BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9
BMW designed this two-seat roadster in Munich, built it in South Carolina and gave its 1.9-litre four-cylinder version rear-wheel drive.
1996 BMW Z3 1.9 Roadster (8138131888).jpg · free photos & art · CC BY 2.0
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More than a set of wheels.
The Z3 began production at BMW's new Spartanburg plant in September 1995 and reached customers in spring 1996. It revived BMW's small-roadster idea at a far larger scale than the rare Z1. The 1.9 used a 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 140 PS, while the compact chassis mixed newer E36 front structure with the outgoing E30 3 Series' space-saving semi-trailing-arm rear axle.
Look a little closer.
The Z3 appeared in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye before normal customer sales began in spring 1996.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A deliberately mixed-generation chassis
BMW based the Z3 on E36 3 Series ideas but shortened the wheelbase and used the compact semi-trailing-arm rear suspension from the older E30. The choice saved space and money and helped make the roadster playful rather than turning it into a miniature luxury saloon.
Source: BMW PressClub · The Z3 Roadster Phenomenon ↗German badge, American birthplace
The Z3 was engineered by BMW and sold here as a European-market model, yet every early roadster was assembled at Spartanburg. BMW calls it the group's first vehicle produced entirely outside Germany, making production country a central identity fact rather than a footnote.
Source: BMW Group Classic · Z3 model series ↗Where these facts come from
- BMW Group Classic · BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9
- BMW PressClub · The Z3 Roadster Phenomenon
- BMW Plant Spartanburg · History
- 1996 European BMW Z3 1.9 specification record
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed 2026-10-03.