The BMW Z3 double sports car was produced from 1996 to 2002 as a replacement of the BMW Z1 and as the answer to the Mazda MX-5 convertible to the then popular convertible. His delightful design, developed in retro-stylistic of the 50s, combined the fascinating symbiosis of classic forms and dynamism. BMW Z3 was a bestseller time – the car was so in demand that the new BMW plant could not cope with the volume of orders for it.
Start BMW Z3
The debut of the BMW Z3 took place in the fall of 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show. To a new, original model with a forward engine and a hard suspension, which differed from other cars in a peculiar bent headlights and stylish side air intakes, the line of buyers was instantly lined up. However, the car entered the market only a year later in the body of the Roader with a folding soft roof with a semi -automatic hydraulic drive, and only two years later – in the versation of the compartment. There were practically no differences between the BMW Z3 and coupe and coupe: both cars were built on the same platform with the only difference being that the closed top of the compartment was hard. To raise the soft roof of the Rooster, it was necessary to pull it over and fix it with a turn of two handles. As an option, customers were offered the top with automatic folding.
Compact sports car quickly became a symbol of the classic virtues of BMW. The car was distinguished by a balanced technique, a long wheelbase, a wide track, rear -wheel drive and a low center of gravity with almost perfect weighting through the axes. Together, all this provided BMW Z3 exceptional maneuverability. The model captivated the most accurate steering and the ability to briskly pass turns with small side rolls, as well as optimal qualities in transition modes.
Unlike the predecessor Z1, the BMW Z3 was focused on a wide audience and was a full -fledged means. In its retro-cuzovo, the car combined the latest innovative technologies at that time. In fact, the model could be called a sports universal.
Powerful BMW Z3
During the release of the BMW Z3, BMW offered for it a rich gamut of power plants capable of satisfying any requests and requirements. So, initially the BMW Z3 was offered with different versions of 1.8- and 1.9-liter installations under the hood capable of developing 115- 140 horsepower forces. In the last generation, the car was already equipped with 2.8- and 3-liter engines with a capacity of 193 and 231 “horses”. In the basic configuration of the BMW Z3, a five -position mechanical gearbox was put, an automatic checkpoint was set by order. The steering wheel was equipped with a hydraulic wrap. The brake system was represented by disc brakes on both pairs of wheels and was equipped with an anti -lock system.
Acceleration to a 100-kilometer mark was given to the car in 5.4 seconds. The maximum speed of the BMW Z3, allowed by built -in electronics, was 250 km/h.
The equipment of the BMW Z3 interior included sports seats and a set of sensors and devices typical for the German brand, consisting only of the most necessary. The car was designed for extreme dynamism. The governing bodies were located very thought out, so that the driver could find them intuitively.
Those motorists who wanted to further emphasize the classic sports forms of the BMW Z3 could additionally purchase the Speedster lid (for the Rooster) in the tone of the body for facing the folded roof. In order to increase aerodynamics, this cover was a continuation of the headrests in the form of two protrusions and evenly distributed the air flow behind them. Speedster consisted of two parts, was equipped with a cover and stored in the trunk.
BMW Z3 production ended in 2002.
Photo BMW Z3
BMW Z3 video