BMW Z3 E36/7 Convertible (1995-2003)
61% Neofiliac59% External
Product Gallery
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
Find Related Products
Specifications
1.8 M43B18 | 1.8 M43B19 | 1.9 | 1.9 AT | 2.0 | 2.2i | 2.2i AT | 2.8 | 2.8 AT | 3.0i | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capacity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cargo Capacity | 165 L / 5.8 cu-ft | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coolant Capacity | 6.2 L / 6.6 qt | 6.6 L / 7.0 qt | 6.6 L / 7.0 qt | 6.6 L / 7.0 qt | 10.5 L / 11.1 qt | 10.5 L / 11.1 qt | 10.5 L / 11.1 qt | 10.0 L / 10.6 qt | 10.0 L / 10.6 qt | 10.5 L / 11.1 qt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine Oil Capacity | 4.0 L / 4.2 qt | 4.0 L / 4.2 qt | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel Capacity | 51.0 L / 13.5 gal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payload | 250 kg / 551 lbs | 270 kg / 595 lbs | 250 kg / 551 lbs | 250 kg / 551 lbs | 270 kg / 595 lbs | 195 kg / 430 lbs | 195 kg / 430 lbs | 265 kg / 584 lbs | 265 kg / 584 lbs | 270 kg / 595 lbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chassis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brakes | Front | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Disc | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brakes | Rear | Disc | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power Steering | Hydraulic Steering | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Suspension | Front | MacPherson strut | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Suspension | Rear | Multi-link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tire Size | 205/60 R15 | 225/50 R16 | 205/60 R15 | 205/60 R15 | 225/50 R16 | 225/50 R16 | 225/50 R16 | 225/50 R16 | 225/50 R16 | 225/50 R16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Body Style | 2-door Convertible | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dimensions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Size | Height | 1288 mm / 50.7 in | 1288 mm / 50.7 in | 1288 mm / 50.7 in | 1288 mm / 50.7 in | 1293 mm / 50.9 in | 1293 mm / 50.9 in | 1293 mm / 50.9 in | 1293 mm / 50.9 in | 1293 mm / 50.9 in | 1306 mm / 51.4 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Size | Length | 4025 mm / 158.5 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | 4025 mm / 158.5 in | 4025 mm / 158.5 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | 4050 mm / 159.4 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Size | Width | 1692 mm / 66.6 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | 1692 mm / 66.6 in | 1692 mm / 66.6 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | 1740 mm / 68.5 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track Width | Front | 1411.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1411.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1411.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1411.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1413.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1413.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1413.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1413.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1413.0 mm / 55.6 in | 1413.0 mm / 55.6 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track Width | Rear | 1427.0 mm / 56.2 in | 1492.0 mm / 58.7 in | 1427.0 mm / 56.2 in | 1427.0 mm / 56.2 in | 1494.0 mm / 58.8 in | 1494.0 mm / 58.8 in | 1494.0 mm / 58.8 in | 1494.0 mm / 58.8 in | 1494.0 mm / 58.8 in | 1494.0 mm / 58.8 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 1160.0 kg / 2557.4 lbs | 1220.0 kg / 2689.6 lbs | 1185.0 kg / 2612.5 lbs | 1185.0 kg / 2612.5 lbs | 1270.0 kg / 2799.9 lbs | 1345.0 kg / 2965.2 lbs | 1345.0 kg / 2965.2 lbs | 1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs | 1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs | 1305.0 kg / 2877.0 lbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wheel Size | 15 in | 16 in | 15 in | 15 in | 16 in | 16 in | 16 in | 16 in | 16 in | 16 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wheelbase | 2446 mm / 96.3 in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h | 10.5 sec | 10.4 sec | 9.5 sec | 10.6 sec | 8.9 sec | 7.9 sec | 8.9 sec | 6.9 sec | 7.2 sec | 6.0 sec | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph | 10.0 sec | 9.9 sec | 9.0 sec | 10.1 sec | 8.5 sec | 7.5 sec | 8.5 sec | 6.6 sec | 6.8 sec | 5.7 sec | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel Economy | 10.9 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 Speed | 194.0 km/h / 120.5 mph | 196.0 km/h / 121.8 mph | 205.0 km/h / 127.4 mph | 196.0 km/h / 121.8 mph | 210.0 km/h / 130.5 mph | 224.0 km/h / 139.2 mph | 220.0 km/h / 136.7 mph | 225.0 km/h / 139.8 mph | 216.0 km/h / 134.2 mph | 250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Powertrain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Drivetrain Layout | Front-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel drive | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | M43B18 | M43TUB19 | M44B19 | M44B19 | M52TUB20 | M54B22 | M54B22 | M52B28 | M52B28 | M54B30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Bore | 84.0 mm / 3.3 in | 85.0 mm / 3.3 in | 85.0 mm / 3.3 in | 85.0 mm / 3.3 in | 80.0 mm / 3.1 in | 80.0 mm / 3.1 in | 80.0 mm / 3.1 in | 84.0 mm / 3.3 in | 84.0 mm / 3.3 in | 84.0 mm / 3.3 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 | 10.8:1 | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Displacement | 1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc | 1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc | 1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc | 1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc | 2.0 L / 121.5 cu-in / 1991.0 cc | 2.2 L / 132.5 cu-in / 2171.0 cc | 2.2 L / 132.5 cu-in / 2171.0 cc | 2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc | 2.8 L / 170.7 cu-in / 2798.0 cc | 3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Power | 115.0 hp / 85.8 kW @ 5500 rpm | 118.0 hp / 88.0 kW @ 5500 rpm | 140.0 hp / 104.4 kW @ 6000 rpm | 140.0 hp / 104.4 kW @ 6000 rpm | 150.0 hp / 111.9 kW @ 5900 rpm | 170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 6250 rpm | 170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 6250 rpm | 192.0 hp / 143.2 kW @ 5500 rpm | 192.0 hp / 143.2 kW @ 5500 rpm | 231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Specific Output | 64.0 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in | 62.3 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in | 73.9 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in | 73.9 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in | 75.3 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in | 78.3 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in | 78.3 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in | 68.7 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in | 68.6 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in | 77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Stroke | 81.0 mm / 3.2 in | 83.5 mm / 3.3 in | 83.5 mm / 3.3 in | 83.5 mm / 3.3 in | 66.0 mm / 2.6 in | 72.0 mm / 2.8 in | 72.0 mm / 2.8 in | 84.0 mm / 3.3 in | 84.0 mm / 3.3 in | 89.6 mm / 3.5 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Torque | 168 Nm / 123.9 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm | 190 Nm / 140.1 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 180 Nm / 132.8 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm | 180 Nm / 132.8 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm | 280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 210 Nm / 154.9 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 210 Nm / 154.9 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engine | Type | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder | Naturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinder | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transmission | Gears | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed | 4-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed | 4-speed | 5-speed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transmission | Type | Manual | Manual | Manual | Automatic | Manual | Manual | Automatic | Manual | Automatic | Manual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Production | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Availability | 1995 ~ 1998 | 1998 ~ 2000 | 1995 ~ 1999 | 1995 ~ 1999 | 1999 ~ 2000 | 2000 ~ 2003 | 2000 ~ 2003 | 1997 ~ 2000 | 1997 ~ 2000 | 2000 ~ 2003 |
Related Products
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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%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
- ^ 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