BMW Z3

{{Infobox automobile

| name = BMW Z3

| image = 2001 BMW Z3 Roadster Automatic 2.2 Front.jpg

| production = September 1995–June 2002

| assembly = United States: Greer, South Carolina (Plant Spartanburg)

| class = Sports car (S)

| body_style = {{unbulleted list |2-door roadster |3-door shooting-brake }}

| platform =

| related = BMW 3 Series (E36)

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel drive

| engine = {{unbulleted list | Petrol:

| 1.8–1.9 L M43/M44 I4

| 2.0–3.0 L M52/M54 I6

| 3.2 L S50/S52/S54 I6

}}

| transmission = {{unbulleted list

|5-speed GETRAG 250/ZF S5-31 manual

|4-speed GM Hydra-matic 4L30E automatic

|5-speed GM 5L40-E/ZF 5HP automatic

}}

| wheelbase = {{convert|2446|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|4025|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|1692|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|1293|-|1306|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|1160-1400|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

| predecessor = BMW Z1

| successor = BMW Z4 (E85)

| manufacturer = BMW

| designer = Joji Nagashima
Burkhard Göschel

| model_years = 1996–2002

}}

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:

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

The Z3 was based on the E36/5 compact platform, a shortened version of the conventional E36 platform. This smaller and cheaper platform used the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design from the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced Z Series car.

M 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. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines.

Production ended on June 28, 2002,{{cite web|url=http://www.goupstate.com/article/20080311/NEWS/497779662|title=Timeline: BMW in Spartanburg|work=GoUpstate.com|access-date=9 May 2013|archive-date=2 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502145742/http://www.goupstate.com/article/20080311/NEWS/497779662|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|title=Hyundai Genesis Coupe Follows BMW Z3's Precedence|url=https://www.torquenews.com/1/how-hyundai-genesis-coupe-follows-bmw-z3|website=www.torquenews.com|date=10 June 2014 |access-date=22 June 2017}}{{cite web|title=Catching Up With: Burkhard Goeschel|url=http://www.automobilemag.com/news/now-burkhard-goeschel/|website=www.automobilemag.com|date=12 October 2016 |access-date=22 June 2017}} The exterior was designed by Joji Nagashima, being completed in mid-1992 at 39 months before production{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/07/06/the-beautiful-bmw-z3-roadster-photoshoot/|title=The beautiful BMW Z3 Roadster – Photoshoot|website=www.bmwblog.com|date=6 July 2015 |access-date=22 June 2017}}{{cite web|title=BMW Z3 (E36) Roadster & Coupe 1997 to 2002|url=https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-e36-roadster-coupe-1997-to-2002.5/|website=www.zroadster.org|date=2 April 2014 |access-date=22 June 2017}} and the design was frozen in 1993.{{cite journal|last1=Bangle|first1=Chris|title=The ultimate creativity machine. How BMW turns art into profit.|journal=Harvard Business Review|date=January 2001|volume=79|issue=1|pages=47–55|pmid=11189462|url=https://hbr.org/2001/01/how-bmw-turns-art-into-profit|access-date=12 December 2017}} Design patents were filed on April 2, 1994, in Germany and on September 27, 1994, in the US.{{cite web|url=https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/gsm/register?GSNR=M9402969-0001|title=DPMAregister - Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design|work=dpma.de}} The Z3 was introduced via video press release by BMW North America on June 12, 1995. Production began on September 20, 1995.{{cite web| url = http://www.autonews.com/article/19950814/ANA/508140731/bmw-sets-z3-job-1-for-september| title = BMW SETS Z3 JOB 1 FOR SEPTEMBER {{!}} Automotive News}}

Development on the coupé model was run by a group of BMW engineers outside of work in their own time.{{Cite news|url=https://jalopnik.com/258496/the-jalopnik-fantasy-garage-first-generation-bmw-m-coupe|title=The Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: First-Generation BMW M Coupe|last=Lieberman|first=Jonny|work=Jalopnik|access-date=2018-02-21|language=en-US}} The Z3 Coupé shares the identical platform and parts with the roadster, but features a chassis-stiffening hatch area and is 2.7 times stiffer in comparison.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwz3coupe.com/storia.asp|title=BMW z3 Coupè|website=www.bmwz3coupe.com|access-date=2018-02-21}} The Z3 Coupé was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Z3 was the first BMW car to be solely manufactured outside of Germany. It was manufactured in Greer, South Carolina.

Body styles

File:1998 BMW Z3 1.9 Front.jpg|E36/7 roadster (Pre-facelift)

File:1998 BMW Z3 1.9 Rear.jpg|E36/7 roadster (Pre-facelift)

File:2001 BMW Z3 Roadster Automatic 2.2 Rear.jpg|E36/7 roadster (Facelift)

File:BMW Z3 Coupe 1Y7A6188.jpg|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.{{cite web|title=Z3 E36 model selection|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/select?product=P&archive=1&series=Z3&body=Roa&model=Z3+2.8|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=22 June 2017}} A removable hardtop roof was available as an optional accessory.

=Coupé (E36/8)=

Coupé models entered production in January 1998.{{cite web|url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3850532|title=BMW Z3 coupé 2.8 (E36/7)|work=BMW Group|language=de|access-date=18 July 2020}} The unusual side profile has been given nicknames such as "clown shoe" and "bread van" by critics.{{cite web|title=BMW Z3M Coupe For Sale: Clown Shoes are getting expensive|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/01/07/bmw-z3m-coupe-sale-clown-shoes-getting-expensive/|website=www.bmwblog.com|access-date=22 June 2017}}{{cite web|title=Does a BMW Z3 M Coupé Live Up to the Hype?|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a28484/bmw-z3-m-coupe-video/|website=www.roadandtrack.com|date=16 March 2016 |access-date=22 June 2017}}{{cite web|title=Why The BMW Z3 M Is A Proper 90s Hero Car|url=https://www.carthrottle.com/post/why-the-bmw-z3m-is-a-90s-hero-car/|website=www.carthrottle.com|date=18 May 2015 |access-date=22 June 2017}}{{cite web|title=BMW Z3 M Coupé. Bahrain. Bread van rakes in the dough|url=https://www.crankandpiston.com/on-the-road/bmw-z3-m-coupe-bahrain-bread-van-rakes-in-the-dough/|website=www.crankandpiston.com|date=27 August 2013 |access-date=22 June 2017}} In Germany, it has been referred to as a "turnschuh" (sports shoe).{{cite web|title=Gebrauchtwagen-Test: BMW Z3 Coupé (1998-2002)|url=http://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-z3-coupe-1998-2002--38163.html|website=www.autobild.de|date=22 August 2002 |access-date=22 June 2017}}

The coupé body style was only available with the engines that matched the 2.8, 3.0i, and M model Roadsters. The engine outputs varied as they spanned three generations of engine architecture, peaking at 325 horsepower with the facelift M Coupé. Like the roadster models, it was rear-wheel drive only, and was available in either an automatic or manual transmission.{{cite web| title=BMW Z3 Coupe Specs| url=https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M6477/Z3-Coupe| website=ultimatespecs.com| access-date=2023-04-05}} Very few of these cars were made, making it rarer than most cars, the BMW M Coupe model especially so.{{cite web| title=The BMW Z3 M Coupe| url=https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/bmw-z3-m-coupe.html| website=bmw-m.com| access-date=2022-09-29}}

Transmissions

The available transmissions are:{{Cite web|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=1&series=Z3|title=RealOEM.com - Select Your BMW Model|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=2018-02-21}}

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)
4-speed GM 4L30-E automatic (Z3 1.9 / 2.0 / 2.5 / 2.8)
5-speed GM 5L40-E automatic (Z3 2.2i / 2.5 / 3.0)

Models

The 4-cylinder models feature a single tailpipe, while six-cylinder models have dual tailpipes, wider rear fenders (for pre-facelift models) and a revised front bumper. M models featured the same wider fenders as the six-cylinder models but with unique front and rear bumpers, side mirrors and the M division's first use of a quad exhaust pipe arrangement.

The 1.8, 2.0, and 2.2i models were unavailable in the United States. The U.S. was also the only market to receive the 2.3 and 2.5 models

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;" ! Model !! Years !! Engine !! Power !! Torque
rowspan="2" \|1.8	1995–1998	M43B18 inline-four	{{convert\|85\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm	{{convert\|168\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,900 rpm
1999–2000	M43B19 inline-four	{{convert\|87\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm	{{convert\|180\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,900 rpm
1.9	1995–1999	M44B19 inline-four	{{convert\|103\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 6,000 rpm	{{convert\|180\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 4,300 rpm
1.9i \| 2000–2002	M43B19 inline-four	{{convert\|87\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm	{{convert\|180\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,900 rpm
2.0	1999–2000	M52TUB20 inline-six	{{convert\|110\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,900 rpm	{{convert\|190\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm
2.2i	2000–2002	M54B22 inline-six	{{convert\|125\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 6,100 rpm	{{convert\|210\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm
2.3	1998–2000	M52TUB25 inline-six	{{convert\|127\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm	{{convert\|245\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm
2.5i	2000–2002	M54B25 inline-six	{{convert\|137\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 6,000 rpm \|{{convert\|237\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm
rowspan="2" \|2.8	1997–1998	M52B28 inline-six	{{convert\|141\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,300 rpm	{{convert\|275\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,950 rpm
1999–2000	M52TUB28 inline-six	{{convert\|142\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,300 rpm	{{convert\|280\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm
3.0i	2000–2002	M54B30 inline-six	{{convert\|170\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 5,900 rpm	{{convert\|300\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm
rowspan="2" \|Z3M (EU)	1997–2000	S50B32 inline-six	{{convert\|236\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 7,400 rpm \| {{convert\|350\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 3,250 rpm
2001–2002	S54B32 inline-six	{{convert\|239\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 7,400 rpm \|{{convert\|350\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 4,900 rpm
rowspan="2" \|Z3M (US)	1997–2000	S52B32 inline-six	{{convert\|179\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 6,000 rpm	{{convert\|305\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 4,250 rpm
2001–2002	S54B32 inline-six	{{convert\|235\|kW\|PS hp\|0\|abbr=on}} at 7,400 rpm	{{convert\|340\|Nm\|lbft\|0\|abbr=on}} at 4,900 rpm

M models

The M 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, and larger brakes (that are shared with the E36 M3). M models were available in M-specific colors and feature numerous aesthetic and aerodynamic differences versus the rest of the Z3 range, including more aerodynamic wing-mirrors, redesigned front and rear bumpers, bespoke "Roadstar" Style 40 wheels, revised side gills, and quad exhaust pipes. The interior can also be differentiated by the voltmeter, clock, and oil temperature gauges in the center console as well as unique M-styled seats and interior color options.

Unlike the rest of the Z3 range, the M Roadster and the M Coupé did not receive cosmetic changes during the facelift in 2000.

File:BMW Z3 M - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (cropped).jpg|M Roadster front

File:BMW Z3 M - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (1).jpg|M Roadster rear

File:BMW Z3 M (E36-8) IMG 8841.jpg|M Coupé rear

Special models

=James Bond Edition=

File:Z3_Roadster_James_Bond_Edition.jpg

To tie in with its appearance in GoldenEye, a James Bond film which was released the same year, BMW released a "James Bond Edition" Z3 that was offered for sale through the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The James Bond Edition was sold in 1996 for {{usd|35,000|1996}}. 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 floor mats, unique wheels, and chrome exterior trim. The color scheme was an "Atlanta blue" exterior with beige leather interior, matching the Z3 which appeared in GoldenEye.

The VIN of all 100 limited edition cars has code 007, and the last two indicate that out of 100 produced there is a specific example (....00700 to 00799). Exactly half of the cars (50 pieces) had a manual transmission and the same number had an automatic transmission.

{{cite web|title=1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Roadster|url=http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22717/lot/248/|website=www.bonhams.com|access-date=24 June 2017}}

File:Hood of the prototype V12 Z3.jpg

=V12 prototype=

In 1999, the BMW M division produced a single prototype Z3 powered by the 5.4 L M73 V12 engine{{cite web|title=All You Want to Know About the BMW M Z3 V12 Prototype|url=http://www.carscoops.com/2012/08/all-you-want-to-know-about-bmw-m-z3-v12.html|website=www.carscoops.com|access-date=24 June 2017}}{{cite web|title=M GmbH Reveals "Mystery" V12-powered BMW Z3 Prototype|url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/m-gmbh-reveals-mystery-v12-powered-bmw-z3-prototype/|website=www.caranddriver.com|access-date=24 June 2017}} in order to test the space efficiency of the engine bay.{{cite web|title=The V12 BMW Z3 that almost was|url=http://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-v12-bmw-z3-that-almost-was-labor-day-weekend-bavar-1235043326|website=www.oppositelock.kinja.com|access-date=24 June 2017}} 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 {{convert|322|hp|kW|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} at 5,000 rpm and {{convert|490|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 3,900 rpm, and power was sent through a 6-speed manual transmission. The concept is much heavier than the standard Z3 at {{convert|1400|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, with nearly all of that excess weight attributable to the V12—the big engine resulted in a 70/30 weight distribution front/rear. The concept was fully functional and was tested by the German motoring magazine Autozeitung in 1999. Their tests revealed a {{convert|0-100|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} time of 5.5 seconds, a standing kilometer ({{convert|1.0|km|mi|2|abbr=off|disp=out}}) in 24.4 seconds, and a top speed of {{convert|263|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2012/08/all-you-want-to-know-about-bmw-m-z3-v12/|title=All You Want to Know About the BMW M Z3 V12 Prototype |date=10 August 2012 |website=www.carscoops.com|access-date=2018-08-12|language=en-US}}

=M Coupé Safety Car=

A safety car variant of the BMW M Coupé was produced by the BMW M division for MotoGP and used in the 2000 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.autobild.de/bilder/gran-coupe-fuehrt-safety-car-flotte-an-3940998.html#bild5|title=Gran Coupé führt Safety-Car-Flotte an|website=autobild.de|access-date=30 August 2017}}

Model year changes

=1997=

M Roadster and M Coupé models introduced to the public.
BMW Individual introduced to Z3 models.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ezw8DgAAQBAJ&q=BMW+Individual+became+available+for+the+Z3+during+1997|title=BMW Z3 and Z4: The Complete Story|last=Taylor|first=James|date=2017-03-31|publisher=The Crowood Press|isbn=9781785002779|language=en}}

=1998=

Coupé models introduced.{{Cite news|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10918/used-car-classic-bmw-z3-roadster-coupe/|title=Used Car Classic: BMW Z3 Roadster & Coupe|date=2012-11-06|work=Road & Track|access-date=2018-06-13|language=en-US}}
Wood trim and a power soft top were added as options.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ezw8DgAAQBAJ&q=New+for+the+1998+model+year+was+power+operation+for+the+roadster%27s+convertible+roof.|title=BMW Z3 and Z4: The Complete Story|last=Taylor|first=James|date=2017-03-31|publisher=The Crowood Press|isbn=9781785002779|language=en}}
Rollover hoops introduced.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10918/used-car-classic-bmw-z3-roadster-coupe/|title=Used Car Classic: BMW Z3 Roadster & Coupe|website=www.roadandtrack.com|date=6 November 2012 |access-date=27 June 2017}}
Automatic stability control (ASC) became standard equipment on 1.9 models.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ezw8DgAAQBAJ&q=At+the+same+time%2C+ASC+++T+traction+control+became+standard+on+the+1.9-litre+models|title=BMW Z3 and Z4: The Complete Story|last=Taylor|first=James|date=2017-03-31|publisher=The Crowood Press|isbn=9781785002779|language=en}}
Hardtop shell option for Z3 models introduced.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ezw8DgAAQBAJ&q=Yet+another+new+option+was+introduced+in+January+1998.+This+was+a+demountable+hardtop|title=BMW Z3 and Z4: The Complete Story|last=Taylor|first=James|date=2017-03-31|publisher=The Crowood Press|isbn=9781785002779|language=en}}

=1999 facelift=

In April 1999, the facelift (LCI) versions of the Z3 began production.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/bmw/z3/207836/|title=BMW Z3 (1997 - 2003) used car review |website=www.rac.co.uk|language=en|access-date=13 June 2018}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=1486|title=AutoSpeed - New Car Test - BMW Z3 2.2i Roadster|website=www.autospeed.com|access-date=21 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222044159/http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=1486|archive-date=22 February 2018|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/bmw/z3/207836/|title=BMW Z3 (1997 - 2003) used car review |website=www.rac.co.uk|language=en|access-date=21 February 2018}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ezw8DgAAQBAJ&q=also+gained+chromed+exhaust+tips.+The+release+button+for+the+boot+lid+took+on+a+chrome+surround%2C+and+model+badges+appeared+for+the+first+time+next+to+it.|title=BMW Z3 and Z4: The Complete Story|last=Taylor|first=James|date=2017-03-31|publisher=The Crowood Press|isbn=9781785002779|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/canada/article/detail/T0032055EN/the-bmw-z3-roadster:-entering-the-new-millennium-with-a-fresh-new-look?language=en|title=THE BMW Z3 ROADSTER: Entering the new millennium with a fresh, new look|website=www.press.bmwgroup.com|language=en|access-date=2018-02-21}} The Z3M models did not receive 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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10918/used-car-classic-bmw-z3-roadster-coupe/|title=Used Car Classic: BMW Z3 Roadster & Coupe|date=2012-11-06|work=Road & Track|access-date=2018-02-21|language=en-US}}
Electronic stability control upgraded from ASC to new DSC system.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autointell.com/News-2002/July-2002/July-2002-4/July-24-02-p10.htm|title=The BMW Z3 roadster makes its mark in film and company history|website=www.autointell.com|access-date=2018-02-21}}
New three-layer insulation convertible roof with headlining.
Dual-stage side airbags introduced.{{cite web|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showparts?id=CM11-EUR-03-2000-Z3-BMW-Z3_19&diagId=32_1167|title=Z3 E36 Z3 1.9 M Sports steer.-wheel, airbag, leather|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=27 June 2017}}

=2000=

DSC now integrated with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) functions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/canada/article/detail/T0032440EN/new-bmw-highlights-in-the-year-2001?language=en|title=New BMW Highlights in the year 2001|website=www.press.bmwgroup.com|language=en|access-date=2018-02-21}}

=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.{{cite web|title=Global Z3 production figures|url=http://www.onlyz3.com/en/prod_all.html|website=www.onlyz3.com|access-date=1 July 2017}} However, there are other sources which provide conflicting information, so actual figures are not certain.

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"

!Model

!Total

!Roadster

!Coupé

Z3 1.8

|56,091

| rowspan="6" | -

Z3 1.9i

|77,965

Z3 2.0

|14,616

Z3 2.2i

|21,052

Z3 2.3

|22,282

Z3 2.5

|6,813

Z3 2.8

|58,278

|50,607

|7,671

Z3 3.0i

|18,378

|14,525

|3,853

Z3 M

|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.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-karen-sortito-20101215-story.html|title=Karen Sortito dies at 49; marketing exec negotiated product tie-ins to Bond movies| first = Valerie J. | last = Nelson | date = 2010-12-15 | newspaper=Los Angeles Times}} Bond would eventually trade the car in exchange for Jack Wade's plane. The Z3 is one of only a few non-British production cars to be driven by James Bond throughout the history of the film franchise, and the first of three James Bond films that prominently featured a BMW. This break in tradition was due to a three-film licensing deal between BMW and the James Bond franchise that began with GoldenEye and ended with The World Is Not Enough.{{cite web|title=List of All James Bond Cars - Part 3|url=http://www.007james.com/articles/list_of_james_bond_cars_part_3.php|website=www.007james.com|access-date=29 June 2017}} 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.{{cite web|title=BMW Z3 in Goldeneye|url=http://www.007museum.com/Z3_BMW.htm|website=www.007museum.com|access-date=29 June 2017}} It is also noted during the briefing scene that the car contains a passenger ejector seat and a self-destruct system, though they aren't used at any point in the film.{{cite web|title=James Bond's 12 Best Cars|url=http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/james-bonds-12-best-cars-20141210/goldeneye-bmw-z3|website=www.mensjournal.com|access-date=29 June 2017}} The Z3 is also one of the few vehicles in the Q-Branch that was not destroyed in the field. Fans of the franchise were not enthused with the BMW product placement, all the more so since the Z3 never was given a scene in which to use the weaponry and defense features that have always distinguished a James Bond car. This was ultimately rectified with the BMW 750iL in the following film, Tomorrow Never Dies.

Two blue prototypes were provided in January 1995 for filming at the Leavesden Aerodrome.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F5dQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5196,6409105&dq=bmw+james+bond&hl=en|title=The Milwaukee Sentinel - Google News Archive Search|work=google.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BMW+RELEASES+FIRST+OFFICIAL+VIDEO+IMAGES+OF+ROADSTER+Satellite+Debut...-a017016051|title=BMW RELEASES FIRST OFFICIAL VIDEO IMAGES OF ROADSTER Satellite Debut for James Bond's New Car|work=thefreelibrary.com}} The agreement between BMW and Eon Productions was for cross-promotion of the car and the film, and no money changed hands.{{cite web|title=BMW Z3|url=http://www.007.info/bmw-z3/|website=www.007.info|access-date=29 June 2017}}

Sales of the Z3 spiked as the film sat at number one at the box office. The entire 1996 BMW Z3 roadster production run, more than 15,000 roadsters, was sold out by the time the car was introduced.{{cite web|editor-last=Meier|editor-first=Jeff|title=Home | work = Z3Roadster.com |url=http://www.z3roadster.com/}}

The Z3 appeared in The Follow, one of the BMW films released in 2001.{{Cite news |last=Bouw |first=Brenda |date=April 26, 2001 |title=Oh, the car is in there somewhere |page=B5 |work=National Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-oh-the-car-is-in-there-so/131271051/ |via=Newspapers.com}}

Awards

1995 "Super Reggie" Best-of-show award for the GoldenEye marketing campaign{{cite web|title=BMW wins Super Reggie with 'GoldenEye' promo|url=http://adage.com/article/news/bmw-wins-super-reggie-goldeneye-promo/79964/|website=www.adage.com|date=11 March 1996 |access-date=1 July 2017}}
1999 Edmunds' Most Wanted Convertible $25,001-$40,000 for the Z3 2.8{{cite web|title=1999 Editors' Most Wanted Awards|url=https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/1999-editors-most-wanted-awards.html|website=www.edmunds.com|access-date=1 July 2017}}
1999 Car and Driver "Ten Best" for M Coupé / M Roadster{{cite web|title=1999 10 Best cars - 1999 BMW M coupe/M roadster|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/features/1999-10best-cars-1999-bmw-m-coupe-m-roadster-page-4|website=www.caranddriver.com|date=January 1999 |access-date=1 July 2017}}
1999 Automobile Magazine "Design of the Year" award for the M Coupé{{cite web|title=BMW Captures 5 Spots in the 1999 'Automobile Magazine' 'All-Stars' Awards|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19990106/press002158.html|website=www.theautochannel.com|access-date=1 July 2017}}
1999 Automobile Magazine "Best Sports Car" award for the M Coupé
2000 Intellichoice "Best Overall Value of the Year" - "Base Sport" for the Z3 Roadster 2.3{{cite web|title=Four 2000 BMW Models Recognized for Best Overall Value by Intellichoice|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/20000209/press007583.html|website=www.theautochannel.com|access-date=1 July 2017}}
2000 Top Gear (TV show) "Driver's Car of the Year" for the M Coupé{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqBG4ZQpD_8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/dqBG4ZQpD_8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Top Gear 'best drivers car' award winner 2000|date=28 March 2013|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}
2009 Jalopnik "Best 10 Cars of the Decade" feature for the M Coupé{{cite web|url=http://jalopnik.com/5426649/jalopniks-best10-cars-of-the-decade/|title=Best10 Cars Of The Decade|website=www.jalopnik.com|date=15 December 2009 |access-date=1 July 2017}}
2011 Top Gear "Hammond's Icons" for the M Coupé{{cite web|title=Hammond driving the icons: BMW Z3M|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/hammond-icon-z3-2011-10-17?imageNo=1|website=www.topgear.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019125011/http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/hammond-icon-z3-2011-10-17?imageNo=1|archive-date=19 October 2011}}

References

Category:Roadsters

Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:2000s cars

Category:Cars introduced in 1995

Category:Cars discontinued in 2002

Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States

Category:Touring cars