The BME Z3 was one of the first cars off the assembly line at BMW's new Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Starting out in the market, you got only one package, a base model Z3 convertible powered by a 1.9-liter inline-4 good for 138 hp. Standard features including a clunky AM/FM/cassette player, and you did get the cruise control. While a new five-speed manual transmission was standard, those wanting the smooth riding experience would upgrade to the four speed automatic. Just in case you got stuck, there was traction control, which you could enjoy from your plushy leather seats. The following year is when the Z3 truly blossomed, thanks to the addition of another trim, the 2.8. As the name says so, this trim package was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 - this same package in the lauded 190-hp six-cylinder that powered 3 Series models of the era. The Z3 also got its own little luxury upgrade, of a CD changer and heated seats.Going top down in a Z3, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.
Starting in 1998, the Z3 became more of an all-weather car thanks to the introduction of an optional power top. In 1999, the Z3 coupe came out. Equipped with the 2.8-liter engine only, with its odd hatchback looks did make the body stiffer and more versatile, but the odd tail drew snickers and finger pointing from those who thought it ruined the lines of the stylish Z3. That year, the 1.9-liter four-cylinder bowed out in favor of a new 170-hp inline-6. Despite the 2.5-liter displacement, this car was given the odd name of a Z3 2.3 for both 1999 and 2000. A sound blasting Harman Kardon stereo pumped out the great tunes to please the ear. Safety was enhanced with the addition of side airbags to the standard features list of all Z3 sports cars. When you let in the sun the top down in a Z3, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.
Some minor tweaks to the body style came out for the convertible in 2000, followed up in the coupe model in 2002, along with the addition of stability control. For 2001, the 2.8 trim in the coupe and roadster became the 3.0i, with the new addition of a 3.0-liter engine putting out 225 hp along with 214 pound-feet of torque. The logically rechristened 2.5i added an additional 14 horses. Then, the Z3's first four speed automatic transmission was upgraded to a five speeder automatic instead. For 2002, which was to be the BME Z3's last year of production, the CD player was not standard equipment.
