BMW Z3

The BMW Z3 was one of the first cars produced by the good folks in Spartanburg, South Carolina, at BMW’s new plant. Starting out in the market, you got only one package, a base model Z3 convertible powered by a 1.9-liter inline-4 good for 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. As the name says so, this trim package 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.Putting the top down in a Z3, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.

With the 1998 model, this BMW became more readily adaptable to inclement weather, thanks to the introduction of an optional power convertible top. The Z3 couple followed up in 1999. Equipped with the 2.8-liter engine only, with its odd hatchback looks did make the body stiffer and more versatile, but the odd tail drew snickers and finger pointing from those who thought it ruined the lines of the stylish Z3. In that year, the 1.9-liter four-cylinder was upgraded to the new 170-hp inline-6. In spite of the 2.5-liter displacement, this car was given the odd name of a Z3 2.3 for 1999 and 2000. A Harman Kardon delivered the symphonic sounds, and a hardtop was added to the list of option. The safety features were upgraded thanks for the addition of side airbags as standard equipment. Zipping around town with a top down, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.

Some minor tweaks to the body style came out for the convertible in 2000, followed up in the coupe model in 2002, along with the addition of stability control. At the start of 2001, the 2.8 trim package, available in both the coupe and convertible, became the 3.0i, with the new addition of a 3.0-liter engine putting out 225 hp along with 214 pound-feet of torque. The logically enhanced 2.5i somehow fit under the hood an extra 14 horses. Then, the Z3’s first four speed automatic transmission was upgraded to a five speeder automatic instead. In 2002, its last year being built, BMW grudgingly made the CD player part of its standard package.

Check out my other info about Electric Auto Conversion and Porsche event.