BMW Z 3 Roadster
BMW Z 3 Roadster — 1996–2002, 2-door roadster; 3-door shooting-brake, Gasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

About the BMW Z 3 Roadster
BMW Z 3 Roadster is a 2-door roadster; 3-door shooting-brake in the sports car (s) class, with source data covering 1996–2002. The available vehicle data lists Gasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6 as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic and a Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.
This BMW Z 3 Roadster guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for Gasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6 and 5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.
BMW Z 3 Roadster specifications at a glance
Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.
| Make | BMW |
|---|---|
| Model | Z 3 Roadster |
| Model years | 1996–2002 |
| Body style | 2-door roadster; 3-door shooting-brake |
| Vehicle class | Sports car (S) |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | September 1995 – June 2002 |
| Market / country | FI, NL |
Engine, transmission and performance
Engine information for the BMW Z 3 Roadster includes Gasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6.. Transmission information includes 5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel drive.
| Engine | Gasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic |
| Drivetrain / layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Dimensions, weight and practicality
Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.
| Wheelbase | 2446 mm (96.3 in) |
|---|---|
| Length | 4025 mm (158 in) |
| Width | 1692 mm (66.6 in) |
| Height | 1293 – |
| Kerb / curb weight | 1160-1400 kg lb 0 |
BMW Z 3 Roadster other specifications
| Name | BMW Z3 |
|---|---|
| Image | 1999 BMW Z3 2.3 roadster, front right, 08-24-2024.jpg |
| Model Code | E36/7 (roadster)E36/8 (coupe) |
BMW Z 3 Roadster generations and model years
Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.
| Generation / scope | Years | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Z3 | 1996–2002 | Gasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6 | 5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Recommended tire pressure for BMW Z 3 Roadster
Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.
| Load condition | Front | Rear | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 34 PSI | 32 PSI | Estimate |
| Fully loaded | 36 PSI | 35 PSI | Estimate |
Frequently asked questions about BMW Z 3 Roadster
These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.
What engine does the BMW Z 3 Roadster have?
What tire pressure should I use for the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What is the best engine oil for the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What body style is the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What years was the BMW Z 3 Roadster produced?
What are the dimensions of the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What transmission does the BMW Z 3 Roadster have?
Is the BMW Z 3 Roadster FWD, RWD or AWD?
Who makes the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
When was the BMW Z 3 Roadster produced?
How much does the BMW Z 3 Roadster weigh?
Where was the BMW Z 3 Roadster built?
What class of car is the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
Which markets or countries sold the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What came after the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What replaced the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
What cars are related to the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
How often should I check the tire pressure on the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the BMW Z 3 Roadster?
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the BMW Z 3 Roadster is fully loaded?
Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.
BMW Z 3 Roadster images
Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.

