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.

"John" <aaa (AT) aaa (DOT) com> wrote

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.

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.


On Wed, 20 Oct 2004 01:24:03 +0100, "John" <aaa (AT) aaa (DOT) com> wrote:

"John" <aaa (AT) aaa (DOT) com> wrote

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

"Fred W." <Fred.Wills@'remove this to reply to' myrealbox.com> wrote in
message news:rIydnal1DNgR_evcRVn-oQ (AT) adelphia (DOT) com...

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

"Z3 Buttshot" <noway (AT) nohow (DOT) com> wrote

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/class...20856589196927
http://www.autoweek.com/images/class...86724233548349

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

"B. Sanders" <nospam (AT) nomail (DOT) tv> wrote

Sometimes I wish I had that kind of trunk space for my Z3!

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