BMW Z3
The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:
BMW Z3 | |
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Overview | |
Production | September 1995–June 2002 |
Assembly | United States: Spartanburg |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Sports car (S) |
Body style | |
Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Related | BMW 3 Series (E36) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,446 mm (96.3 in) |
Length | 4,025 mm (158.5 in) |
Width | 1,692 mm (66.6 in) |
Height | 1,293–1,306 mm (50.9–51.4 in) |
Curb weight | 1,160–1,400 kg (2,557–3,086 lb) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | BMW Z1 |
Successor | BMW Z4 (E85) |
The Z3 was based on the E36 3 Series platform,[1] while using the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design of the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced 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 Z3M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Production ended on June 28, 2002,[2] with the Z3 line replaced by the E85 Z4.
Development and launch
Development on the roadster began in 1991 and was led by Burkhard Göschel.[1][3] The exterior was designed by Joji Nagashima, being completed in mid-1992 at 39 months before production[4][5] and the design was frozen in 1993.[6] Design patents were filed on April 2, 1994 in Germany and on September 27, 1994 in the US.[7] The Z3 was introduced via video press release by BMW North America on June 12, 1995. Production began on September 20, 1995.[8]
Development on the coupé model was run by a group of BMW engineers outside of work in their own time.[9] The Z3 Coupé shares the same platform and parts with the roadster, but features a chassis-stiffening hatch area and is 2.7 times stiffer in comparison.[10][9] The Z3 Coupé was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Z3 was the first BMW model to be solely manufactured outside of Germany. It was manufactured in Greer, South Carolina.[4]
Body styles
- E36/7 roadster (Pre-facelift)
- E36/7 roadster (Pre-facelift)
- E36/7 roadster (Facelift)
- E36/8 coupé
Roadster (E36/7)
Roadster models entered production in September 1995, powered by 4-cylinder engines on launch. 6-cylinder engines were later introduced in 1996.[11] A removable hardtop roof was available as an optional accessory.
Coupé (E36/8)
Coupé models entered production in September 1998.[12] The unusual side profile has been given nicknames such as "clown shoe" and "bread van" by critics.[13][14][15][16] In Germany, it has been referred to as a "turnschuh" (sports shoe).[17]
The coupé body style was only produced with six-cylinder engines (2.8, 3.0i, and M Coupé models).
Transmissions
The available transmissions are:[18]
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 sold there.
Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|
1.8 | 1995–1998 | M43B18 inline-four | 85 kW (114 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm |
1999–2000 | M43B19 inline-four | 87 kW (117 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm | |
1.9i | 1995–1999 | M44B19 inline-four | 103 kW (138 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm |
2000–2002 | M43B19 inline-four | 87 kW (117 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm | |
2.0 | 1999–2000 | M52TUB20 inline-six | 110 kW (148 hp) at 5,900 rpm | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm |
2.2i | 2000–2002 | M54B22 inline-six | 125 kW (168 hp) at 6,100 rpm | 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm |
2.3 | 1998–2000 | M52TUB25 inline-six | 127 kW (170 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm |
2.5 | 2000–2002 | M54B25 inline-six | 137 kW (184 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
237 N⋅m (175 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm |
2.8 | 1997–1998 | M52B28 inline-six | 141 kW (189 hp) at 5,300 rpm | 275 N⋅m (203 lb⋅ft) at 3,950 rpm |
1999–2000 | M52TUB28 inline-six | 142 kW (190 hp) at 5,300 rpm | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | |
3.0i | 2000–2002 | M54B30 inline-six | 170 kW (228 hp) at 5,900 rpm | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm |
Z3M (EU) | 1997–2000 | S50B32 inline-six | 236 kW (316 hp) at 7,400 rpm | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm |
2001–2002 | S54B32 inline-six | 239 kW (321 hp) at 7,400 rpm |
350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 4,900 rpm | |
Z3M (US) | 1997–2000 | S52B32 inline-six | 179 kW (240 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 4,250 rpm |
2001–2002 | S54B32 inline-six | 235 kW (315 hp) at 7,400 rpm | 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) at 4,900 rpm |
Z3M
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 inline-six engine, while North American models were powered by the less powerful S52 inline-six engine. In 2001 both the European and North American models switched to the new S54 engine. The Z3M was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Compared to the standard Z3, M models featured a limited slip differential, a wider rear track,[15] and larger brakes (that are shared with the E36 M3). Z3M models were available in M-specific colors, they feature more aerodynamic wing-mirrors as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers and bespoke "Roadstar" Style 40 wheels, revised side gill and quad exhausts. The interior can also be differentiated by the voltmeter, clock and oil temperature gauges in the center console, leather-wrapped center console and door pulls, as well as unique M-styled seats and interior color options.
Unlike the rest of the Z3 range, the Z3M did not receive cosmetic changes during the facelift in 2000.
- M Roadster front
- M Roadster rear
- M Coupé rear
Special Models
James Bond Edition
![](../I/m/Z3_Roadster_James_Bond_Edition.jpg)
To tie in with the appearance in the GoldenEye film, BMW released a "James Bond Edition" Z3 for sale through the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogue. The James Bond Edition was sold in 1996 for US$35,000 (equivalent to $57,056 in 2019). BMW and Neiman Marcus had originally set a 20-unit sales goal, but this was later increased to 100 units after receiving a high level of interest from customers.
The James Bond Edition was based on the Z3 1.9i and included a 007 dash plaque, 007 Bond floor mats, unique wheels, and chrome exterior trim. The colour scheme was an "Atlantic blue" exterior with beige leather interior, matching the Z3 which appeared in GoldenEye.[19]
V12 prototype
In 1999, the BMW M division produced a single prototype Z3 powered by the 5.4 L M73 V12 engine,[20][21] in order to test the space efficiency of the engine bay.[22] It is based on the Z3 roadster, has 17 inch wheels with 225/45 tires up front and 245/40 at the rear, and is painted in a shade of orange. The V12 was rated at 240 kW (322 hp) at 5,000 rpm and 490 N⋅m (361 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,900 rpm, and power is sent through a 6-speed manual transmission. The concept is much heavier than the standard Z3 at 1,400 kg (3,086 lb), giving it 70/30 weight distribution. The concept was only shown once, which was in 1999 to the motoring magazine Autozeitung. Their tests revealed a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds, a standing kilometer (0.62 miles) in 24.4 seconds, and a top speed of 263 km/h (163 mph).[23]
Z3M Coupé Safety Car
A safety car variant of the Z3M Coupé was produced by the BMW M division for MotoGP and used in the 2000 season.[24]
Model year changes
1997
- M Roadster and M Coupé models introduced to the public.
- BMW Individual introduced to Z3 models.[25]
1998
- Coupé models introduced.[26]
- Wood trim and a power soft top were added as options.[27]
- Rollover hoops introduced.[28]
- Automatic stability control (ASC) became standard equipment on 1.9 models.[29]
- Hardtop shell option for Z3 models introduced.[30]
1999 facelift
In April 1999, the facelift (LCI) versions of the Z3 began production.[31] Major changes include:
- The Z3 2.0 model was replaced by the Z3 2.2i and the Z3 2.8 model was replaced by the Z3 3.0i, as the inline-six engines were upgraded from the M52 to the M54 (the addition of the "i" to the model names is not significant, since all engines use electronic fuel injection). In the United States, the Z3 2.3 model was replaced by the Z3 2.5.
- 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.[32][33][34][35] The Z3M models did not receive the these exterior changes.
- Interior design changes including redesigned centre console buttons with a clock in the middle and a new three-spoke steering wheel design.[36]
- Electronic stability control upgraded from ASC to new DSC system.[37]
- New three-layer insulation convertible roof with headlining.[36]
- Dual-stage side airbags introduced.[38]
2000
- DSC now integrated with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) functions.[39]
2001
- Z3M models switched from the BMW S50 (Euro spec) and BMW S52 (U.S. spec) inline-six engines to the BMW S54 inline-six engine.
Production volumes
One source provides the data below for production figures.[40] However, there are other sources which provide conflicting information,[40] so actual figures are not certain.
Model | Total | Roadster | Coupé |
---|---|---|---|
Z3 1.8 | 56,091 | 56,091 | - |
Z3 1.9i | 77,965 | 77,965 | |
Z3 2.0 | 14,616 | 14,616 | |
Z3 2.2i | 21,052 | 21,052 | |
Z3 2.3 | 22,282 | 22,282 | |
Z3 2.5 | 6,813 | 6,813 | |
Z3 2.8 | 58,278 | 50,607 | 7,671 |
Z3 3.0i | 18,378 | 14,525 | 3,853 |
Z3M | 21,613 | 15,322 | 6,291 |
Total: | 297,088 | 279,273 | 17,815 |
Marketing
The Z3 appeared briefly in the James Bond movie GoldenEye, in a scene where Bond is driving in Cuba.[41] The Z3 is one of few non-British production cars to be driven by James Bond in a movie, and the first of three James Bond films featuring a BMW car.[42] The Z3 in GoldenEye features stinger missiles hidden behind the headlights, an emergency parachute braking system and a radar scanner in the form of a LCD screen in the dashboard.[43] It is also noted during the briefing scene, that the car contains a passenger ejector seat and a self-destruct system.[44]
Two blue prototypes were provided in January 1995 for filming at the Leavesden Aerodrome.[45][46] The agreement between BMW and Eon Productions was for cross-promotion of the car and the film, and no money changed hands.[47]
Sales of the Z3 spiked as the film sat at number one at the box office. In the 1996 production run, more than 15,000 roadsters were sold out by the time the car was introduced.[41]
Awards
- 1995 "Super Reggie" Best-of-show award for the GoldenEye marketing campaign[48]
- 1999 Edmunds' Most Wanted Convertible $25,001-$40,000 for the Z3 2.8[49]
- 1999 Car and Driver "Ten Best" for M Coupé / M Roadster[50]
- 1999 Automobile Magazine "Design of the Year" award for the M Coupé[51]
- 1999 Automobile Magazine "Best Sports Car" award for the M Coupé[51]
- 2000 Intellichoice "Best Overall Value of the Year" - "Base Sport" for the Z3 Roadster 2.3[52]
- 2000 Top Gear (TV show) "Driver's Car of the Year" for the M Coupé[53]
- 2009 Jalopnik "Best 10 Cars of the Decade" feature for the M Coupé[54]
- 2011 Top Gear "Hammond's Icons" for the M Coupé[55]
References
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- "Catching Up With: Burkhard Goeschel". www.automobilemag.com. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
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- Bangle, Chris (January 2001). "The ultimate creativity machine. How BMW turns art into profit". Harvard Business Review. 79: 47–55. PMID 11189462. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
- "DPMAregister - Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design". dpma.de.
- http://www.autonews.com/article/19950814/ANA/508140731/bmw-sets-z3-job-1-for-september
- Lieberman, Jonny. "The Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: First-Generation BMW M Coupe". Jalopnik. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
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- "Gebrauchtwagen-Test: BMW Z3 Coupé (1998-2002)". www.autobild.de. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
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- "All You Want to Know About the BMW M Z3 V12 Prototype". www.carscoops.com. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
- "M GmbH Reveals "Mystery" V12-powered BMW Z3 Prototype". www.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
- "The V12 BMW Z3 that almost was". www.oppositelock.kinja.com. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
- "All You Want to Know About the BMW M Z3 V12 Prototype". www.carscoops.com. 10 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "Gran Coupé führt Safety-Car-Flotte an". autobild.de. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- Taylor, James (31 March 2017). BMW Z3 and Z4: The Complete Story. The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781785002779.
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