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BMW Z3 E36/7 3.0i (231 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1305 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 6 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.0i (231 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent non-M engine, delivering exhilarating performance and strong acceleration, transforming the Z3 into a true sports car.
Fuel Economy
Despite its power, the 3.0i offers reasonable fuel economy for its performance, though it will increase with spirited driving.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E36/7: 1999 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | Z3 |
| Generation: | E36/7 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0i (231 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M54B30 More details about the engine M54B30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2979 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.6 kg/Hp, 177 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.4 kg/Nm, 229.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1305 |
| Max. weight: | 1575 |
| Max load: | 270 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 165 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 51 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4050 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1306 mm [13mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2446 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1413 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1494 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW Z3?