1997 BMW Z3
This classic 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8i offers an exciting blend of sporty performance and timeless style, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a used convertible in South Africa. Impeccably maintained, this used BMW Z3 Roadster stands out with its iconic design and driving pleasure, making it a sought-after choice for affordable luxury.
Powered by a 2.8L petrol engine with 192 Hp and a manual transmission, this BMW Z3 delivers dynamic performance while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. With just over 146,000 km, it features a stylish two-door cabriolet body, two comfortable seats, and a sporty feel. Its practical features suit both daily drives and weekend adventures.
Located in Bakoven, Cape Town, this BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8i is available for test drives and competitive prices. Buyers can explore finance deals and compare prices easily on our marketplace. Contact us today to buy or schedule a visit for this iconic convertible for sale in Western Cape.
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BMW Z3
BMW’s Z3 sits in a curious spot on the South African used market, tugging at the nostalgia nerve with a price tag that, on paper at least, makes it look like a bargain next to the Mazda MX-5 or Porsche Boxster. But the reality? There’s just one Z3 for sale at R199,995, and that’s your lot. Choice isn’t part of the deal. You get what’s there: a 2.8i six-cylinder, manual gearbox, and the sort of old-school charm you don’t find in modern showrooms. That’s the appeal, because the Z3 was always about emotion over logic. There’s no long list of options, no haggling over spec. You want it or you don’t. The example up for grabs is a 1997 Roadster 2.8i with 146,434 km showing, which sounds steep until you remember it’s a 27-year-old sports car and, if it’s been serviced properly, that matters more than a low odo. BMW’s M52 straight-six made 142 kW here, and paired with a manual ‘box, it’s what the Z3 should have been from the start. You’re not buying one of these to chase numbers or because it’s the logical choice. You want the long bonnet, the top-down drives to Hartbeespoort, and the way that inline-six makes you feel. Against the featherweight MX-5, the Z3 is heavier and more dated, but there’s a richness to that big six that Mazda’s four-pot can’t match. For less than R200k, patience and a proper inspection are non-negotiable. This isn’t a car you buy with your head.
BMW
BMW occupies a sweet spot in the South African psyche — aspirational, sure, but familiar enough that you’ll pass a handful on your daily crawl down the N1. You’re buying into more than just the badge; there’s genuine engineering under the bonnet, and that matters. BMW’s lineup here runs wide: 349 cars listed, spanning everything from a battle-scarred 1 Series at R54,500 to an X5 M at a jaw-dropping R4,499,999, which most of us will only ever gawk at on AutoTrader. The heart of the market? R479,995 is your median, and that’s where you’ll find late-model, mid-spec examples with a few choice options ticked when they were new. Only one fresh-off-the-boat example is listed. On paper at least, BMW’s real story in Mzansi is being written in the second-hand market. You can’t talk BMW without talking 3 Series. It’s everywhere — 82 listings priced from that low R54,500 mark all the way to nearly R2 million. That’s a spread that makes sense for why you see so many, and why it consistently outsells the rest. X3 and X5 SUVs are close behind, together accounting for 89 listings, which is no surprise given how quickly SA buyers have ditched sedans for high-riding practicality. SUVs now rule the roost with 134 listings, sedans lag at 73, and there’s still room for romantics, with 53 coupes. Expect mostly petrol and diesel, but hybrids and plug-ins are sneaking in, plus a smattering of EVs for the adventurous. What keeps BMW out front, especially against Audi, is the way the 3 Series still feels built for drivers first, status-seekers second — and that’s the point.
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1997 BMW Z3
Est. monthly payment:
R 0 p/m
Vredelust, Cape Town, Western Cape
BMW Z3 FAQs
Common questions about the BMW Z3 in South Africa.