History & Spec

The BMW Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first new BMW model assembled in the United States. (The very first BMW assembled in the US was the E36/4, 318i that rolled off the Plant Spartanburg assembly line beginning in October 1994.) The Z3 was introduced as a 1996 model year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie, GoldenEye. There were a few variants of the car before its production run ended in 2002, including a coupé version for 1999. It was manufactured and assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Z3 was replaced by the BMW Z4 introduced in late 2002 at the Paris Auto Show.

The 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(coupé). The rear semi-trailing arm suspension from the E30 was used rather than the more sophisticated multilink suspension from the E36. At first, only the 1.9L M44B19 straight-4 engine was offered, but its 138hp (103kW) was not up to buyers' expectations. Interior appointments too were not up to the standard of other BMW models, and the plastic rear window looked poor compared to the glass unit found on the much less expensive 1999 Mazda MX5.

In the North American market, the inline-4 engine was complemented by a larger straight-6 engine in 1997: the 2.8L M52B28. This engine, similar to the BMW M52 in the 328i except with an all aluminum block and head, was especially desirable with its 189hp (141kW). The M Roadster (see below) appeared in 1998 with a 3.2L S52B32 (North America) or more powerful S50B32 (International) I6, just as the four was retired. In 1999, the 1.9 L 4-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.5L straight-6 M52TUB25, producing 170hp (130kW). Due to marketing, BMW wanted to differentiate the 2.8L engine from the 2.5L engine, so it was badged it 2.3 just like the 3-Series 323i, which also has a 2.5L engine.

Outside of North America, the 1.9L 4-cylinder was replaced with a 2.0L straight-6 in 1999.

All of the engines were replaced when the car was freshened for 2001. The range consisted of the 2.2L M54B22 (available outside of North America), 2.5L M54B25, 3.0L M54B30, and (for the M Roadster) 3.2L S54B32. All three of these straight-6 engines lasted through the end of the car's run in 2002. Also updated was the car's interior appointments, though the plastic window remained.

The Z3 proved quite reliable, with problems limited to bad oxygen sensors, a flimsy plastic water pump, and failing rear shock mounts. Recently problems with tearing of the differential mounting ears have been reported. With time the most common problems were rocking seats and water leaks on the roof. With its popular retro styling, the Z3s have held their value fairly well in the resale market.

1997 - Traction control; 1998 - Rollover bars; 1999 - Side airbags; 2000 - Revised tail styling; 2001 - Dynamic Brake Control.

BMW 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 international 1998, 1999 and 2000 M roadster had the 3.2L S50 motor from the E36 M3 with quad exhausts. The North American models for this time frame had the less powerful S52 engine. The 2001 and 2002 models all had the S54 motor from the E46 M3. There were also interior upgrades with additional gauges 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 more aggressive fenders than were installed on the regular Z3. Hardtops were available as an option. The BMW Z3 M was succeeded by the BMW Z4 M.

In addition to the roadster version of the Z3, BMW also released a coupé featuring a chassis-stiffening rear hatch area, though the Shooting-brake styling this gave was controversial. The coupé was available as the Z3 Coupé from 1999 to 2001 or as the BMW Motorsport-enhanced M Coupé from 1999 to 2002.
The Z3 coupés were only available with the largest 6-cylinder engine offered in the Z3 roadster: the 2.8L in 1999 and 2000 and the 3.0L in 2000 for Europe and in 2001 for the US. The 1999 and 2000 M models were equipped with the 3.2 L [[[BMW_S50#S50B32|S50]] (S52 for North America) motor from the E36 BMW M3, while all the 2001 and 2002 models came with the S54 motor from the E46 BMW M3.

James Bond, as played by Pierce Brosnan in the film GoldenEye, drove a BMW Z3. The car is described by Q as having stinger missiles mounted behind the headlights, all points radar system with display, a self destruct system and is shown to have a parachute Braking system. However, none of these gadgets are actually utilized in the film.

In the music video for the 'N Sync song "Bye Bye Bye" there is a scene where the girl is chasing the two men while driving. Her car was a Z3 while the other two were Dodge Vipers.

A Z3 is seen in Bollywood blockbuster Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai's famous song Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and in RACE (Bollywood movie).
This car is also seen in the movie Scream 3.

A Z3M Roadster was showcased in Armageddon.
A Z3M Roadster is one of the close crowd cars in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Nina Oliver (Nana Osanai in the original Japanese version), a supermodel character in Case Closed: The Fourteenth Target, drives a right-hand-drive Z3 (quite recklessly). The car actually played an indirect role in the plot of the film; it was an accident caused by Nina's reckless driving that ultimately lead the murderer to his serial killings.

In the 2001 BMW series of short films called The Hire, Season 1 Episode 3 "The Follow", Adriana Lima is driving a BMW Z3 while being followed by the Driver (played by Clive Owen).

In the kent song Socker (Sugar) they mention a Z3 in the second verse. "Gäst ikväll är Jesus//Han har kickat heroin//Han läppjar på sitt glas//Och Ramlösa blir vin//Han berättar om sina vapen//Sin tid i San Tropez//Om att ge sig själv en chans//Om sin nya Z3//I en värld av idioter//Står han första han först i kön" (Translation: "Guest tonight is Jesus//He is high on heroin//He drinks from his glass//And Sparkling water turns to wine//He's talking about his guns//His time in San Tropez//About giving yourself a chance//About his new Z3//In a world of idiots//He stands first in line").

In the anime Ayashi no Ceres, Tooya drove a blue BMW Z3 when he worked for Mikage International. It appears that his car's radio has an integrated telephone--it was demonstrated in one occasion, when he received a call from his boss, Mr. Mikage, by pulling on a lever, and the call was played on the car's sound system. He was back then assigned to hunt down Aya Mikage, and two pieces of equipment were issued to him: one is the Z3, the other is a .45 pistol.
The Z3 is currently used in the KONI Challenge Series.

The BMW Z3 won the "Super Reggie" award for the best promotional marketing campaign of 1995. The campaign was co-sponsored by the United Artist unit of Credit Lyonnais and by BMW of North America. Efforts included James Bond Edition Z3's sold through the Neiman Marcus catalogue.

The BMW Z3 2.8 made Editor's Most Wanted Vehicle for 1999 Edmunds.com
The M Coupe/M Roadster made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1999.
The BMW 2000 Z3 2.8 made one of the most exotic cars list on fantasycars.com
The BMW 2000 2.3 made "The Best Overall Value of the Year" - "Base Sport" category winner by Intellichoice
AUTOMOBILE Magazine awarded the BMW M coupe its 1999 Design of the Year.

One of the most impressive areas of the current Z3 is its DOHC, 24-valve, 2.2-litre straight-six engine. Most engines can be caught out struggling 'off cam', but the Z3's 2.2 is always ready to deliver torque. It's wonderful double VANOS system (where both the inlet and exhaust camshaft angles are altered) ensures maximum efficiency the whole way through the rev range. There are no obvious points of peak torque or peak power, and the top-end remains so strong it's all too easy to bump into the 7000-rpm rev cut.

Add to this the Z3's electronic throttle control system and you've got an engine that's willing to react to even the smallest accelerator pedal movements.
Largely thanks to these features, the Z3's 2.2 is one of the sweetest engines we've ever driven. It sounds great, too, with regular pops through the exhaust on heavy decel.

The Z3's M54 engine runs DME (Digital Motor electronics) engine management tied to a hot-wire airflow meter, solid state ignition system and cylinder-specific knock sensing.

Power output is listed at 125kW at 6250 and 210Nm at 3500 rpm.

BMW claims the 5-speed manual Z3 can reach 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and it certainly feels capable - it's a stark contrast to the original 1.9-litre Z3's near-10 second effort...
Fuel economy by AS2877 standards are 10.5-litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.2 on the highway; our spirited road test averaged nearly 12-litres per 100 kilometres, however.
Note that it's recommended to fill the 51-litre fuel tank with premium unleaded (95 RON plus) - normal unleaded should be used only where premium is unavailable.

The immense flexibility of the 2.2-litre engine has a favourable effect on twisty road drives. The Z3's front-engine, rear-drive monocoque chassis reacts the throttle inputs, allowing very fine mid-corner adjustment to the car's attitude. Turn-in is reasonably sharp, and - because you sit toward the rear of the 2446mm wheelbase - any oversteer movement is quite noticeable. There's good grip, though, from the 225/50 tyres worn on 16 x 7-inch alloys.

Automatic Stability Control + Traction comes as standard to make the Z3 foolproof. Even with the ASC switched off, though, the Z3 gets its power and handles down very well.

The Z3's suspension tech sheet reveals there are MacPherson struts with lower L-arms and a ball-joint mounted swaybar used at the front, while the IRS employs good ol' semi-trailing arms, separate spring and dampers, anti-squat and dive geometry and a rubber mounted swaybar. Ride quality is about perfect - firmer than the average commuter vehicle, but supple enough to absorb speed humps and train crossings without rattling your teeth.

Interestingly, our test vehicle had been equipped with non-factory tyres and suffered massive tram lining. We can't be sure if the different brand tyres are the cause, but it's something to keep in mind if you ever buy a Z3 and it comes time to replace its shoes. Other than that, the power-assisted rack and pinion performs reasonably well despite a moderate amount of indirectness at the straight-ahead position.

Braking the 1320 kilogram show are ABS-controlled ventilated front discs with twin pot calipers and solid rear discs with single pot calipers. Stopping power is quite good and the system is extremely reactive to light pedal pressure.

Driving the Z3 for the first time may be a little daunting at first, depending what sort of vehicles you regularly drive. The accelerator is responsive, the brakes are sensitive and the clutch has a fast take-up. Expect to take a couple of kilometres to become accustomed.

Inside, the Z3 has a classic sports feel to it without being old-fashioned. There's Oregon leather sewn ver the seats, dash, door trims, gear knob boot and the steering wheel. The red/black combination seen here is just one of the colour combinations available. Timber panelling is also available as an option for those people into that sort of thing.

Mixed in for good measure are four airbags (twin front and side), power windows and mirrors, central locking, a 'stylish' analogue clock, cruise control, a single trip meter and air conditioning - no climate control. Another curious omission is an adjustable steering column; this, however, is largely made up for by the electric seat adjustment for the drive rand passenger. The seats are quite comfortable, but they can get a bit wearing over time - adjustable lumbar support is missing too. There's generous headroom when the seat is lowered, though the pedals are a bit of a stretch away for some shorter people. The driver's footrest is also poorly arranged.

Instrument wise, there's gauges for road speed, engine rpm, fuel level and coolant temperature status.

The sound system comprises a very business-like single CD/tuner as standard, which is wired to five speakers including a small woofer between the backrests. The system is easy to operate - though the bass, treble, fader and balance mode button is a bit fiddly - and sound quality is well up to standard. The woofer will overload if you drive it too hard, however.

A multi-disc stacker system is available as an option.
Storage throughout the cabin is a little tight. A net on the passenger's side of the transmission tunnel can be used to hold a street directory, the glove box is medium sized and there are only a few other small storage facilities - a small tray alongside each seat, pockets and ashtrays in the doors and a couple of cut-outs in the console, which are perfectly suited for mobile phones. Look hard and you still won't find a cup holder.

The BMW's rag top roof is not up to the standard it should be. It's 'semi-electric', whereby the occupants need to release two grab locks on the windscreen header rail and manually raise the roof a few inches. Only once the roof has been partially raised, the electric mechanism can be used to fold the top down and, later, to bring it back up. The electric roof switch, by the way, is awkwardly positioned at the rear of the centre console.

Another disappointment is the use of a plastic rear window. This not only creases after a bit of wear and tear, it also comes lacking a demister.
BMW has made good use of the limited space available rearward of the cabin. The boot is quite shallow and is a modest 165-litres in volume, but it's all useable thanks to a flat floor and easy accessibility. The boot is hinged with two pivot points, which allow the lid to be opened to a near-vertical angle. The 12-volt battery can be found hiding in the boot behind a trim cover, and there's a tool kit, emergency triangle and a small plastic storage bin in the right-hand side.

Looking up from your morning latte, the Z3 is a gorgeous vehicle to gaze upon - it's well proportioned and curvy, yet it's got just the right amount of aggression.

The rear arches are wider than those on original 1.9-litre Z3, the taillights maintain a similar look to the rest of the current BMW range and a third brake light is nicely integrated into the boot lid. The 2.2 badge on the boot lid should also be taken with some authority.

At the front, the dual reflector headlights have chrome rings, there's fog lights and the kidney grille has chrome shells.
Note that dual rollover bars have been located behind each seat since the 1999 Z3 update.

The Z3 is exceptionally well built. Paint quality is brilliant, panel fit is good and all materials used are top quality. The doors, bonnet and boot shut nicely and the switchgear and controls have good feel. Our test car, however - with around 25,000 kilometres - had a noisy driver's seatbelt retractor mechanism and a small section of the driver's seat was also slightly blackened due to the seatbelt rubbing. The operator told us he'd had absolutely no problems with this vehicle.

Protecting the Z3 is a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, including a 2-year warranty on paint, 6-years on corrosion, plus BMW's customer assurance program.

And now let's get down to it - cost...

Retailing for £56694.03 ($75,200) in 5-speed manual form, the 2.2-litre Z3 is not a cheap toy. It's more expensive than the Audi TT, Honda S2000, Saab 9-3 Turbo convertible and considerably more than the Alfa GTV twin-spark - even the top-line 162kW V6 version. Perhaps the nearest comparison, however, is the supercharged Mercedes SLK200K, which starts at a hefty £ 65288.61 ($86,600) - and then there's the Porsche Boxster, which steps onto the blocks at nearly 110k.

With some of its competition cheaper and some of it more expensive, the Z3 stacks up reasonably well in the marketplace. So, if you're after a prestige convertible with a bit of poke, the Z3 2.2 should not go overlooked - (Check out the 2.2 data on the next page, it is impressive) it is a very good all-round package. Forget what everyone says about the base model Z3s.
(Review courtesy AutoSpeed-Author: By Michael Knowling)

Even with the 1.8 and 1.9 these models are above average of most domestic cars on the road and one must also remember we are talking about two seaters, light weight with muscle, however some may argue they lack the 'umpf', it is really down to what is your comparison, if you drive a 2 litre or above then perhaps your opinion is valid based on perception, so get a Z3 with a 2 litre engine, upgrade rather than downgrade, especially if one wishes to judge the performance of the 1.8 and 1.9. The 1.8 and 1.9 Z3's are still performance cars and can out perform cars such as the Mazda M5 with their lower rated engines. Food for Thought!

Since June/July 2018 all Z3 models; (secondhand Market) are appreciating as it enters the 'Classic Sports Car' listings and has seen their value on the secondhand market quadruple e.g. in the UK, price in March 2018 saw 1.8 and 1.9 from around £1000 to £2500 +/-, due to popularity and positive press, as well as the enthusiast's banter, not to forget the hot weather, the trend has sent Z3 values up. New prices during July has seen the £1000- 2500 base value shoot up to £3000 +/-, the 2.0 from £1500 to £3500 +/-, 2.2 from 2400 to £4500 +/- 2.5/2.8 £3000 to £10000 +/- 3.0 £6000 to £15000 +/-. These increases in value will eventually average out, however, these prices are still rising as I write this review. It will be interesting to see what happens as we get closer to the winter months.....will value depreciate as people turn to the warmer cars with a solid roof? Continue to rise as a classic? Or will prices freeze; a little like the weather during the winter months and start off again as the new when summer gets under way again? Should be interesting to see. As a buyer it can be a difficult time, especially if you have saved for a while for a 3.0 or 2.8 at the beginning of the year and just reached your target, only to see it move drastically away, out of your price range, for some and people like me, totally....devastating!
Price Review NGW 23.07.18

It is now November 2018, the winter months are onto us and as one assumed; the prices for the 3.0, 2.8, 2.5, 2.2. 2.0, 1.9.1.8 have dropped slightly and can be affordable for those with tight purse strings again, fortunately for me the 2.2i is remaining at a respectable value and in my opinion, (only my opinion) is probably the better buy out of all the choices, for economy and general engine performance, (see above Specification) as well as the midway running costs. One must also note; these models are not getting younger and there are no new models of the Z3 to replace them, unless one goes over to the Z4, (personally not an option) at least not for now. This translates to the following, if one purchases a Z3, the mileage will continue to rise and this trend will continue for each consecutive year. So if one is going to purchase a Z3, one would suggest, engines with 6 cylinders, rather than the 4 and with lower mileage if one can find one. I have seen some lower mileage Z3 for sale, but these are at a price and they are becoming rare. Another point is based on authenticity. Try and keep the original engine from when it came off the production line, as this is normally recorded on the log book, keeping the original engine and serial numbers maintains the vehicle's value.

There are still new engines available for purchase, to replace the tired, or those that are beyond recovery, (not forgetting these engines have proven reliable and remains part of BMW's mainstay choice for newer models of vehicles coming out). If that is the route, some may wish to go down to keeping a vehicle on the road as this may be the only alternative other than a full engine rebuild. The rule of 'thumb' is to hang on to the original engine and one should not dismiss the full engine rebuild option, (registered) parts to the vehicle or at least use reconditioned components as not to detract from the vehicle's classic value can allow for a good performance; as if a new engine had been installed.
Update : Price review NGW 15.11.18