From page 48 end is fess overt, except fora third rear brake sight which has been carved into the trunk- lid. And the wide Michelin Pilot 225/50ZR- 16 radials mounted on prominent five-spoke alloy wheels add significantly to the car’s strong, flashy image. The Z3 gets noriced wherever you go. If you don't mind being stared at, you'll like the Z3, but if you want to pick up your morning coffee at McDonalds without being the centre of attention, you may want to took for something more conservative. Handling is one of the Z3’s best qualities. The Z3’s piatform, featuring independent suspension and rear-wheel-drive layout, is borrowed from the 3-series sedan. However, the Z3 has a shorter wheelbase and a tighter curb weight than the 3-series, making it feel more nimble and manoeuvrable. With a 50/50 front/rear weight distribu- tion and low, wide stance, the Z3 has tremendous stability and balance, particularly during braking. Four wheel dise brakes with ABS are standard. The Z3’s power-assisted rack and pinion » pgieering is light and quick, and the five-speed manual gearbox has a precise, well-oiled feel. A four-speed automatic is available as an option. Under that macho hood, is the 3181's 133 horsepower, 1.9-litre twin cam four- cylinder engine. This is a wonderfully smooth, high-revving engine, but it’s not a powerhouse. It pushes the 23 from U to 100 km-h (62 m.p.h.) in 9.3 seconds, which is rm 2 about as fast as a Honda Civic, and certainly not as fast as this car looks. Fuel economy is good though: 10.4 liters per 100 kilometres (27 m.p.g.) in the city; and 7.0 1/100 kms (40 m.p.g.) on the high- way, The manual top is easy to put up and down by releasing two windshield-header clips and flipping it back. A soft boot-cover clips into place over the folded-down top. The convertible top has a plastic rear win- duw that comes without an electric defroster, This could prove a problem on wet, humid days when the rear window fogs up and visi- bility is impeded. The Z3's interior is handsome, sporty, and simple in its design. Large, round instru- ments are shaded by a round cowl and most of the controls are in rhe centre console area, and are simple and easy to use. The con- toured seats have an integral head restraint for maximum whiplash protection. Behind the seats are two, small lockable storage compartments — very useful for storing valuables when the top is down. Standard equipment includes central door-locking, dual airbags, power windows, power four-way driver's seat and two-way passenger seat, AM/FM cassette stereo, and outside temperature display. BMW has plans to put their 2.8-litre inline six-cylinder engine in the Z3 next Spring, and a high-performance M version of the Z3 will follow in the Fall of next vear. That should put to rest any criticism’s of the Z3’s acceleration — but look for a con- siderably higher price tag. MERCEDES BENZ OWNERS If you wish to sell your vehicle directly to Mercedes Benz or if you would like a current evaluation of your vehicle, please contact the Sales Manager at your convenience. at LAN: $0 DOWN|DOWN [DOWN | fs per month 24:MONTH Lease: A'l payments based o Gir cuneate IES XSATaECPEIaeE _ Coupe $4,824, $7008, $6112 Saturn, per mont (24: MONTHS: $0 | DOWN | per month @:MONTHS 41 24: SL2 $4,776, $6960, $8040. Taxes extra. SAO as RN OER A . THE following people recently appeared in North Shore courts in connection with drink- ing and driving related offences: Erik Cameron Trianee, 21, of Garibaldi, was fined $400 and had his driver's licence suspended for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to impaired. \ FINANCING FROM 9% $19,988 for $285/meeo.-!) | '97 JEEP TJ Sc. 8 Center console, sound bar, body side siops, anvim sasseiio, deluxe tie package. Speciali: aes Heath Ryan MacKenzie- Moore, 20, of Sechelt, was fined $500 and had his dri- ver's licence suspended for 2 months afier he pleaded guilty to impaired. eee Robert Henry Weismiller, 47, of Bowser, B.C., was jailed 9} days and had his driver's licence suspended for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to impaired. eee William Victor Ritchie, 48, of Campbell River, was jailed six inonths and had his dri- ver’s licence suspended for three years after he pleaded guilyy to driving with a blood alcohol level greater than .08. eo Bruce Letendre, 33, of Surrey, was fined $600 and had (a 12-month driver's licence suspension after he pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol level greater than .08. ‘Onis’ - 5.2 L Va, tow package, leather Interior, vp-courntry suspension, loaded, stk# 96- 7O77 $39,888 or $490/mo.:2) 190 HP, 4 litre engino, air cond., canter consoles, am/im casselto, tinted windows eee Michael James Abel, 22, of North Vancouver, was fined $400 and had his dri- ver’s licence suspended for three months for driving with a blood aleahol level greater than .08. oes Jason Peterson, 25, of North Vancouver, was fined $300 and had his driver's licence suspended for six months for driving with a blood alcohol level over 08. eoe Stephen Daniel Lukyn, 31, of Campbell River, was jailed 30 days, prohibited from driving for 18 months and received 12 months’ probation after he pleaded guilty to impaired. eee Brian Douglas Coyle, 38, of North Vancouver, was fined $450 and had his driver's licence suspended for 12 months after he was found guilty of impaired. Ruar spoiler, 14° wheel t packages, anvim cassatte, dual § 1 air bags, stk# 96-221* $12,983 or $229/meo.:s) Auto, alloy wheata, air cand., am/étm cassetla & more stkt 96-1704 $19,749 or $29S/me.-1) - IOAC RET sts For Over 20 Years .