THE BMW Z3
The Z3 was designed to be built inexpensively and the floorpan, suspension and running gear are basically those of the 1994 318Ti Compact, itself a cheaper E36 that used the old E30 style semi-trailing arm rear suspension and not the Z axle used on the regular E36. That saved weight and was cheaper to produce, and it could be tuned to give very good results.
Production started at the Spartanburg plant in Carolina in September 1995. Previewed by the 007 film Goldeneye in November 1995, the Z3 was launched to the public not long after with a waiting list of some 15,000 cars by early 1996. By the time the car was launched in the UK in July 1996, desire was at fever pitch.
Under the bonnet was BMW’s new M44 1.9-litre 16-valve engine delivering 140bhp, this being a development of the similar M42 twin cam used in 318iS cars since 1989. A close ratio direct drive (not overdrive) Getrag gearbox or a four-speed GM automatic drove the rear wheels. The Z3 suspension was virtually identical to the E36, with a few damper and spring rate changes as well as a new short shift gear lever and a quick ratio steering rack; a front chassis brace from the E36 Convertible was also fitted. Brakes were solid non-vented discs all round, with ABS as well as ASC traction control.
The all-steel body was a tub onto which all exterior panels (including the outer sills
