When the BMW Z3 made its debut, a 4-cylinder version was presented featuring a 1.9L four-valve power unit, which was derived from the BMW 318is. It had peak performance of 138 horsepower, and torque of 133 lb-ft, and last but not least a very sexy sound. This speedy sports car immediately won the hearts of fresh air aficionados!
The BMW Z3 was the right type of car launched at the right time: from the start the distinctive BMW Z3 has been in pole position ahead of other roadsters. In 1996 more than 46,000 of the uncompromising two-seaters were sold worldwide, and in September ’99 the 200,000th BMW Z3 came off the production line. Until then nobody had deemed this feasible in a market segment that had to that point been regarded as a tiny niche.
