Why the BMW Z3 Coupé, in contrast to the Roadster, immediately became a classic

What did the start-up process look like?

The story goes that the Z3 Coupé was created by five enthusiasts within BMW who started working with a Z3 Roadster in their free hours. Presumably they were inspired by the Z1 Coupé that BMW came up with in 1991, a one-off study based on the Z1 Roadster. When converting the convertible into a closed sports car, the body stiffness increased by 2.7 times. The end result looked bizarre, but also referred to a legendary shooting brake like the Volvo 1800 ES. When seeing the camouflaged prototypes, AutoWeek thought at the time that it would be called Z5. After all, rumors were circulating that BMW would position the coupe brother of the Z3 a bit higher in the market. In September 1996, we saw it in public as a wrapped prototype. The wider rear track fueled rumors of heavier engines. BMW already applied the thicker rear to the roadster from 1997. Then six-cylinder models also appeared in the open version; the Z3 was initially only available with a four-cylinder. In May 1997, BMW released the first photos of the Z3 Coupé, which was only available with six-cylinder engines.

BMW Z1 Coupé, a study based on the Z1 Roadster, presented in 1991.

How revolutionary was the Z3 Coupé really?

We’re not covering the Z3 Coupé because it was such a revolutionary concept now. On the contrary, with its body inspired by classic shooting brakes, including long nose and short butt, it was a classic sports car, but one that caused a lot of commotion with its appearance. It also suited the times. The 1990s was a relatively carefree era in which anything seemed possible. The Cold War was over and house music turned nightlife upside down. In short, it couldn’t be crazy enough. Perhaps it was precisely because of that zeitgeist that BMW dared to market a Z3 with the appearance of a ‘clown’s shoe’. The Z3 still used parts of the rear suspension of the 3-series E30, which was replaced in 1990 by the E36, on which the Z3 is otherwise based.

How was he received?

A typical case of ‘you like it or you think it’s ugly’. Our colleagues who wrote about him at the end of 1998 belonged to the latter category. The BMW is indeed quite sensitive to taste and its extravagant appearance was extra noticeable because it was born almost at the same time as the much-admired Audi TT. The motoring press immediately praised the Z3 Coupé for its fantastic driving characteristics. Where the roadster was considered a bit too good in the early years, with powers of 115 and 140 hp, everyone in the Coupé saw a serious sports car from the start. That sporty nature was not entirely surprising, because you could already order the Roadster with a 2.8 six-cylinder the year before. It was even there as a very brutal M, with the 321 hp engine of the M3.

How was the Z3 Coupé received by consumers?

Here too there are very different opinions. You thought he was beautiful or hideous. Although the latter group is not as large in 2023 as it was in 1998. Now enthusiasts almost speak with awe about the ‘clown shoe’, as the nickname soon sounded. There are also people who speak of ‘tennis or gym shoes’. The general public did not understand the car; the appreciation came later.

What were the choices during the market launch?

When the Z3 Coupé appeared in the showrooms, there was a choice of the 2.8 six-cylinder, the 193 hp strong machine that was already known from the 3, 5 and 7 series and the fast M Coupé. With 321 hp, that was a serious sports car. Prices were hefty. The entry-level model remained just under 100,000 guilders (€45,378), the same price BMW asked for the Z3 Roadster 2.8. Open variants are normally more expensive than their closed brothers. For the M Coupé, BMW asked 149,500 guilders (€67,840), identical to the price tag of the M Roadster.

What were its competitors?

The Audi TT was the first serious competitor, which was initially only available as a closed coupé. That coupé, which was very acclaimed for its appearance (because everyone immediately liked it) was also pricey. Even so, the TT variant with the 225 hp four-cylinder 1.8 turbo and four-wheel drive cost less than the BMW Z3 Coupé 2.8 at the time. Incidentally, at the end of the 90s you had even more bizarrely styled coupés, for example the much less expensive Fiat Coupé, which you could get with a powerful five-cylinder turbo, but also as a good 1.8. Alfa Romeo also had the stylish GTV.

Any details during his life?

There was not much to facelift on the Z3 Coupé, because it only came after the Z3 Roadster had already undergone its first changes. But you know that BMW is constantly improving its engines, after all it is not called Bayerische Motoren Werke for nothing. For example, the 2.8 with 193 hp already made way in 2000 for a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, which gave the entry-level model 231 hp. The M Coupé received a very modest power update in 2001, the 3.2 liter delivered 325 hp in its last year. The new M3 power unit with 343 hp for the 3 Series E46 passed its long, low nose.

Which version appeals the most to the imagination?

Because the Z3 Coupé looks monstrously powerful, the M version is the holy grail among enthusiasts. With a minimum of 321 hp, it fully lives up to its bizarre appearance and, as a driver, you also have your hands full with the fierce rear-wheel drive. We can safely call him the widow maker of his generation. At the end of the 90s, the Z3 Coupé received that stamp, in the early 2000s the Opel Speedster Turbo and the Renault Clio V6 joined that list. Bizarre cars from a bizarre era in which everything seemed possible. Then you understand why amounts are asked for a Z3 M Coupé that are three times higher than those of a 2.8i or 3.0i Coupé. Then you are talking about more than €70,000 for an M Coupé.

BMW Z3 M Coupe.

What has been the impact of the Z3 Coupé?

Connoisseurs did not consider the Z3 Roadster a potential classic from the start. The car had a too soft image, especially because in its early years you could only get it with a four-cylinder. When the Z3 Coupé arrived, you immediately knew: this is going to be one! He is now shooting rapidly towards classic status. We are now seeing this reflected in the prices. In addition, the BMW model has crossed a threshold. The brand suddenly dared to jump out of the band, which it now seems to be doing on the assembly line …

How many were built and how many are left?

It is logical that the prices of the Z3 M Coupé go through the roof. After all, only 6,291 M’s were produced. In total, only 17,815 coupés saw the light of day, while BMW produced 279,273 of the Z3 Roadster. The internal code for the Roadster was E36/7, for the Coupé E36/8. Production took place at the factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. According to Vinacles data, there are still 333 Coupés driving around in the Netherlands, which are divided over the production years as follows:

Year of construction Number

1998 55

1999 143

2000 59

2001 51

2002 25

source: vinacles