BMW Z3 E36/7 1.8 (115 Hp)
People\'s Opinion
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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.
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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 5 |
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| Transmission type | Manual |
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| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
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| Rear brakes | Disc |
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| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
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| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
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| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
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| Wheel rims size | 15 |
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| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
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| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW Z3!