BMW Z3 is a cult model that debuted in 1996 as the successor to the Z1. Although it didn’t initially gain as much popularity as some other models, it is now highly regarded among car enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at the used BMW Z3 market, considering the European, American, and Japanese markets. We’ll also touch on the estimated costs of importing a car from these regions and the potential issues you might encounter with a used vehicle. This version is designated as E36/7, indicating its shared platform with the 3 Series. In April 1999, a facelift was introduced, along with engine changes: the 2.0 was replaced by the 2.2i, the 2.8 by the 3.0i, and in the US, the 2.3 gave way to the 2.5.
American Market
In the United States, the BMW Z3 was produced until 2002. It’s important to pay attention to service history and mileage to make a good choice – unfortunately, many listed cars require repairs, which ultimately affects the cost of getting the car “up and running” after importation. Notably, the Z3M versions in the US feature the S52B32 engine, which is a 3.2-liter inline-six but with significantly lower power at 240 HP. Finding versions with over 300 HP can be much more challenging, and if you do find one, you’ll feel it in the price. Key engine designations to look for are S50B32 (321 HP), S54B32 (325 HP), and S54B32 (315 HP).
Japanese Market
The Japanese used car market is known for its meticulous maintenance and low mileage. BMW Z3s imported from Japan can be an attractive choice for brand enthusiasts. Prices depend on the condition of the car, but you can expect them to be higher than in the European market, especially when combined with transportation costs. However, it is worth investing in a low-mileage example with complete service documentation. Unlike imports from the US, Japanese cars can be in excellent condition. Similar to the US, there is an issue with the availability of Z3M, but in any version. The most popular are the 2.2-liter versions (an inline-six) with 170 HP (arguably the best engine of all available, excluding the European Z3M versions).
European Market
Used BMW Z3 cars are available in various engine and equipment versions on the European market. Prices depend on the technical condition, mileage, and year of production. However, it’s worth remembering that for 2000 euros, it’s hard to expect a perfect example, so it’s worth investing a bit more to avoid issues related to the car’s condition. The upper price limit here reaches over 50,000 EUR. Here you will also find those interested in the ample availability of Z3s with two characteristics (sometimes combined): the real availability of Z3M with engines over 320 HP and/or examples with extremely low mileage, which can be described as in factory condition. At the time of writing this article, I found an offer for 65,000 EUR for a BMW Z3M with a 321 HP S50B32 and a mileage of only 23,000 KM, which will increase in value each year.
Price Ranges for BMW Z3 Roadsters by Engine Version
Due to the age of these cars, the market mostly has well-maintained examples. We can divide them into three groups based on engine versions:
- Group 1: Four-cylinder engines, 1.8L (119 HP) and 1.9L (140 HP)
- Group 2: Six-cylinder engines including the USA version of the BMW Z3M with 240 HP
- Group 3: Z3M with engine power ranging from 315 to 325 HP (mostly available only in Europe)
Price Table
| Region | Group 1 (Four-cylinder engines) | Group 2 (Six-cylinder engines) | Group 3 Z3M (Over 300 HP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $5,000 – $7,000 | $10,000 – $32,000 | Almost not available |
| Europe | €3,000 – €5,000 | €6,000 – €23,000 | €30,000 – €70,000 |
| Japan | $6,000 – $8,000 | $9,000 – $22,000 | Almost not available |
Import Costs
Importing a car involves additional costs such as customs fees, transportation, technical inspection, and potential repairs. The approximate import costs can be estimated based on current rates and procedures. The market is full of companies offering comprehensive import services from various directions.
Importing a Car from Europe to the USA:
| Cost | Description | Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport to the port in Europe | The cost of delivering the car to a European port (e.g., Rotterdam) can be around 790 USD. | 200-790 USD |
| Freight to the USA | The price of shipping from Europe to the USA depends on the route and carrier. On average, it can range from 1500 to 3000 dollars. | 1500–3000 USD |
| Insurance | Insurance for sea transport is an additional cost. It’s advisable to insure the vehicle against potential damage during transit. | 100–300 USD |
| Customs Duty | Upon arrival in the USA, the car is subject to a customs duty. The duty is approximately 2.5% of the car’s purchase value. | 2.5% * 10000 = 250 USD |
| Total | 2140–6250 USD |
Importing a Car from Japan to the USA:
| Cost | Description | Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport to the port in Japan | The cost of delivering the car to a Japanese port can range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the location and transport company. | 500–3000 USD |
| Freight to the USA | The price of shipping from Japan to the USA depends on various factors, such as the type of vehicle, route, season, carrier, and more. On average, it can range from 1000 to 3000 dollars. | 1000–3000 USD |
| Insurance | Insurance for sea transport is an additional cost. It’s advisable to insure the vehicle against potential damage during transit. | 100–300 USD |
| Customs Duty | Upon arrival in the USA, the car is subject to a customs duty. The duty is approximately 2.5% of the car’s purchase value. | 2.5% * 10000 = 250 USD |
| Total | 1850–6550 USD |
Importing a Car from Japan to Europe:
| Cost | Description | Value (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport to the port in Japan | The cost of delivering the car to a Japanese port can range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the location and transport company. | 450–2700 EUR |
| Freight to Europe | The price of shipping from Japan to Europe depends on various factors, such as the type of vehicle, route, season, carrier, and more. On average, it can range from 900 to 2700 dollars. | 900–2700 EUR |
| Insurance | Insurance for sea transport is an additional cost. It’s advisable to insure the vehicle against potential damage during transit. | 90–270 EUR |
| Customs Duty | Upon arrival in Europe, the car is subject to a customs duty. In Germany, the duty is 10% of the car’s value. | 10% * 10000 = 1000 EUR |
| Total | 2440–6670 EUR |
What Could Go Wrong?
I have good and bad news. The bad news is that Z3s are already old and can have their problems – the good news is that in most cases, the well-maintained examples are already on the second-hand market, and what was supposed to break has already been repaired, and those that were beyond repair have already disappeared from the market. I would like to encourage a very cautious approach, especially towards cheaper examples – there are still sellers wanting to get rid of a problem.
Problems
- Oil Leaks from the Engine: Valve cover gaskets in BMW Z3 models from 1996–2002 often leak after about 60,000 miles/100,000 km -> it’s worth inspecting the car from underneath to check for leaks. A freshly washed engine should also raise suspicion.
- Power Steering Fluid Leaks: This problem may not disqualify the purchase but is worth mentioning during negotiations. Fortunately, the leak occurs only on the power steering hoses, and replacing them usually solves the problem. The hose costs up to $100. Nevertheless, neglecting this issue is probably one of the most dangerous… you might not be able to steer on a turn.
- Coolant Leaks: This is one of the main reasons for selling problematic Z3s. Neglecting engine cooling triggers a domino effect. I once bought an E34 with this exact problem. The engine required a complete overhaul. Such BMWs are usually written off.
Summary of Buying a BMW Z3
In this budget, there is a lot to choose from. You can easily buy a BMW Z4, not just the first generation. Additionally, direct competition includes the Mercedes-Benz SLK of the first and second generations, as well as a Mazda or even two if your budget allows for a Z3M with over 300 HP. And that’s just the beginning of the list… Nevertheless, we want to buy a Z3. As I mentioned earlier, if we are looking at more standard versions (engine-wise), I particularly recommend the 2.2i (170 HP) produced in 2000-2002 after the facelift (this is the European version). We already have an inline-six, excellent sound, still a fairly lightweight engine, refreshed, often the end of production, and no roof! If you don’t decide on the local market and don’t need 300+ HP, get a car from Japan. If you buy a well-maintained Z3 and take good care of it yourself, Generally – it’s very likely you won’t be deceiving anyone by saying it’s an investment.
