The BMW Z3 was released by the Bavarian car manufacturer in 1995, bringing a sporty roadster onto the market that still holds cult status today. You may have seen the two-seater sports car in the James Bond film GoldenEye, and it was also available as a coupe. The BMW Z3 buyers guide lists all different models in this iconic range, their current values and the typical problems each is prone to so that buyers can watch out for them.
Contents
- The history of the BMW Z3 roadster
- Every model of BMW Z3
- Values: how much does a BMW Z3 cost?
- Interior: what features does the BMW Z3 offer?
- Typical weaknesses and problems with the BMW Z3
- Summary: an investment for the future
The history of the BMW Z3 roadster
The BMW Z3 (internal code E36/7) was not the first roadster to emerge from Munich. It is the successor to such magnificent cars as the BMW 328, BMW 507 and BMW Z1. The first Z3 was built in September 1995 after an initial design-and-build process in the USA.
The engineers used existing components from the 3 Series, specifically the 3 Series Compact (E36), as the basis for the BMW Z3. The chassis, drive and even large portions of the interior came from existing models.
Yet the BMW Z3 was a success. The roadster, initially available with a four-cylinder and a later a six-cylinder engine, can thank its striking wheel arches and broad rear axle for making it a hit. Within the first two years, over 100,000 vehicles were sold. That meant that customers had to wait for over a year for their cars.
The two-seater’s look was controversial. The long bonnet and rounded shape were polarising but once they got behind the wheel, petrol heads all agreed: the BMW Z3’s stiff chassis, powerful engine and sporty feel were exciting. After seven years of success, production was halted in July 2002. The BMW Z4 was announced as its successor a few months later.
Every model of BMW Z3
The earliest models were only available with a four-cylinder engine. Customers could choose between the BMW Z3 1.8 with up to 115 PS and the BMW Z3 1.9 with 140 PS. A year after launch to market, in April 1997, the 2.8 l six-cylinder was released in both the 3 Series and 5 Series ranges, delivering up to 192 PS. These models were marketed as the BMW Z3 2.8. The BMW Z3 M Roadster 3.2, with its 3.2 l six-cylinder engine and 321 PS, was unveiled at the same time.
Until April 1999, the six-cylinder models were recognisable by the wide rear, reinforced rear axle and striking wheel arches. The four exhaust pipes also marked out the M version of the Z3. From April 1999, the BMW Z3 was available to buy in an updated format. Changes were primarily made to the rear, recognisable by the L-shaped rear lights, curved boot lid and slightly raised wings (humps). Only minor adjustments, like chrome rings around the glazed headlights, were made to the front.
From this point on, there were no visible differences between the four- and six-cylinder models. The overhauled range in April 1999 included the new BMW Z3 2.0, a 2 l six-cylinder (150 PS) with twin VANOS cam adjustment. A year later, the BMW Z3 2.2i arrived with its 2.2 l six-cylinder engine (170 PS), as did the BMW Z3 3.0i with its 3 l six-cylinder engine (231 PS).
Transmission was either 5-speed manual or automatic. And buyers chose a clear winner. Many owners say that only the manual Z3s are true sporty roadsters – so models with automatic gearboxes are still rare today.
Note: In addition to the convertible version, a coupe was released in summer 1998 and was only available with the six-cylinder engines. An M Coupe was also available. This BMW Z3 purchase guide will focus on the convertible, though the coupe was almost identical aside from the bodywork.
Over the years, BMW continued to tweak this beloved convertible. Some features, like ASC+T traction control, were initially available for an extra fee but became standard from October 1997 (exception: Z3M). Dynamic stability control (DSC) was also added a few years after launch. This remained an option and most buyers did not select it.
A range of colours were available for the soft top. Aside from the popular black hood, purchasers could select dark beige, classic red, dark blue or dark green. The folding roof was also available in manual or electric versions. A hard top in any available paint colour could be selected for an additional fee.
Nine special edition BMW Z3 models
A total of nine special edition BMW Z3 models were released. 1999 saw the launch of the American Style with special edition paint in velvet blue metallic. The interior featured door panels and sports seats in dyed blue Napa leather. Later that same year, the Bella macchina came to market with black paint and fine wood trim from the plane tree, as did the British traditional in the classic green with fine wood trim (poplar) and a champagne-coloured Napa leather interior.
The turquoise paintwork (special edition Fiji green) and blue leather interior made the Fiji edition a real eye catcher. The Orinoco special edition boasted door panels and seats in creamy white Napa leather. This grey-green roadster (special edition paint: Orinoco metallic) was available with a choice of beige or black hood.
2001 saw the launch of four more special editions: the Estoril, the Imola, the Kyalami and the San Remo. The latter came in titanium-silver metallic paintwork with a dark blue hood and two-tone Walknappa leather sports seats (in Estoril blue and black). Estoril blue Napa leather was used for the interior, specifically the door panels, steering wheel and gearstick.
Values: how much does a BMW Z3 cost?
When it was launched in 1995, the BMW Z3 was not cheap and even today, they are a significant investment. Even the entry model, the Z3 1.8, cost 43,700 Marks when it was first released. When production ended in 2002, the price for the smallest engined model (the Z3 1.9i) had risen to 47,050 Marks when converted. In its time, the BMW Z3M cost around €50,000.
As a modern classic, the BMW Z3 enjoys a special status that keeps its value strong. In good condition, a four-cylinder model will cost €10,000 or more and a good six-cylinder will set you back at least €15,000. Prices for an M Roadster come in at around €50,000, though some cheaper options are available at high mileage or with issues. The special editions listed above are rare and therefore more expensive than the standard models.
Interior: what features does the BMW Z3 offer?
There is nothing unique about the Z3 interior, in fact it is comparatively simple. That said, the interior is sleek, the craftsmanship is high quality and the controls are intuitive to use. The centre console is positioned slightly towards the driver and easy to reach. Owners love the simple, convenient controls. The dashboard is finished in chrome or genuine wood depending on the options.
By the standards of the time, this convertible boasts exceptional safety. It has several airbags, including front, side and passenger airbags as standard, plus an anti-lock braking system, also known as ABS. Driver comforts aren’t in short supply either, with electric windows, electric wing mirrors and electric seat adjustment in this roadster.
Ah yes, the seats: this is the only real criticism of the interior. The padding is rather thin, meaning longer journeys can be a pain. Although longer journeys in the BMW Z3 are difficult for other reasons: the boot space is somewhat spartan, holding just 165 l. The coupe does better in comparison.
Typical weaknesses and problems with the BMW Z3
The Z3 Roadster does not have a reputation as a problem car. However, some small difficulties can be found. In particular, the earliest models suffered from a lower quality of craftsmanship. The good news is that the convertible is based on the much-loved E36, so spare parts are readily available at reasonable prices.
Plus, the quality improved significantly at the spring 1999 range overhaul at the latest – no more teething problems. The BMW Z3 purchase guide can advise buyers what to watch out for when looking at convertibles (and the coupe).
Rust is (usually) not a worry
Most convertible owners use their Z3 as a second car and it remains in the garage over winter and on rainy days. That is good for the bodywork. Nevertheless, these cars have good rust-proofing, so corrosion is rare. The problem areas are around the boot lock, the bottom edges of the doors and wheel arches, and the areas around the welds on the underbody and in the boot. Generally, if rust begins to appear, it can be dealt with quickly and it never becomes a risk.
Any rust formation on the wing mirrors is, however, a problem as they can break off in cases of severe corrosion. These days, word has got around and durable alternatives made from fibreglass-reinforced plastic are available. This applies to the base in the same colour as the car. This blisters quickly if there is too much rust, so ideally it should be replaced straight away.
Is the hood a common problem?
The soft top on the BMW Z3 is a problem point, this is where issues usually occur. Since the folding hood is so frequently opened and closed, folded and unfolded, damage to the fabric does appear over the years and this can lead to water ingress. It is fairly common for water to leak into the interior since the seals around the doors also perish with age. Patches of wear on the soft top are the usual difficulty.
The rear windscreen on the BMW Z3 is made from plastic so it can fold along with the soft top when it is opened. Depending on the location and age of the car, the rear windscreen can become milky or the folds can become permanent. It is handy, then, that the rear windscreen is easy to replace using a zip. However, the zip can wear loose over time and then replacing the rear windscreen is not so easy any more. It can even mean a new hood. New BMW Z3 rear windscreens are available on the internet, as are BMW Z3 hoods, BMW Z3 headliners and matching wind deflectors for BMW Z3s.
At the range overhaul in April 1999, an improved hood was included, resulting in significantly fewer weak points. But some problems do occur so the folding hood should be tested regularly. There are several reasons why the hood might not open or close. Usually, the frame has caught or the motor is faulty.
Even a defective microswitch on the hood frame can stop the whole hood from working properly. The switch is on the driver’s side, just after the first joint and it controls the position of the front section of hood. If the switch is faulty, the roof won’t open. Important: the brake must always be applied when operating the hood. So even a faulty brake light sensor can cause issues.
Problems with the electrics are rare
It is rare for the Z3 electrics to be a cause of great frustration although things do go on the blink quite easily. Various switches and buttons can stick. The electric windows don’t always work, though that is down to a stiff mechanism. Plus the occasional fault on the third brake light, issues with the central locking and a broken wiring harness on the boot lid.
An old, weak battery causes occasional electrical chaos. We recommend: always checking the key functions (air conditioning, heated seats, central locking, lights, fuel gauge, etc.) whenever you are looking at a car to buy.
Mechanics: wear to the chassis
The chassis on the Z3 shows above-average wear at general inspection, though that is down to the (previous) owner’s driving style. On the front axle, this primarily affects the transverse control arm and the track rod joints and ball joints. The rear axle has ball bearings that should be changed when they age or are worn. When test driving a car, always listen out for unusual noises and see how difficult it is to hold a straight line.
Look at the tyre profile to check wear. If wear is uneven, there are likely problems with the chassis. Used cars should ideally not have retrofitted (sporty) chassis as this puts unnecessary strain on the bearings. The modifications made to these kinds of “build-your-own” used cars can cause problems having them classified as classic cars later on.
Engine: impressively long lifespan
The six-cylinder engines are especially popular, though the smaller four-cylinders do offer a good compromise between driving pleasure and economy. All drive options have impressively long lifespans when well maintained, although a range of problems are possible. The water pump can start to leak or simply fail with age when the suction rubber becomes porous. Even the DISA (differential air intake) adjustment system doesn’t always work perfectly.
The six-cylinder engine used in the Z3M Roadster does come in for some criticism. Several forums list posts about worn big end bearings, oil pump pistons sticking and problems with the VANOS cam adjustment. In models made up to July 2000 (S50 B32 engine), changing the seal on the solenoid valve won’t harm. On later vehicles (S54 B32 engine), a full refit of the cam adjustment system is recommended.
Regularly pushing the M engine, without taking care of cooling, risks expensive engine damage. A loss of coolant, especially near the water pump can cause overheating – so damage to the cylinder head gasket is relatively common. Aside from these issues, the drives used are regarded as very sturdy and, thanks to the timing chain, low-maintenance.
Summary: an investment for the future
A BMW Z3 is a worthwhile purchase, even though it won’t be cheap! In recent years, prices for the popular convertible have risen sharply as it settles into its classic status. There are bargains out there, though. Just watch out for the typical problem points listed in the BMW Z3 purchase guide. A well-looked-after car without modifications won’t depreciate in the next few years. Quite the opposite, in fact.
If you are looking for a classic car rather than a day-to-day motor, choose the much-loved Z3 over the BMW Z4. Here are our recommendations: the six-cylinder is a bit peppier but it will need to be at least the 2.2 l engine. Otherwise, the four-cylinder is also a good choice. The electric folding roof is handy but the manual version has less to go wrong. Always choose a Z3 built after April 1999 when the range was updated and the quality significantly improved.
