CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

BMW Z3

BMW Z3 — 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.

BMW Z3
EngineGasoline:; 1.8–1.9 L ''M43''/''M44'' I4; 2.0–3.0 L ''M52''/''M52TÜ''/''M54'' I6; 3.2 L ''S50''/''S52''/''S54'' I6
Transmission5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic
DrivetrainFront-engine, rear-wheel drive

About the BMW Z3

BMW Z3 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 Z3 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 Z3 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 Z3
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 AR, CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, NL, NZ, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the BMW Z3 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 Z3 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)
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for BMW Z3

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.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear
Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 34 PSI 32 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 36 PSI 35 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about BMW Z3

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 Z3 have?
The available source data lists the BMW Z3 engine as 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. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the BMW Z3?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the BMW Z3?
There is no single best engine oil for every BMW Z3 configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the BMW Z3?
The BMW Z3 is classified as a 2-door roadster; 3-door shooting-brake.
What years was the BMW Z3 produced?
The available vehicle record places the BMW Z3 in the 1996–2002 period. Exact availability can vary by market.
What are the dimensions of the BMW Z3?
The available source data lists length 4025 mm (158 in), width 1692 mm (66.6 in), height 1293 -, and wheelbase 2446 mm (96.3 in).
What transmission does the BMW Z3 have?
The available source data lists 5-speed ''GETRAG 250''/''ZF S5-31'' manual; 4-speed ''GM Hydra-matic 4L30E'' automatic; 5-speed ''GM 5L40-E''/''ZF 5HP'' automatic transmission options for the BMW Z3.
Is the BMW Z3 FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the BMW Z3 is Front-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Who makes the BMW Z3?
The manufacturer listed for the BMW Z3 is BMW.
When was the BMW Z3 produced?
The available source data describes production as September 1995 – June 2002.
How much does the BMW Z3 weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1160-1400 kg lb 0. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the BMW Z3 built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United States: Greer, South Carolina (Plant Spartanburg).
What class of car is the BMW Z3?
The BMW Z3 is listed in the Sports car (S) class.
Which markets or countries sold the BMW Z3?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the BMW Z3 with AR, CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, NL, NZ, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the BMW Z3?
The available vehicle data lists BMW Z4 (E85) as a successor where applicable.
What replaced the BMW Z3?
The available vehicle data lists BMW Z4 (E85) as the successor where applicable.
What cars are related to the BMW Z3?
The available source data identifies related models as BMW 3 Series (E36). Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the BMW Z3?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the BMW Z3?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the BMW Z3 is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

BMW Z3 images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.

BMW Z3 photo
BMW Z3 photo