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

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
| Spec | Powertrain 1 | Powertrain 2 | Powertrain 3 | Powertrain 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.9L 4-cylinder | 1.9L 4-cylinder | 2.8L 6-cylinder | 2.8L 6-cylinder |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Premium gas | Premium gas | Premium gas | Premium gas |
| City | 11.8 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 13.8 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km |
| Highway | 8.1 L/100 km | 8.3 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km |
| Combined | 10.0 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km |
| CO₂ | 235 g/km | 240 g/km | 276 g/km | 291 g/km |
| Cost to drive 100 km | $17.50 | $17.85 | $20.65 | $21.70 |
1997 BMW Z3: every figure
| Figure | Powertrain 1 | Powertrain 2 | Powertrain 3 | Powertrain 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.9 L | 1.9 L | 2.8 L | 2.8 L |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| MPG city (US) | 20 | 20 | 17 | 16 |
| MPG highway (US) | 29 | 29 | 25 | 23 |
| MPG combined (US) | 24 | 23 | 20 | 19 |
| MPG combined (Imperial) (converted from the US figure) | 29 | 28 | 24 | 23 |
| Fuel cost a year (EPA) (EPA: 15,000 miles at its fuel prices) | US$3,475 | US$3,550 | US$4,100 | US$4,350 |
| Fuel cost for 20,000 km (at $1.75 a litre for premium) | $3,500 | $3,570 | $4,130 | $4,340 |
| Dimension | Z3 2.8 Roadster | Z3 Roadster 2.8 | Z3 Roadster 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4.03 m (159 in) | 4.05 m (159 in) | 4.05 m (159 in) |
| Width | 1.69 m (67 in) | 1.74 m (69 in) | 1.74 m (69 in) |
| Height | 1.29 m (51 in) | 1.29 m (51 in) | 1.29 m (51 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2.45 m (96 in) | 2.45 m (96 in) | 2.45 m (96 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,290 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.
| Campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97V131000 | 1997-08-19 | vehicle speed control | THE 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.
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.
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.