BMW Z3

The BMW Z3 is a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster and, in some versions, a coupe produced by BMW from 1995 to 2002 for the 1996–2002 model years.

The BMW Z3 is a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster and, in some versions, a coupe produced by BMW from 1995 to 2002 for the 1996–2002 model years. It was BMW’s first model built exclusively outside Germany, with production at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The Z3 gained wider recognition after appearing in the James Bond film GoldenEye.

Development and launch

BMW introduced the Z3 in 1995, with model-year production beginning in 1996. It was based on the E36 platform and designed as a compact sports car in roadster form, later joined by a coupe variant.

Engines and variants

The Z3 was sold with a range of inline-four and inline-six engines, including 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.8, 3.0 and M versions in different markets and years. The Z3 M models used more powerful six-cylinder engines and were the performance-focused versions of the line.

Production and manufacturing

All Z3 models were assembled at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, making it BMW’s first model built entirely outside Germany. Production ran until 2002, when the Z3 was discontinued and replaced by the Z4.

Cultural impact

The Z3 received broad attention after appearing in the James Bond film GoldenEye. It is now often discussed as a 1990s BMW sports car with collector interest, especially in rarer variants such as the M Coupe.