The BMW Z3 Beast of a Car
The BMW Z3 was one of the first cars produced by the good folks in Spartanburg, South Carolina, at BMW’s new plant. For the first year on the market, you got only one choice: a base-model convertible powered by a 1.9-liter inline-4 pumping out 138 hp. Standard features included an AM/FM/cassette player and cruise control. While the five speed manual transmission was standard, those wanting a cruising experience paid for the four speed automatic. Leather seats and traction control were available options. This next year is when the Z3 really drew praise, due in part to a new trim option, the 2.8. Even though you’re smart enough to figure this out, this trim was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 – the same lauded 190-hp six-cylinder that powered 3 Series models of the era. The Z3 also got a luxury upgrade, with the addition of a CD changer and heated seats to its options list.Going top down in a Z3, you will need a windscreen.
Then, in 1998, the Z3 actually became practically for winter driving with the addition of an optional power convertible top. The Z3 couple followed up in 1999. This came equipped with the 2.8-liter engine only, its hatchback design added extra body stiffness and versatility, but its strange tail drew guffaws of disgust and befuddlement amongst those who felt it was smearing the beautiful Z3. In that year, the 1.9-liter four-cylinder bowed out in favor of a new 170-hp inline-6. In spite of the 2.5-liter displacement, the model was strangely called a Z3 2.3 for 1999 and 2000. A sound blasting Harman Kardon stereo pumped out the great tunes to please the ear. The overall saftey of the car was enhanced thanks to the mandatory side airbags. When you let in the sun the top down in a Z3, you will need a windscreen.
Minor exterior and interior refreshes were in store for the BMW Z3 coupe and convertible in 2000, and stability control joined the standard features list. For 2001, the 2.8 trim in the coupe and roadster became the 3.0i, with the introduction of a 3.0-liter engine good for 225 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque. The logically rechristened 2.5i saw a power increase of 14 horses. Then, the Z3′s first four speed automatic transmission was upgraded to a five speeder automatic instead. For 2002, in its last year of production, the Z3 finally made the CD player standard equipment.
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When the author isn’t driving around in her BMW Z3, she’s also a fan of best psychics, the Seattle HCG Diet Center, and the Volvo C70 windscreen windblocker wind deflector.
Tags: BMW Z3, BMW Z3 Wind Deflector, BMW Z3 Windblocker, BMW Z3 Windscreen, BMW Z3 Windstop