Like a masked hero, the seats in this Nice Price or No Dice BMW sport black covers. The question remains whether the cost of this neat but imperfect roadster lands as reasonable or feels like an overcharge.

When picturing Goths, most imagine high-schoolers clad in black with heavy makeup who dread physical education. That rebellious crowd actually draws its name from ancient Germanic tribes that helped end the Roman Empire in the fifth century. Those same people inspired Gothic architecture, which replaced Romanesque designs across medieval Europe.

The 1994 Mercedes-Benz E 320 Cabriolet reviewed earlier this week delivered enduring German elegance that still turns heads three decades later. Its $15,499 price drew strong support, earning a 62 percent Nice Price verdict.

No wrong answers?

After enjoying yesterday's German convertible, we continue the theme with another from BMW. While many point to the Mazda Miata for every roadster need, this 1999 BMW Z3 2.8 represents the Bavarian brand's own reply to that popular model.

Launched in 1996, the compact two-seater became the first volume-production vehicle to wear the Z badge. BMW decided to sell the Z3 in the United States and even built them at its Spartanburg, South Carolina factory. Early four-cylinder versions gave way to straight-six power, later joined by higher-output M variants, though the chassis sometimes struggles with the extra performance.

In the middle

This Boston Green example with tan and black leather sits squarely in the middle of the range, powered by a 2.8-liter M52 inline-six paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Factory ratings list 190 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The seller reports consistent service and a recent fluid refresh ahead of the 100,000-mile mark, with the car currently showing 94,000 miles. Everything remains stock except for an aftermarket stereo head unit.

The car presents well in photos. The metallic green paint complements the tan soft top and Style 42 wheels fitted with newer Z-rated tires. Minor paint scratches appear, consistent with age and use, but nothing major shows in the images.

Wear and tear

Being an older vehicle, some issues have surfaced. The convertible top mechanism no longer works, requiring manual operation, though the seller notes the top is light and easy to manage. The glove-box door also fails to latch properly on one side, a common Z3 complaint with ready fixes available.

Inside, black aftermarket seat covers protect the original tan leather, which appears sound in provided photos. The only other change is the aftermarket radio. Original manuals, service records, and a clean title accompany the car.

A family affair

The seller acquired the car from a grandfather who bought it new and kept it in Southern California, leaving it free of rust. It now sits in Boise, Idaho, priced at $7,500 after the seller researched comparable sales. Still, outside opinions can help judge the value.

What do you think of this Z3 at the $7,500 asking price? Does the condition and description support the figure, or should the car stay in the family?

You decide!

Boise, Idaho, Craigslist listing.

Share your Nice Price or No Dice thoughts by emailing robemslie@gmail.com with fixed-price suggestions and your commenter name.