2000 BMW Z3

Burkhard Göschel led the development of the BMW Z3 with the exterior design courtesy of Joji Nagashima. The Z3, introduced as a 1996 model year vehicle in September of 1955, was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW and the first new BMW model to be assembled in the BMW Spartanburg plant in the US. Some of the components, including the transmission and engine, were imported from Germany.

The Avant-Grade styling of the BMW Z3 was a departure from the relatively conservative BMW marque, with a rather lengthy bonnet and a short rear end complimented by swooping wheel-arches and side-vents. The wheelbase measured 96.3-inches, the length at 158.5-inches, and it stood 50.9-inch high. At its introduction, only a four-cylinder engine was offered, with a six-cylinder unit being introduced in 1996. Z3 models equipped with the four-cylinder engine had a single tailpipe, while six-cylinder models had dual tailpipes, a revised front bumper, and wider rear fenders. The 'M Models' came with six-cylinder engines and had wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, side mirrors, and the M division's first use of a quad exhaust pipe arrangement. Initially, the M43B18 1.8-liter engine delivered 114 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 124 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 RPM. The 1.9-liter M44B19 engine delivered 138 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine (M52TUB20) displaced 2.0-liters and offered 148 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The 2.2-liter inline-6 had 168 horsepower, the 2.3-liter inline-6 had 170 horsepower, and the 2.5-liter version had 185 horsepower. The United States was the only market to receive the 2.3- and 2.5-liter engines. The 1.8, 2.0, and 2.2i models were unavailable in the United States.

The M versions were introduced in 1997 and the European models initially received the S50 inline-6, while the North American markets received the less powerful S52 inline-6 engine. Both the European and North American models received the S54 engine in 2001. M models had larger brakes, M-specific colors, a wider rear track, and a limited-slip differential. Among the improvements to aerodynamics included redesigned front and rear bumpers, revised side gills, and updates to the wing mirrors. The interiors gained a clock, oil temperature gauges, and a voltmeter in the center console along with unique M-styled seats and interior color options.

The M Coupe was produced from 1998 through 2002 and its development was under the leadership of engineer Burkhard Göschel with the intention of adding increased torsional and structural rigidity to the Z3 roadster's chassis. It was more than just a convertible with a hardtop, as its entire chassis had been redesigned, the roof lengthened, and a 3.2-liter engine from an M3 installed into the engine bay. The S50 engine delivering 321 horsepower was built between 1998 and 2001, and the later S54 (from the E46 M3) engined models with 325 horsepower were manufactured between 2001 and 2002. Additional modifications included drive by wire throttle, DSC system, and externally, shadow chrome wheels. The interior featured chrome-rimmed dials with multi-colored leather seats available as an option.

2000 BMW Z3
The 2000 BMW Z3 was available as a coupe or roadster in either 2.3- or 2.8-liter configuration in the North American market. The 2.3-liter dual-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine displaces 152 cubic inches and offered 170 horsepower. The 2.8-liter version brought horsepower to just under 200 HP, rated at 193 HP. For those seeking more, BMW offered the M Roadster and M Coupe, which had a 192 cubic-inch 24-valve six-cylinder engine offering 240 horsepower. Pricing for the base Roadster was listed at just under $32,000. Pricing for the M Roadster was $43,270 while the M Coupe sold for $42,370.

The most visual changes for the 2000 model year included re-contoured rear fenders and subtle changes to the trunk lid. Final modifications included L-shaped taillights.

Transmission options included either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2015