BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)

61% Neofiliac59% External
Keywords: bmwconvertibledohcmacpherson-strutmanual-transmissionmulti-linkrwdsports-carsubcompact

Product Gallery

Photo 0of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 1of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 2of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 3of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 4of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 5of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 6of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 7of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)Photo 8of BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)

Product Overview

BMW Z3 E36/7 is a subcompact convertible sports car in production from 1995 to 2003. It was available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 1.8 to 3.0 liters.
An attempt by BMW to compete with the Mazda MX-5 in the ultra-light sports car market, the Z3 has an interesting styling with proportions of a classic European sports car. It is slightly heavier, and its suspension setup is more basic; these factors led to the relatively poor handling characteristics of the car.
Nevertheless, when equipped with an M52 or M54 inline-6 engine, the Z3 was more powerful than the MX-5 and the Morgan +4. It is also more affordable than the latter.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 61% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Lightweight sports car with I6 option
  • Good styling
  • Open top driving
Cons
  • Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front
  • Not very light

What external reviewers found***

External score 59% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Good standard equipment
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Stylish looks
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Fiddly VANOS system
Read More

Find Related Products

Specifications

1.8 M43B181.8 M43B191.91.9 AT2.02.2i2.2i AT2.82.8 AT3.0i

Capacity

Cargo Capacity165 L / 5.8 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity6.2 L / 6.6 qt6.6 L / 7.0 qt6.6 L / 7.0 qt6.6 L / 7.0 qt10.5 L / 11.1 qt10.5 L / 11.1 qt10.5 L / 11.1 qt10.0 L / 10.6 qt10.0 L / 10.6 qt10.5 L / 11.1 qt
Engine Oil Capacity4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt5.0 L / 5.3 qt5.0 L / 5.3 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt
Fuel Capacity51.0 L / 13.5 gal
Passengers2
Payload250 kg / 551 lbs270 kg / 595 lbs250 kg / 551 lbs250 kg / 551 lbs270 kg / 595 lbs195 kg / 430 lbs195 kg / 430 lbs265 kg / 584 lbs265 kg / 584 lbs270 kg / 595 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsDiscVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discs
Brakes | RearDisc
Power SteeringHydraulic Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size205/60 R15225/50 R16205/60 R15205/60 R15225/50 R16225/50 R16225/50 R16225/50 R16225/50 R16225/50 R16

Construction

Body Style2-door Convertible

Dimensions

Size | Height1288 mm / 50.7 in1288 mm / 50.7 in1288 mm / 50.7 in1288 mm / 50.7 in1293 mm / 50.9 in1293 mm / 50.9 in1293 mm / 50.9 in1293 mm / 50.9 in1293 mm / 50.9 in1306 mm / 51.4 in
Size | Length4025 mm / 158.5 in4050 mm / 159.4 in4025 mm / 158.5 in4025 mm / 158.5 in4050 mm / 159.4 in4050 mm / 159.4 in4050 mm / 159.4 in4050 mm / 159.4 in4050 mm / 159.4 in4050 mm / 159.4 in
Size | Width1692 mm / 66.6 in1740 mm / 68.5 in1692 mm / 66.6 in1692 mm / 66.6 in1740 mm / 68.5 in1740 mm / 68.5 in1740 mm / 68.5 in1740 mm / 68.5 in1740 mm / 68.5 in1740 mm / 68.5 in
Track Width | Front1411.0 mm / 55.6 in1411.0 mm / 55.6 in1411.0 mm / 55.6 in1411.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in
Track Width | Rear1427.0 mm / 56.2 in1492.0 mm / 58.7 in1427.0 mm / 56.2 in1427.0 mm / 56.2 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in
Weight1160.0 kg / 2557.4 lbs1220.0 kg / 2689.6 lbs1185.0 kg / 2612.5 lbs1185.0 kg / 2612.5 lbs1270.0 kg / 2799.9 lbs1345.0 kg / 2965.2 lbs1345.0 kg / 2965.2 lbs1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs1305.0 kg / 2877.0 lbs
Wheel Size15 in16 in15 in15 in16 in16 in16 in16 in16 in16 in
Wheelbase2446 mm / 96.3 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h10.5 sec10.4 sec9.5 sec10.6 sec8.9 sec7.9 sec8.9 sec6.9 sec7.2 sec6.0 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph10.0 sec9.9 sec9.0 sec10.1 sec8.5 sec7.5 sec8.5 sec6.6 sec6.8 sec5.7 sec
Fuel Economy10.9 L/100km / 21.6 MPG (urban) | 5.9 L/100km / 39.9 MPG (highway)11.0 L/100km / 21.4 MPG (urban) | 6.0 L/100km / 39.2 MPG (highway)11.4 L/100km / 20.6 MPG (urban) | 6.0 L/100km / 39.2 MPG (highway)12.7 L/100km / 18.5 MPG (urban) | 6.5 L/100km / 36.2 MPG (highway)13.0 L/100km / 18.1 MPG (urban) | 7.6 L/100km / 31.0 MPG (highway)9.2 L/100km / 25.6 MPG (combined) | 12.6 L/100km / 18.7 MPG (urban) | 7.3 L/100km / 32.2 MPG (highway)9.6 L/100km / 24.5 MPG (combined) | 13.1 L/100km / 18.0 MPG (urban) | 7.6 L/100km / 31.0 MPG (highway)12.9 L/100km / 18.2 MPG (urban) | 7.4 L/100km / 31.8 MPG (highway)14.4 L/100km / 16.3 MPG (urban) | 8.1 L/100km / 29.0 MPG (highway)13.0 L/100km / 18.1 MPG (urban) | 7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (highway)
Top Speed194.0 km/h / 120.5 mph196.0 km/h / 121.8 mph205.0 km/h / 127.4 mph196.0 km/h / 121.8 mph210.0 km/h / 130.5 mph224.0 km/h / 139.2 mph220.0 km/h / 136.7 mph225.0 km/h / 139.8 mph216.0 km/h / 134.2 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel drive
EngineM43B18M43TUB19M44B19M44B19M52TUB20M54B22M54B22M52B28M52B28M54B30
Engine | Bore84.0 mm / 3.3 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in80.0 mm / 3.1 in80.0 mm / 3.1 in80.0 mm / 3.1 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Compression Ratio9.7:19.7:110.0:110.0:111.0:110.8:110.8:110.2:110.2:110.2:1
Engine | Displacement1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc2.0 L / 121.5 cu-in / 1991.0 cc2.2 L / 132.5 cu-in / 2171.0 cc2.2 L / 132.5 cu-in / 2171.0 cc2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.8 L / 170.7 cu-in / 2798.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc
Engine | Power115.0 hp / 85.8 kW @ 5500 rpm118.0 hp / 88.0 kW @ 5500 rpm140.0 hp / 104.4 kW @ 6000 rpm140.0 hp / 104.4 kW @ 6000 rpm150.0 hp / 111.9 kW @ 5900 rpm170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 6250 rpm170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 6250 rpm192.0 hp / 143.2 kW @ 5500 rpm192.0 hp / 143.2 kW @ 5500 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm
Engine | Specific Output64.0 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in62.3 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in73.9 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in73.9 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.3 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in78.3 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in78.3 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in68.7 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in68.6 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke81.0 mm / 3.2 in83.5 mm / 3.3 in83.5 mm / 3.3 in83.5 mm / 3.3 in66.0 mm / 2.6 in72.0 mm / 2.8 in72.0 mm / 2.8 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in
Engine | Torque168 Nm / 123.9 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm190 Nm / 140.1 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm180 Nm / 132.8 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm180 Nm / 132.8 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm210 Nm / 154.9 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm210 Nm / 154.9 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine | TypeNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears5-speed5-speed5-speed4-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed4-speed5-speed
Transmission | TypeManualManualManualAutomaticManualManualAutomaticManualAutomaticManual

Production

Availability1995 ~ 19981998 ~ 20001995 ~ 19991995 ~ 19991999 ~ 20002000 ~ 20032000 ~ 20031997 ~ 20001997 ~ 20002000 ~ 2003

Related Products

BMW Z3 M Roadster E36/7 Convertible (1997-2002)

BMW Z3 M Roadster E36/7 Convertible (1997-2002)

66% Neofiliac
BMW Z3 M Roadster E36/7 is a subcompact convertible sports car in production from 1997 to 2003. It was available with a range of inline-6 engines that displaced 3.2 liters paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Based on the E36/7 Z3, the M Roadster i...
Alpina Roadster S E85 Convertible (2003-2006)

Alpina Roadster S E85 Convertible (2003-2006)

87% Neofiliac
Alpina Roadster S E85 is a subcompact convertible based on the E85 Z4 3.0i in production from 2003 to 2006. It was powered by a bored-out S52B32 naturally-aspirated inline-6 engine that displaced 3.3 liters also found in the E46 B3 S. As usual, the Roa...
BMW Z4 E85 Convertible (2002-2006)

BMW Z4 E85 Convertible (2002-2006)

78% Neofiliac
BMW Z4 E85 is a subcompact convertible sports car in production from 2002 to 2006, whereupon it received a facelift. It was available with a range of inline-6 engines that displaced 2.2 to 3.0 liters. Compared to the Z3 that preceded it, the E85 Z4 has...
BMW Z4 E85 LCI Convertible (2006-2008)

BMW Z4 E85 LCI Convertible (2006-2008)

83% Neofiliac
BMW Z4 E85 LCI is a subcompact convertible sports car in production from 2006 to 2008. It was available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 2.0 to 3.0 liters. Compared to the pre-facelift E85 Z4, the LCI brought an inline-4 mod...
BMW Z8 E52 Convertible (2000-2005)

BMW Z8 E52 Convertible (2000-2005)

86% Neofiliac
BMW Z8 E52 is a flagship compact convertible sports car in production from 2000 to 2005. It was powered by an S62 naturally-aspirated V8 engine that displaced 4.9 liters paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. A retro-styled roadster, the Z8 debuted ...
BMW Z4 E89 Convertible (2009-2013)

BMW Z4 E89 Convertible (2009-2013)

84% Neofiliac
BMW Z4 E89 is a compact convertible sports car in production from 2009 to 2013, whereupon it received a facelift. It was available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 2.0 to 3.0 liters. Compared to the E85 Z4 that preceded it, ...
BMW Z4 G29 Convertible (2018)

BMW Z4 G29 Convertible (2018)

77% Neofiliac70% External
BMW Z4 G29 is a compact convertible sports car in production from 2018. It is available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 2.0 to 3.0 liters. BMW has made a good effort in aerodynamics, with a decent 0.28 coefficient of drag t...
BMW Z4 E89 LCI Convertible (2013-2016)

BMW Z4 E89 LCI Convertible (2013-2016)

86% Neofiliac
BMW Z4 E89 LCI is a compact convertible sports car in production from 2013 to 2016. It was available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 2.0 to 3.0 liters. Compared to the pre-facelift E89 Z4, the LCI brought only minor cosmet...
BMW M6 E64 Convertible (2006-2010)

BMW M6 E64 Convertible (2006-2010)

85% Neofiliac
BMW M6 E64 Convertible is an executive convertible in production from 2006 to 2010. It was powered by an S85 naturally-aspirated V10 engines that displaced 5.0 liters. The automated manual (SMG) transmission was widely available, while the US also rece...
BMW M3 E46 Convertible (2001-2006)

BMW M3 E46 Convertible (2001-2006)

71% Neofiliac
BMW M3 E46 Convertible is a compact executive convertible in production from 2001 to 2006. It was powered by an S54B32 naturally-aspirated inline-6 engine that displaced 3.2 liters. Both manual and SMG automated manual transmissions were available. The...
Audi TTS 8J Roadster Convertible (2008-2010)

Audi TTS 8J Roadster Convertible (2008-2010)

58% Neofiliac
Audi TTS Roadster (Type 8J) is a subcompact convertible sports car in production from 2008 to 2010. It was powered by turbocharged inline-4 engine that displaced 2.0 liters. Both manual and DCT transmissions were available, and AWD came standard. Essen...
Audi TT (8J) Roadster Convertible (2006-2014)

Audi TT (8J) Roadster Convertible (2006-2014)

71% Neofiliac
Audi TT (Type 8J) Roadster is a subcompact convertible sports car in production from 2006 to 2014. It was available with a range of inline-4 and VR6 engines that displaced 1.8 to 3.2 liters. Compared to the original TT, the Mk2 TT has a much more matur...
Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

autoexpress[1]

Reviewer score 59%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
Most common problem is generally a failing oxygen sensor, which will throw up an engine warning light or fail an MoT emissions test. Non-M engines have a few more issues to be aware of, such as the Nikasil cylinder liners. Genuine BMW parts are expensive, but aftermarket parts can bring down the cost.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Stylish looks
  • Good standard equipment
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Fiddly VANOS system

User Reviews

Comments

Please login before adding comments.

References

  1. ^ BMW Z3: Buying guide and review (1996-2002). [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/104942/bmw-z3-buying-guide-and-review-1996-2002. 2018-11-05. Retrieved 2022-05-31.

This page contains affiliate links to third-party merchants such as Amazon, eBay, and Rakuten. When you make a purchase using the supplied links, we will receive a commission.

Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

<

>

x