- Refined and free-revving six-cylinder engines
- Competent dynamics
- Small turning circle
- High standard of fit and finish
- Underpowered 1.9-litre petrol engine
- Suspension upset by mid-corner bumps
- Roof tonneau cover difficult to fit
- M54 and S50 engines (for the Z3 2.2i, 3.0i and M Roadster) susceptible to VANOS failure
Review: BMW E36/7-I Z3 Roadster (1997-99)
Overview
Released in March 1997, the BMW E36/7 Series I (E36/7-I) Z3 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof and plastic rear window. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the rear-wheel drive Z3 Roadster was initially available with 1.9-litre M44 B19 four-cylinder and 2.8-litre M52 B28 inline six cylinder petrol engines (the 1.9i and 2.8i variants, respectively). In December 1998, the range was expanded with the introduction of M Roadster which was powered by BMW’s 3.2-litre S50 B32 inline six cylinder engine as per the E36 M3 .
Compared to the E36 3-Series Compact on which it was based, the Z3 Roadster was 185 mm shorter (at 4025 mm), 6 mm narrower (1692 mm), 105 mm lower (1288 mm) and had a 254 mm shorter wheelbase (2446 mm). The Z3 Roadster had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9i | 1.9-litre petrol I4 (M44 B19) | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
1997-99 | 103 kW at 6000 rpm | 180 Nm at 4300 rpm |
| 2.8i | 2.8-litre petrol I6 (M52 B28) | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
1997-99 | 142 kW at 5300 rpm | 275 Nm at 3950 rpm |
| M | 3.2-litre petrol I6 (S50 B32) | 5sp man. | 1998-99 | 236 kW at 7400 rpm | 350 Nm at 4900 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners. The M variant was further equipped with front side airbags.
Features
Standard features for the 1.9i included 16-inch alloy wheels, six speaker stereo with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather trim, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an immobiliser.
The 2.8i was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, heated front sports seats, remote central locking, power-operated soft-top roof, woodgrain trim and an alarm.
The M variant was distinguished by its 10 speaker stereo with six-disc CD player and power adjustable front passenger seat. The M variant was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
Review: BMW E36/7-II Z3 Roadster (1999-02)
Overview
Released in June 1999, the E36/7 Series II (E36/7-II) Z3 Roadster introduced a six-cylinder engine range, improved safety equipment and additional features. Inside, there was a new sports steering wheel, additional roof lining for better weather and sound insulation and a new centre instrument cluster arrangement (similar to that in the E36/7-I M Roadster).
As part of the revised range, the 1.9i variant was replaced by the 2.0i which was powered by BMW’s M52 B20 engine. In September 2000, the 2.0i variant was replaced by the 2.2i (powered by BMW’s M54 B22 engine) and the 2.8i was replaced by the 3.0i (with its M54 B30 engine).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i | 2.0-litre petrol I6(M52 TUB20) | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
1999-00 | 110 kW at 5900 rpm | 190 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 2.2i | 2.2-litre petrol I6 (M54 B22) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2000-02 | 125 kW at 6250 rpm | 210 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 2.8i | 2.8-litre petrol I6 (M52 B28) | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
1999-00 | 142 kW at 5300 rpm | 280 Nm at 3950 rpm |
| 3.0i | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (M54 B30) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2000-02 | 170 kW at 5900 rpm | 300 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| M | 3.2-litre petrol I6 (S50 B32) | 5sp man. | 2000-02 | 236 kW at 7400 rpm | 350 Nm at 4900 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its E36/7-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the E37/7-II Z3 Roadster was extended to include side airbags and roll-over bars.
Features
Standard features were also extended to include a ten speaker stereo with CD player, power adjustable front seats, additional leather upholstery, cruise control, remote central locking, a power-operated soft-top roof, trip computer and woodgrain trim.
The 2.8i was further equipped with heated sports seats. In September 2000, the 2.8i was replaced by the 3.0i. Compared to the 2.8i, the 3.0i was further equipped with ‘M Sport’ suspension.
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