The BMW Z3 was a first for BMW, and a step into the mass-market roadster category. The Z3 was a popular vehicle for the German car manufacturer, praised for its stylish good looks and upmarket image. The engine range also proved popular, although the drive and suspension were described as stiff and slow-witted according to What Car?. It won a number of awards including Design of the Year award for the M Couple in Automobile Magazine during 1999. 

BMW Z3 (1995 - 2002)

BMW launched the Z3 in 1995 for the 1996 model year. This initial model, specifically a blue BMW Z3 roadster prototype, featured in the James Bond movie GoldenEye in January 1995. However, the appearance of the Z3 in the film was controversial, as it was the first non-British production car to appear in a Bond film. 

The initial engine lineup featured a 1.8 litre engine, which many felt lacked performance, with a 1.9 litre engine added later - this soon became one of the best selling models. Later a 2.8 litre engine joined the lineup, boosting the Z3 into a similar power bracket as the Mercedes SLK and the Porsche Boxster. 

1997 saw the introduction of the Z3 M Roadster model, which offered enormous performance thanks to its 3.2 litre engine. All Z3s powered with four cylinders featured one exhaust pipe and standard body kit, while six-cylinder powered Z3s used two exhaust pipes and flared wheel arches with a different front bumper. 

For the smaller engines, from 1.8 L to 2.0 L, the manual gearbox included standard equipment such as ABS, driver airbag, electric mirrors and a one-layer convertible soft top. The option to add automatic stability control, air conditioning, leather seats and 16" alloy wheels was available. The smaller 1.8 and 1.9 litre engines were only available in Europe.

The 2000 model year saw a facelifted version of the Z3, with modified rear wings and curved, rounded taillights. The convertible top now featured triple layer insulation instead of single layer and boasted improved weather protection. The 1.9 litre engine was replaced by a six-cylinder 2.0 litre option, which was again replaced in 2001 by a 2.2 litre model. 

The newer BMW E36/8 Z3 entered production during 1999, known as the Coupe. It featured a shooting brake design that proved controversial, with it often referred to by critics as the breadbox. The Coupe featured a chassis stiffening hatch area, and only came with the option of 2.8 litre, 3.0 litre and 3.2 litre engines.

The BMW Z3s were a great success for BMW before they were replaced by the Z4 when production ceased in 2002. They are popular with second-hand buyers who appreciate their good looks and compact size. 

Cheap BMW Z3 car parts

Many of the BMW spares you need to get back on the road will be available to buy now. For other parts, you will hear back from the independent breakers in our network with some quotes to give you plenty of choice. It doesn''t matter if you need a new BMW gearbox or engine or something simple like a wing mirror, all spare car parts are thoroughly checked and come fully guaranteed for at least a month.