1996 | BMW Z3

The Z3 Roadster is the epitome of an open top sports car from the 1960s with its long hood, short rear end, short overhangs on the front and rear and sweeping, deep lines with strongly accentuated wheel arches. The powerful engine sits at the front, driven of course by the rear axle. "This is the most authentic way to drive a BMW!" shouted the trade press. So, what could be more apt than to build an M model based on this iconic car? This was part of the plan when the Z3 Roadster went into development. In 1997, one year after the BMW AG’s M production car, rolled into dealerships. With an even sportier look, the M suspension and the powertrain of the then BMW Z3 under the hood.

The rear section is 86 millimeters wider than on the four-cylinder models; the regular Z3 with a six-cylinder engine, the 2.8, is also fitted with this feature. However, the four polished stainless-steel tailpipes in the redesigned rear apron are reserved for the M automobile. The front apron of the M Roadster is characterized by large air intakes. These are not just for decorative purposes but fulfil several functions at once: They ensure engine cooling, good downforce values and targeted rear axle airflow.

At its heart is the 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine from the BMW M3 E36, which, according to spec sheet can achieve 236 kW (321 hp) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, which is available at just 3,250 rpm. The power is sent to the rear axle, which means that only 1,425 kg of the curb weight has to be moved. Thanks in part to the lightweight fabric soft top, the convertible weighs 40 kg less than the Z3 and accelerates from a standstill to highway speed in the same time: the Z3 M Roadster sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, stopping only at the electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. The gears are selected via a manual 5-speed transmission. The gears are engaged by a 5-speed manual transmission. With the 2001 model year, the car was given even more power. The reason for this was the inclusion of the improved six-cylinder engine from the BMW Z3, which helped the convertible to reach 239 kW (325 hp).