BMW Z3
BMW Z3 was the first modern mass-produced roadster that was created by BMW. Another first for BMW was that it was its first model that was assembled in the United States. The whole 1996 BMW Z3 roadster machine run consisted of more than 15,000 roadsters, and ended up being sold out by the time the car was introduced to the market. As a car the BMW Z3 knows how to make heads turn – and boy does it know how to make an entrance!
When BMW first introduced the Z3 back in 1996 everybody was shocked by the unique, modern styling of the German 2-seater. The Z3 was manufactured and assembled entirely in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Right next store to it, is the BMW museum called Zentrum.
The Z3 captured the imaginations of the market and their love affair with the sporty BMW began. This is one romance that has proved to last a long time. The Z3 has proved to be an instant classic. Within a few short months of its introduction in 1996 it appeared in the James Bond movie, GoldenEye. Pierce Brosnan drove the 1.9litre engine in the film Goldeneye.
As much as the BMW Z3 got great acclaim for its stylish design and luxurious look it still had some shortcomings. Initially some interior materials were below par with other similar cars on the market and its space may seem tight for the larger driver because of the big, non-telescoping steering wheel and big rearview mirror.
The Z3’s engines and road manners came 2nd to its styling. As the Z3 was originally developed from the E36 platform of the 3 Series. The resulting range is sometimes referred to as the E36/7 (The Roadster) or E36/8 (The Coupé). As a second hand sports car, its affordable prices mean that its within budget of those who may not normally be able to afford such style. Due to the reasonable price of the Z3 many ordinary people have been able to afford its luxury.
Due to its cult status amongst Roadsters it seems to me that the Z3 would sell even without an engine. The BMZ Z3 had its final year of manufacturing in 2002. As part of its last run BMW added a CD player to its standard features list. In 1997 the Z3 roadster models were the top selling roadster worldwide.
BMW Z3 Coupe
BMW Z3 Specifications
BMW Z3 Standard Features
BMW Z3 Timeline of Changes
BMW Z3 Photos
BMW Z3 Videos
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