Are older Z3's garbage?

[GeauxLSU]

I'm confused. I have no desire to own one (my one BMW experience was enough) but I recently noticed the price of older (late 90s-00s) Z3s and they are priced similar to Miatas (which I wouldn't have guessed) and obviously less than half of S2000's.
So what gives? Is there a specific issue(s) with them?
Examples. https://atlanta.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=bmw+z3&sort=rel&min_price=2000&max_price=5000

 

[sparked1]

Miatas have a following, as do S2000s and that makes them desirable. Older Z3s have a folowing too, as do older BMWs, as in owners are constantly following them to a repair shop.

 

[walkerinatl]

They basically are Miatas, but 2x the cost to repair - and 2x the frequency, from what I have been told.

 

[ECJ62]

Only own a BMW if it is under a factory warranty. Words to live by.

 

[Joker82]

Only own a BMW if it is under a factory warranty. Words to live by.

Amen on that!

 

[GeauxLSU]

So what y'all are saying is.... you get what you pay for?

 

[letusbuyyourcar]

Outer door handle broke on a 95 3 series convertible that belonged to a friend of mine. The quote for fixing it from an average non BMW shop was $950.00. I have never owned a Z3 or other BMW. It I have owned a first gen Miata. Not nearly enough room in either one.

 

[bambam]

I looked at a Z3 when they first came out. I left laughing at the size of the motor.

 

[GeauxLSU]

I looked at a Z3 when they first came out. I left laughing at the size of the motor.

Agreed but the 2.8 isn't the slowest turtle in the pond.

 

[bambam]

Correct. there is nothing like adding another liter. 1.8 + 1 = 2.8.

1.8 L engines featured 114 hp and 168 Nm of torque, giving a 0-60-mph time of around 10 seconds