Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW Z1 E30 2.5 (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW Z1:
The BMW Z1 is a sports car which was produced in limited numbers by German manufacturer BMW from 1989 to 1991. It is the first model in BMW's line of Z series roadsters.
The Z1 is unique for its plastic body panels and vertically sliding doors which drop into the door sills. It is one of the first BMWs to use a multi-link rear suspension. The sole drivetrain specification is the 2. 5-litre straight-six engine and 5-speed manual transmission from the E30 325i.
In 1995, the Z1's successor, the mass-produced Z3, began production....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E30 Overview:
BMW Z1 (E30). With 222 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1250 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The BMW Z1 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, so it was never officially rated. Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its late 1980s era.
2.5 (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.5-liter M20B25 inline-six delivers a respectable 170 Hp, providing brisk acceleration (0-100 km/h in 7.9s) suitable for spirited driving in this lightweight roadster.
Fuel Economy
Combined fuel consumption of 8.4 l/100 km is reasonable for a performance-oriented engine of its era, though urban driving sees a significant increase.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unique and iconic design with retracting doors
- • Engaging driving experience from the E30 platform and M20 engine
- • Exceptional rarity and collector's appeal
- • Robust and well-regarded M20B25 engine
- • Excellent handling and roadster feel
Cons:
- • Very high purchase price and running costs due to rarity
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and small trunk
- • Parts can be difficult and expensive to source
- • Safety features are minimal by modern standards
- • Not suitable for daily commuting due to its niche nature
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | Z1 |
| Generation: | E30 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 68.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 222 Nm @ 4300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M20B25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2494 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 225 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.4 kg/Hp, 136 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.6 kg/Nm, 177.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1250 |
| Max. weight: | 1460 |
| Max load: | 210 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3920 mm |
| Width: | 1690 mm |
| Height: | 1275 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2445 mm |
| Front track: | 1455 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW Z1!