The controversial "sneaker"

The BMW Z3 of the German car manufacturer was the first BMW model produced completely outside Germany. The Z3 initially went into series production only as a roadster in 1995. Three years later, however, the model was also produced as a coupe. The basis for the development of the Z3 was the E36 Compact. For this reason, the roadster also bore the internal designation E36/7. The BMW Z3 M Roadster offered from 1997 is a performance-optimized version of the 1995 roadster. This acceleration marvel is designed for high revs and offers maximum driving pleasure even when used. This rear-wheel drive sports car was produced with both a soft top with folding plastic rear window and a hardtop. As a flat two-seater with weight- and space-optimized equipment, the Z3 M Roadster from BMW appeals to a very sporty audience.

279,273 roadsters and 17,815 coupés. That’s how many BMW Z3s rolled off the production line in Spartanburg, USA, by July 2002. The unconventionally designed Z3 Coupé, also known as the “Turnschuh”, is therefore a rarity, especially as an M with up to 325 hp. A good 6,300 of these were built.

The BMW Z3 of the German car manufacturer was the first BMW model produced completely outside Germany. The Z3 initially went into series production only as a roadster in 1995. Three years later, however, the model was also produced as a coupe. The basis for the development of the Z3 was the E36 Compact. For this reason, the roadster also bore the internal designation E36/7. The BMW Z3 M Roadster offered from 1997 is a performance-optimized version of the 1995 roadster. This acceleration marvel is designed for high revs and offers maximum driving pleasure even when used. This rear-wheel drive sports car was produced with both a soft top with folding plastic rear window and a hardtop. As a flat two-seater with weight- and space-optimized equipment, the Z3 M Roadster from BMW appeals to a very sporty audience.

The BMW Z3 M Roadster, which was 2 years old by then, was revised in 1997. In the process, the change to the engine is rather minimal. The 45 cm³ larger displacement brings another 4 hp. But not only the optical update of mirrors, tailgate and front spoiler help the new roadster to a new sportiness. The chassis, exhaust system and electronics are also improved. In addition, the interior of the sports car was given a visual and technical facelift with a new design for the center console and additional instruments. When the entire Z3 range was revised in 1999, the BMW Z3 M Roadster received a slight visual upgrade by having the headlights enclosed in chrome rings. When production of the Z4 starts in 2002, production of the Z3 series ends at the same time. Accordingly, the Z3 M Roadster is now only available as a used car.

BMW’s Z3 M Roadster is distinguished between the 1997-2000 model and the 2001-2002 model, the latter of which has had its 6-cylinder engine upgraded from 3201 cc displacement and 236 KW (321 hp) to 3246 cc displacement and 239 KW (325 hp). Both reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. Between 1999 and 2001, BMW released a total of nine special edition models of the Z3. Parts of the Z3 M were used in the American Style and Bella Macchina models. All special models were given a unique paint job and white turn signal lights. Due to their Nappa leather door trim, these sports cars still look very classy even when used.

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