BMW Z3

The BMW Z3 was the first modern roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first BMW model assembled in the United States. It was introduced as a 1996 model year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie, GoldenEye. There have been a few variants of the car since completing its production run in 2002, including a coupe version for 1999. It is manufactured and assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Z3 was replaced by the BMW Z4 in 2004.

The Z3 was developed from the E36 platform of the 3 Series. The resulting platform is sometimes referred to as the E36/7.

North American versions were available with several different motors:

• 1.9 L M44B19 I4, 138 hp (1996-1998)
• 2.3 L I6 (1997-2000)
• 2.8 L M52B28 I6 (1997-2000)
• 3.2 L S52B32 I6 (1998-2000)
• 2.5 L M52B25 I6 (2001-2002)
• 3.0 L M52B30 I6 (2001-2002)
• 3.2 L S54B32 I6 (2001-2002)

M Roadster

From 1998 to 2002, the Motorsports division of BMW produced the M Roadster which included suspension upgrades and the engine from the BMW M3. The 1998, 1999 and 2000 M roadster had the 3.2L S52 motor from the E36 M3 into it with quad exhaust. The 2001 and 2002 models had the S54 motor from the E46 M3. There were also interior upgrades with additional gagues in the center console, lighted "M" shift knob, various chrome bits throughout the cockpit and sport seats as standard equipment. Exterior changes were larger wheels spaced further apart and a more aggressive fenders than were installed on the regular Z3. Hardtops were available as an option.

Coupe

In addition to the roadster version of the Z3, BMW also released a coupe featuring a chassis-stiffening rear hatch area. The coupe was available as the Z3 Coupe from 1999 to 2001 or as the BMW Motorsport-enhanced M Coupe from 1999 to 2002.

The Z3 Coupes were only available with the largest 6-cylinder engine offered in the Z3 roadster: the 2.9 L in 1999 and 2000 and the 3.0 L in 2001. The 1999 and 2000 M models were equipped with the S52 motor from the E36 BMW M3, while the 2001 and 2002 models came with the S54 motor from the E46 BMW M3.

Awards

The M Coupe/M Roadster made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1999.

External Links

• BMW USA is the corporate site for BMW USA.
• DTM Power is a BMW enthusiast site.
• Z3.roadfly.org is the biggest online Z3 community.
• z3roadster.com is an enthusiast site showcasing the Z3, Z3 Coupe, M Roadster, and M Coupe.
• BMW World - Z3 is an information page on the Z3 provided by bmwworld.com.
• BMW Z3 @ CarDomain is a large collection of pictures from owners.