BMW Z3 (E36) M Coupe & Roadster '1998-2002

The E36 was based on the E36 3 Series platform, while using the rear semi-trailing arm design of the older E30 3 Series. It is the first BMW Z Series car to be mass produced.

The body styles of the range are:

2-door roadster (E36/7 model code)
3-door coupé (E36/8 model code)

It is powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. In fact they are all the same.

Development on the roadster began in 1991 and was led by Burkhard Göschel. The exterior was designed by Joji Nagashima – (famous japanese designer of BMW) in 1992 and the design was frozen in 1993. Design patents were filed on April 2, 1994 in Germany and on September 27, 1994 in the US. The Z3 was introduced via video press release by BMW North America on June 12, 1995. Production began on September 20 1995.

The Z3 Coupé was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Compared to the standard Z3, M models featured a limited slip differential, a wider rear track, and larger brakes (that are shared with the E36 M3). Z3M models have more aerodynamic wing-mirrors, redesigned front and rear bumpers, revised side gill, 17-inch wheels, quad exhausts, and engine and oil temperature gauges in the center console.