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← BMW Z3 · 1995-2002 · Z3

BMW Z3 Z3

Headline trim: Z3 M Coupé 3.2 — 321 bhp, 0-62 in 5.4s.

press photo
Verdict
A
BHP
321 bhp
0–60
5.4 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
20 mpg (US)
Used
$4,400-$51,000

Strengths

  • M Coupé is a cult classic
  • James Bond fame
  • NA inline-six soundtrack

Weaknesses

  • Diff bush wear
  • Cabin shows age
  • Soft-top wear

Notable tech

  • Z3 platform (E36-derived)
  • Roadster and Coupé bodies
  • M44/M52/S52/S54 petrol
  • 5MT or 4-speed Steptronic
  • M Roadster/Coupé with S52/S54 inline-six

Common issues

  • Diff bushes wear
  • Soft-top mechanism
  • Cooling system plastic

Engine derivatives

US-spec trims and engines offered across Z3's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
1.8 / 1.9 4-cyl
BHP118
Torque160 Nm
0–6010.0 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)28 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
2.0 / 2.2 / 2.5 / 2.8 inline-6
BHP192
Torque245 Nm
0–607.9 s
Top149 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
Z3 3.0i inline-6
BHP231
Torque300 Nm
0–606.0 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT
Z3 M Roadster (S52)
BHP240
Torque320 Nm
0–605.5 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT
Z3 M Roadster (S54)
BHP321
Torque350 Nm
0–605.4 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 6MT
Z3 M Coupé (S52/S54)
BHP321
Torque350 Nm
0–605.4 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 6MT