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BMW Z3 Roadster (E36) 1996-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36) 1996-2003 32 Photos
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The Z3 was the first vehicle built by BMW exclusively outside Germany and it was the first mass-produced Z-series model. It was the first vehicle built by the German car-maker to be featured in a James Bond movie franchise.

The predecessor of the BMW Z3 was the Z1. There was not any Z2 on the market. The Z3 was based on a mixed platform based on the E36 3-Series model, but with the rear axle taken from the E30 due to its compactness.

Z3 was a typical roadster with a long hood, short cabin, and even shorter rear deck. Its rounded form and wide headlights covered by a clear-lens cover attracted a lot of customers. It was produced until 2003. On the front fenders, there was an exhaust vent with four slats, that resembled the BMW 507 roadster.

Inside, there was a two-seat layout with a big center console between the occupants. The central stack was slightly tilted toward the driver. With the dials and gauges carried-over from the E36 model, the Z3 was fit for sporty driving.

Inside, it offered sport-bucket seats for both occupants. On the center stack, BMW installed a stereo and the controls for the air-conditioning unit. The bucket-seats featured high bolstering to support the occupants while fast cornering.

Even if it featured a mixed platform/drivetrain, the Z3 was a fast and nimble car. It was offered with a choice of engines ranged between 1.8-liter and 2.8-liter before the facelift. In 1999 the car went through a mid-life cycle refresh and received some updated engines. The 2.0-liter inline-six was replaced by a 2.2-liter, and the 2.3-liter was upgraded to a 2.5-liter, while the 2.8-liter was increased to 3.0-liter. The M versions were a different chapter.

press release
BMW Z3 Roadster (E36) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
  10 gasoline engines
  • 1.8i 5MT RWD (115 HP)
  • 1.9i 4AT RWD (140 HP)
  • 1.9i 5MT RWD (140 HP)
  • 1.9L 5MT RWD (118 HP)
  • 2.0L 5MT RWD (150 HP)
  • 2.2i 5AT RWD (170 HP)
  • 2.2i 5MT RWD (170 HP)
  • 2.8i 5MT RWD (192 HP)
  • 2.8L 4AT RWD (192 HP)
  • 3.0i 5MT RWD (231 HP)

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
1.8i 5MT RWD (115 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8i 5MT RWD (115 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1796 cm3
Power:85 KW @ 5500 RPM
116 HP @ 5500 RPM
114 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:124 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM
168 Nm @ 3900 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:120.5 mph (194 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/60 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2557.4 lbs (1160 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3108.5 lbs (1410 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)
Highway:39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km)
Combined:30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:187 g/km

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
1.9i 4AT RWD (140 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9i 4AT RWD (140 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1895 cm3
Power:103 KW @ 6000 RPM
140 HP @ 6000 RPM
138 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM
180 Nm @ 4300 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:122 mph (196 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/60 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2612.5 lbs (1185 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3163.6 lbs (1435 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:18.5 mpg US (12.7 L/100Km)
Highway:36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km)
Combined:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:189 g/km

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
1.9i 5MT RWD (140 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9i 5MT RWD (140 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1895 cm3
Power:103 KW @ 6000 RPM
140 HP @ 6000 RPM
138 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM
180 Nm @ 4300 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:127.4 mph (205 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/60 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2612.5 lbs (1185 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3163.6 lbs (1435 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km)
Highway:39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km)
Combined:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:189 g/km

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
1.9L 5MT RWD (118 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L 5MT RWD (118 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:1895 cm3
Power:86.8 KW @ 5500 RPM
118 HP @ 5500 RPM
116 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:140 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
190 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:122 mph (196 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.4 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55 R16 95 W
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2690 lbs (1220 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3285 lbs (1490 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:21.4 mpg US (11 L/100Km)
Highway:39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km)

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
2.0L 5MT RWD (150 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT RWD (150 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:1991 cm3
Power:110.3 KW @ 5900 RPM
150 HP @ 5900 RPM
148 BHP @ 5900 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
280 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:130 mph (209 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):89 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/60 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2800 lbs (1270 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km)
Highway:30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km)

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
2.2i 5AT RWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.2i 5AT RWD (170 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:1991 cm3
Power:110.3 KW @ 5900 RPM
150 HP @ 5900 RPM
148 BHP @ 5900 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
280 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/60 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2965 lbs (1345 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km)
Highway:30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km)
Combined:24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km)

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
2.2i 5MT RWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.2i 5MT RWD (170 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2171 cm3
Power:125 KW @ 6100 RPM
170 HP @ 6100 RPM
168 BHP @ 6100 RPM
Torque:155 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
210 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:139.2 mph (224 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/50 R16 92 V
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2744.8 lbs (1245 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395.1 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:18.7 mpg US (12.6 L/100Km)
Highway:32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km)
Combined:25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:224 g/km

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
2.8i 5MT RWD (192 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8i 5MT RWD (192 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2793 cm3
Power:141 KW @ 5300 RPM
192 HP @ 5300 RPM
189 BHP @ 5300 RPM
Torque:203 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM
275 Nm @ 3950 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:135.5 mph (218 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55 R16 95 W
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2777.8 lbs (1260 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3329 lbs (1510 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:16.9 mpg US (13.9 L/100Km)
Highway:32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km)
Combined:24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:225 g/km

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
2.8L 4AT RWD (192 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L 4AT RWD (192 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2793 cm3
Power:141 KW @ 5300 RPM
192 HP @ 5300 RPM
189 BHP @ 5300 RPM
Torque:203 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM
275 Nm @ 3950 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:134 mph (216 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55 R16 95 W
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2833 lbs (1285 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3417 lbs (1550 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:16.9 mpg US (13.9 L/100Km)
Highway:32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km)
Combined:24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:225 g/km

BMW Z3 Roadster (E36)
3.0i 5MT RWD (231 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.0i 5MT RWD (231 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2979 cm3
Power:170 KW @ 5900 RPM
231 HP @ 5900 RPM
228 BHP @ 5900 RPM
Torque:221 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
300 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.5 gallons (51.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:149.1 mph (240 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/50 ZR16
DIMENSIONS
Length:159.4 in (4049 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:50.9 in (1293 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm)
Wheelbase:96.3 in (2446 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.3 in (109 mm)
Cargo Volume:5.8 cuFT (164 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2832.9 lbs (1285 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3428.2 lbs (1555 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:17.7 mpg US (13.3 L/100Km)
Highway:32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km)
Combined:24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:228 g/km
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