Near becoming classic, but being an icon of the German brand, the BMW Z3 this year blows the candles to celebrate its 25th birthday.It is, according to the firm itself, the most successful Roadster of BMW, which was in production between 1995 and 2002 and to which we gave a deserved tribute reviewing its history, characteristics and curiosities.
When at the end of 1995 the first BMW Z3 left factory, no one could imagine that it would end up reaching 297.087 units produced.Not surprisingly, it was a niche car, far away as the successful Bávara firm's firm.
Deportivo, Bipplaza, convertible and rear traction, were the ingredients of the BMW Z3, being the successor of the novel BMW Z1 of identical configuration.Although in his case, he combined modern lines with classic following the wake of the mythical BMW 507 born in the 50s.
From his approach, BMW opened a gap with respect to Z1: while this Roadster only 8 were manufactured.000 copies, only for the first full year of Z3 production 15 were planned.000 units, almost double.With what they surely did not count is that at the beginning of that 1996 they were going to be all sold, which was what happened.
Beyond its benefits, it helped its proximity to the North American market, as it was manufactured in the Spartanburg factory (South Carolina, EE.Uu).And to this it is also added that it was presented to the world in a blockbuster film.
And before anyone else, Pierce Brosnan led to James Bond's shoes in 'Goldeneye', who was the new return of the famous agent to his majesty service happening to a Timothy Dalton who did not convince.But let's go back to Z3...
The birth of an open pit myth
It was Joji Nagashima who sculpted the forms of the BMW Z3, also a father in co -seasons design such as the BMW 5 E39 series or the subsequent BMW 3 E90 Series.And although it was a canonical Roadster, with an elongated hood in combination with a rear short, reduced Voladizos and a delayed driving position that almost reached the rear axle, its lines fell in love with not a few drivers.
And it is that Nagashima was good to bring back some characteristic elements of the BMW 507, considered one of the most beautiful cars in history.Elements such as lateral gills, next to the front wheel pass, were present in both models, as well as rounded shapes, in contrast to the arist and squares of Z1.
Conceived on the BMW 3 E36 series platform, when it reached the market, it made it associated with two four -cylinder engines: 1.8 of 115 hp (m43b18) and 1.9 of 143 hp (M44B19).However, as a good BMW, the most characteristic mechanics of Z3 have been by tradition of six cylinders, being the most common configuration in the engines that have given it life.
The first to arrive did in 1997: with a m52b28 denomination, it was a 2 block of 2.8 liters 192 hp and 280 nm.Also, that year was born the first variant m of the convertible biplaza, hiding under the hood the same propeller that mounted the BMW M3 E36: the S50B32 of 3.2 liters, with 321 hp at a maximum of 7.400 turns and 350 nm torque.
And even though to adapt to American tastes he offered a five -speed automatic box, it could also be selected with a manual of identical relationships.
In the Z3 menu we also found a sports suspension, which added to its rear propulsion and its low center of gravity (its total height was only 1.27 meters), they made it a delicious toy of the most fun on the asphalt,being able to undertake curves at high speed.
However, to make it friendlier, BMW quickly incorporated bondes as the ASC+T traction control, which although it tied to the car in the car, offered very sports sensations by offering maximum motor skills operating on the brakes and the engine.
New airs in the middle of life
In the equator of its production and already with about 170.000 marketed models, the BMW Z3 was updated.The 1999 resyling maintained its essence, but added new optics on the front and rear, settings on the front defenses and the rear earned slightly in muscle.
But the main novelties were found under the hood, with up to five new mechanics.The access remained a four cylinders that was nothing more than an evolution of the M43B18, that is, the M43B19, increasing its displacement to 1.9 liters and its power at 117 hp.
From there, the six -cylinder online carousel began: a 2.0 of 150 hp, which was replaced very soon by 2.2 of 170 hp and, the top of the M52b30 range, which cubicated 3.0 liters and reaches 231 hp.Although, of course, the crown jewel was held by the new BMW Z3 M and its 3 block.2 liters, which amounted to 325 hp and 354 nm torque.
The BMW Z3 with a roof: from Roadster to Coupé
With the great reception that the BMW Z3 had had, the brand wanted to take advantage of the reef and give life to a sports car based on it.The Z3 Coupé was born two years later, that is, the closed version of this Roadster.Almost half a century had passed since BMW launched a model of these characteristics, being its background the 328 Sportcoupé.
In fact, its rear line was inspired by this legendary model that was a winner in the Mille Miglia of 1940, and served as a basis for the update of the Z3 in 1999, such as for example in the rear pilots touches.
The BMW Z3 Coupé reached the market in summer 1998 and its production was much smaller than that of its convertible brother: 18.000 units saw the light in the four years that was active.
Its mechanical range was also smaller, riding the most delivery options of the Z3 Roadster.First, the 2.8i, which was reviewed incorporating a new electronic management with which he got a horse more of power, reaching the 193 hp, in addition to improving consumption and offering a more linear torque delivery.
This first installment was also accompanied by an M variant, with the 321 hp propeller.Later, once the restyling was released in 1999, it came its turn by integrating the M52B30 of 231 hp, as well as the new S54B32 of 325 hp of delivery of the second of the Z3 m.
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