BMW Z3 E36/7 1.8 (115 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW Z3:

The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:
The Z3 was based on the E36/5 compact platform, a shortened version of the conventional E36 platform. This smaller and cheaper platform used the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design from the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced Z Series car.
M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E36/7 Overview:

BMW Z3 (E36/7). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1160 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 194 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 (115 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The entry-level engine, providing modest performance. It's sufficient for cruising but lacks the punch expected from a BMW sports car.

Fuel Economy

The most fuel-efficient option in the Z3 lineup, ideal for budget-conscious owners.

Best Use Case: Economical daily driving, city commutes, and for those who value the Z3's styling over outright speed.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics and sharp handling
  • • Timeless roadster styling with classic proportions
  • • Smooth and powerful inline-six engine options (2.2i, 2.8, 3.0i)
  • • Excellent open-top driving experience
  • • Becoming a desirable modern classic with good investment potential

Cons:

  • • Limited practicality and small trunk space
  • • Firm ride quality, especially on rougher roads
  • • Some common reliability issues (e.g., cooling system, suspension bushes)
  • • Four-cylinder models can feel underpowered for a sports car
  • • Interior design can feel dated compared to newer rivals

Specifications:

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:Z3
Generation:E36/7
Modification (Engine):1.8 (115 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1998
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:115 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:64 Hp/l
Torque:168 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M43B18
Engine displacement:1798
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:6.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm mm
Piston Stroke:81 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.5 sec
Maximum speed:194 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.1 kg/Hp, 99.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 144.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1160
Max. weight:1410
Max load:250
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:165 l
Fuel tank capacity:51 l
Size:
Length:4025 mm mm
Width:1692 mm mm
Height:1288 mm mm
Wheelbase:2446 mm mm
Front track:1411 mm
Rear (Back) track:1427 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW Z3!