| Year
(of specifications) |
1996
- 2002 |
| Engine(s) |
1.8,
1.9 4 cyl, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 6 cylinder |
| Transmission |
5
spd manual, 4 spd auto, RWD |
| Max
speed |
- |
| 0-60 |
- |
| Horsepower |
189
hp (2.8 inline 6 cylinder) |
| weight |
- |
The BMW Z3 was introduced in 1996 as the company's first mass-market
convertible sports car. It was an extremely popular model for
BMW, and over 40,000 were sold within 18 months of going on
sale.
At the time the Z3's styling was quite a head turner, and its
retro themed design has coped pretty well with the passage of
time. This has had the effect of keeping resale values relativley
high.
The Z3 was initialy offered with a 138 horsepower 1.9 4 cylinder
engine. But this was quickly complimented by an increased choice
in powerplants including more powerful straight-six units.
The BMW Z3 was developed from the E36 platform of the 3 Series.
The resulting platform is sometimes referred to as the E36/7(roadster)
or E36/8(coupe). The rear semi-trailing arm suspension from
the E30 was used rather than the more sophisticated multilink
suspension from the E36.
As a fun little roadster the BMW Z3 was in a market with many
other vehicles which were much cheaper and more entertaining.
The Mazda MX5 (Miata) for example. Although the Z3s build quality
and rust proofing was significantly better than most of its
competitors.
A much higher spec model with a 315 horsepower straight six
engine appeared in 2001 with the arrival of the Z3 M Roadster. But that's not really
a budget sports car!
Related external links:
BMW Z3 / Z3 M
owners site (zroadster.net)
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