Z3

None for sale by us right now: rent one for a week first, or ask us to find one. Rated 10.0 to 12.4 L/100 km combined (EPA). 1 NHTSA recall campaign. CarmaCars is not a lender, dealer or lessor, and does not arrange financing or leases. We rent cars, and sell one only when it is listed for sale on this page with its price.

For sale by us
0
Combined
10.0 to 12.4 L/100 km
Recalls
1

Ask about it

BMW Z3 of the 1996 to 2002 generation
Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo, not one of our cars

For sale

We do not have a 1997 BMW Z3 for sale right now. We are a rental company: rent one for a week to try it, or tell us what you want and we look for one for you.

CarmaCars is not a lender, dealer or lessor, and does not arrange financing or leases. We rent cars, and sell one only when it is listed for sale on this page with its price.

1997 BMW Z3 specs

1997 BMW Z3 powertrains
SpecPowertrain 1Powertrain 2Powertrain 3Powertrain 4
Engine1.9L 4-cylinder1.9L 4-cylinder2.8L 6-cylinder2.8L 6-cylinder
DriveRear-wheel driveRear-wheel driveRear-wheel driveRear-wheel drive
Transmission5-speed manual4-speed automatic5-speed manual4-speed automatic
FuelPremium gasPremium gasPremium gasPremium gas
City11.8 L/100 km11.8 L/100 km13.8 L/100 km14.7 L/100 km
Highway8.1 L/100 km8.3 L/100 km9.4 L/100 km10.2 L/100 km
Combined10.0 L/100 km10.2 L/100 km11.8 L/100 km12.4 L/100 km
CO₂235 g/km240 g/km276 g/km291 g/km
Cost to drive 100 km$17.50$17.85$20.65$21.70

1997 BMW Z3: every figure

1997 BMW Z3 figures by powertrain
FigurePowertrain 1Powertrain 2Powertrain 3Powertrain 4
Displacement1.9 L1.9 L2.8 L2.8 L
Cylinders4466
MPG city (US)20201716
MPG highway (US)29292523
MPG combined (US)24232019
MPG combined (Imperial) (converted from the US figure)29282423
Fuel cost a year (EPA) (EPA: 15,000 miles at its fuel prices)US$3,475US$3,550US$4,100US$4,350
Fuel cost for 20,000 km (at $1.75 a litre for premium)$3,500$3,570$4,130$4,340
1997 BMW Z3 dimensions and weight
DimensionZ3 2.8 RoadsterZ3 Roadster 2.8Z3 Roadster 3.0
Length4.03 m (159 in)4.05 m (159 in)4.05 m (159 in)
Width1.69 m (67 in)1.74 m (69 in)1.74 m (69 in)
Height1.29 m (51 in)1.29 m (51 in)1.29 m (51 in)
Wheelbase2.45 m (96 in)2.45 m (96 in)2.45 m (96 in)
Curb weight1,290 kg (2,844 lb)1,320 kg (2,910 lb)1,320 kg (2,910 lb)

Sources: fuel use, MPG, CO2, electric range, battery, charge time, luggage volume and the annual fuel cost are the US EPA's (fueleconomy.gov); dimensions and curb weight are NHTSA vPIC Canadian vehicle specifications, by body. Imperial MPG, litres, inches and pounds are converted from those figures. Figures no free source publishes for this car (power, torque, acceleration, top speed, fuel tank, towing) are left out.

What to check when buying the 1997 BMW Z3

  • NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. Ask the seller for proof each one was fixed; a dealer can check it by the VIN.
  • Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags (16), seats (14) and seat belts (11). Have those parts checked before you buy.
1997 BMW Z3 recall campaigns
CampaignDateComponentSummary
97V1310001997-08-19vehicle speed controlTHE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE...

Source: NHTSA (US) recall campaigns and owner complaints for this model year.

Car financing: the 1997 BMW Z3

We rent cars and sell one only now and then. There is no 1997 BMW Z3 for sale by us right now. CarmaCars does not finance cars. Renting is not a loan, so there is no credit check to rent. Here is the 1997 BMW Z3 for buyers: fuel use, size, recalls and a test drive that lasts a week.

Before you sign for the Z3

Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags, seats and seat belts; have those parts checked. Ask for the service records and check open recalls by the VIN. Have a mechanic inspect a used one before you buy it. There are 1 NHTSA recall campaigns on file; a dealer can check by the VIN whether each was done.

The numbers in plain words

The 1.9L 4-cylinder with rear-wheel drive is the powertrain to look at. It calls for premium gas, which costs more a litre than regular. Rear-wheel drive gives balanced handling; in winter, the tires make the biggest difference.

By the EPA's combined rating of 10.0 L/100 km, 300 km takes about 30 litres. A 300 km weekend costs about $52.50 in energy at our price setting. At US fuel prices, the EPA estimates US$3,475 a year for 15,000 miles.

Size and space

As a two-seat sports car, it puts the driving first and the luggage second. NHTSA's Canadian figures put it at 4.03 m long. Parking on city streets is easy.

Good uses for the Z3

It suits people curious about the model who want to drive it before they buy. It suits client visits, weddings and special weekends.

Drive it on your own roads

Rent the Z3 first, and buy only if it fits your life. If it is in our fleet, rent it; if not, a similar car gives you a feel for the class. Load it with your things and park it where you park; then decide.

Running costs

Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary. Tires, brakes and batteries are the regular costs to budget for beyond fuel. The EPA estimates US$3,475 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices.

Year and trim

A newer year is not always better; check what changed before paying more for it. Within the 1997 lineup, trims share powertrains or differ in equipment; the trim pages show which. Write down the VIN of any car you consider; it unlocks the recall and service history.

Let us know

Send a request to rent the model first, or ask us what we can do.

Rent it for a week before you buy

A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel. Rent a 1997 BMW Z3 from us first.

Rent the 1997 BMW Z3Request a rental

Ask us about the 1997 BMW Z3

Tell us your budget and when you want to buy; we look for a 1997 BMW Z3 for you and reply within one business day.

CarmaCars is not a lender, dealer or lessor, and does not arrange financing or leases. We rent cars, and sell one only when it is listed for sale on this page with its price.

Buying the 1997 BMW Z3

Does CarmaCars sell the 1997 BMW Z3?

Not right now. CarmaCars rents cars; it sells one only now and then. Tell us what you want and we look for one, or rent one for a week first.

Can I rent a 1997 BMW Z3 before I buy one?

Yes. Request it for a week (or longer, up to 365 days) and drive it as your own; nothing is charged until we confirm and you approve.

Does the 1997 BMW Z3 have recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for it, in the table on this page. Ask for proof each was fixed.

What does the 1997 BMW Z3 cost in fuel a year?

EPA puts it at US$3,475 a year for 15,000 miles at its fuel prices; at our price setting, 20,000 km cost about $3500.00.

Where do the figures come from?

Fuel use and fuel cost from the US EPA (fueleconomy.gov), dimensions and weight from NHTSA vPIC Canadian specifications, recalls and complaints from NHTSA. We leave out any figure no free source publishes.