History & Spec

Manufacturer: BMW
Production: September 1995 June 2002
Assembly: United States: South Carolina
Designer: Joji Nagashima

Body and chassis
Class: Sports car (S)
Body style: 2-door roadster
                  2-door fastback coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related: BMW 3 Series (E36)

Powertrain
Engine: 1.8 L M43 I4
            1.9 L M44 I4
            2.0 L 2.8 L M52 I6 (petrol)
            2.2 L M54 B22 (petrol)
            2.5 L 3.0 L M54 I6
            3.2 L S50 I6
            3.2 L S52 I6
            3.2 L S54 I6

Transmission
The available transmissions are:
5-speed ZF S5-31 manual (Z3 2.8 / 3.0i / Z3M)
5-speed Getrag 250 manual (Z3 1.8 / 1.9i / 2.0 / 2.2i / 2.5)
5-speed ZF 5HP19 automatic (Z3 3.0i)
5-speed GM 5L40-E automatic (Z3 2.2i / 2.5)
4-speed GM 4L30-E automatic (Z3 1.9 / 2.0 / 2.5 / 2.8)

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 2,446 mm (96 in)
Length: 4,025 mm (158.5 in)
Width: 1,692 mm (66.6 in)
Height: 1,293 mm (50.9 in) (E36/7)
1,306 mm (51.4 in) (E36/8)
Curb weight: 1,1601,400 kg (2,5573,086 lb)

Chronology
Predecessor: BMW Z1
Successor: BMW Z4 (E85)

Models
The 4-cylinder models feature a single tailpipe, while 6-cylinder models have dual tailpipes, wheelarch flares (for pre-facelift models), and a revised front bumper. The 2.3 and 2.5 models were sold exclusively in the United States, while the 1.8, 2.0, and 2.2i models were not available.

Model year changes (non-US)
1997
M Roadster and M Coupé models introduced to the public.
BMW Individual introduced to Z3 models.
1998
Coupé models introduced.
Wood trim and a power soft top were added as options.
Rollover hoops introduced.
Automatic stability control (ASC) became standard equipment on 1.9 models.
Hardtop shell option for Z3 models introduced.
1999 facelift
Production for facelift models began in April 1999. Z3M models did not receive the exterior styling changes. Major changes include:
Exterior design changes including: redesigned chrome ring headlights and L-shaped taillights, wider rear track by 2.5 in (64mm) (now the same across 4 and 6-cylinder models), model designation badges, finger indent for trunk release button, integrated third brake light (with silver lights on 2.8 and 3.0i models), chrome exhaust tips and new wheel designs.
Interior design changes including: redesigned centre console buttons with a clock in the middle and a new three-spoke steering wheel design.
Engine changes including: 2.0 replaced by 2.2i, 2.3 replaced by 2.5 (US only), 2.8 replaced by 3.0i. All Z3M models changed to S54 engine.
Electronic stability control upgraded from ASC to new DSC system.
New three-layer insulation convertible roof with headlining.
Dual-stage side airbags introduced.
2000
DSC now integrated with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) functions.

Model Year Changes (US)
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1996
Narrow-body Z3 Roadster released with 1.9L M44 I4 engine
1997
Wide-body Z3 Roadster released with 2.8L aluminum-block I6 M52B28 engine
1998
M Roadster released with 3.2L I6 S52B32 from E36 M3
1999
4-cylinder narrow-body Z3 Roadster dropped
M52 engine replaced with the E46's dual-vanos M52TUB28 ("Z3 2.8") and M52TUB25 ("Z3 2.3")
Z3 2.8 Coupe released with I6 M52TUB28 engine
M Coupe released with I6 S52B32 engine
2000
New rear end styling on Z3 (non-M) Roadsters
New center console on Z3 (non-M) Roadsters
2001
M52TU replaced with I6 M54B30 ("Z3 3.0i") and M54B25 ("Z3 2.5i")
S52B32 replaced with I6 S54B32 from E46 M3
New center console on Z3 (non-M) Coupes
2002
No significant changes

Z3M versions
See also: BMW M Coupe § E36/8 M Coupe, and BMW M Roadster § Z3 M Roadster (1998-2002)
The Z3M versions were introduced in 1997 in the roadster (M Roadster) and coupé (M Coupé) body styles. European models were initially powered by the S50 engine, while North American models were powered by the S52 engine. In 2000, all Z3 models switched to the S54 engine. Models were only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Compared to the standard Z3, M models featured a limited slip differential, a wider rear track, and larger brakes (that are shared with the E36 M3). Z3M models have more aerodynamic wing-mirrors, redesigned front and rear bumpers, revised side gill, 17-inch wheels, quad exhausts, and engine and oil temperature gauges in the center console.
Unlike the rest of the Z3 range, the Z3M did not receive cosmetic changes during the facelift in 2000.

The E36/7/8 BMW Z3 is the second generation of the BMW Z range of two-seater sports cars, produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:

2-door roadster (E36/7 model code)
2-door coupé (E36/8 model code)

The E36/7 was based on the E36 3 Series platform, while using the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design of the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced BMW Z Series car.

Z3M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Production ended on June 28, 2002, with the Z3 line replaced by the Z4.

Key to Notes
Most vehicles: PCD 5x120 Bore 72.5mm Bolts M12x1.5-17
E39: PCD 5x120 Bore 74.0mm Bolts M12x1.5-17
E10/E21/E30/Z1: PCD 4x100 Bore 57.0mm Bolts M12x1.5-17
R50/R53: PCD 4x100 Bore 56.0mm Bolts M12x1.5-17
R56: PCD 4x100 Bore 56.1mm Bolts M14x1.25-17
E83/E65: PCD 5x120 Bore 72.5mm Bolts M14x1.5-17
E53: PCD 5x120 Bore 72.5mm Bolts M14x1.5-19
E70: PCD 5x120 Bore 74.0mm Bolts M14x1.25-19

1.   Reworking the rear wheel housing may be necessary (rolling the inside edge)
2.   Reworking the rear wheel housing is required (rolling the inside edge).
3.   Reworking the bumper panelling in the region of the wheel arch.
4.   Drawing out the rear wheel arches
5.   Repainting the rear wheel arches may be necessary.
6.   Pay attention to sufficient clearance in the front wheel housing (if necessary, rework the panelling of the wheel
      housing).
7.   Ensure a minimum clearance of 5 mm between the tire and the spring plate.
8.   A steering limiter is required.
9.   Only in conjunction with a spacer on each side of the rear axle.
10. Only in conjunction with a spacer on each side of the front axle.
11. Only in conjunction with a spacer on each side of the front and rear axle.
12. Ensure to cover the tire tread sufficiently on side of the front axle.
13. Ensure to cover the tire tread sufficiently on each side of the rear axle.
14. Verification of speedometer required
15. Not suitable for 330i (E90 / E91)
16. Uses M14x1.5/60 bolts