Thirty years ago Pierce Brosnan James Bond. With the 007 film Goldeneye, the BMW Z3 also achieved worldwide. At a time when many automobile manufacturers move away from the road outlets, this is the perfect time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Z3.
Where can you do that better than in Spartanburg, South Carolina? Here the first BMW Z3 rolled from the production line in 1995. We surprisingly climbed behind the wheel of the last produced model, an M-Roadster in striking imola ed. But just drive off and enjoy the sun in February? Not so easy in the southern states. Greg Bunner, the man responsible for the Valuable Vehicle Collection by Spartanburg, protects the most sought -after keys. “Bring it back into a piece and treat it well. She is like a daughter for me and only covered 1,400 miles, ”he smiles. Greg knows the Z3 better than almost everyone, especially the last, which he protects like the Holy Grail. “I started at BMW Spartanburg 29 years ago,” he recalls, pulling his hat deeper against the sun. “I was in the Z3 paint shop for years. A fantastic car. Really!”
Today he supervises the impressive BMW vehicle collection, which is far from the brand from the brand. Spartanburg has been the largest BMW system – Zigger than in Munich, Dingolfing or Regensburg for years. BMW has recently confirmed that it is the largest autoXporter in the USA and that it is more vehicles worldwide than General Motors, Ford, Chrysler or Tesla. It primarily produces x models from the X3. But 30 years ago things were different: In addition to the BMW 3 Series (E46), the Z3 Roadster was the main attraction that spread the joy worldwide – especially with the roof.
It is no surprise that the BMW Z3 and its successor, the Z4, have achieved such success. BMW was ahead of the curve and brought out the growing trend for compact, nimble roads at an early stage. The DNA of the Z3 returns to the British streets of the 1950s and 60s, in 1989/1990 brought the Mazda MX-5 to be revived. The concept of the Z3 was simple and yet effective: striking design, compact dimensions, two seats and a easily encouraging soft top. Originally available with two four-cylinder engines, which produce 118 and 140 hp, it later received more desirable straight-SIX variants and culminated in the exciting BMW Z3 M Roadster-Alle in Spartanburg.
The roadster of 1,425 kg M is an absolute pleasure to drive. The light chassis paired with a naturally sucked 3.2-liter line that was borrowed from the final BMW M3 E36. With 325 hp, the open two -seater rises to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds and exposes a wonderful soundtrack. A top speed of 250 km/h is not a problem, but let’s be honest-the highway is not the ideal playground for this roadster born in south. It is really alive on twisted side streets that are filled with endless curves. Even Z3 expert Greg Bunner agrees, but his preferred engine selection can surprise some. “Sure, the M-Roadster and the powerful six-cylinder versions are fantastic, but if I had to choose, I would probably decide one of the smaller four-cylinder models. They are lighter and you really have to work with the manual gear. It is addictive! “If Greg says that, it is difficult not to rethink the four -cylinder models, although the straight variants give the Z3 its legendary reputation.
The Imola Red BMW Z3 M Roadster, which drives through Spartanburg and Greenville, remains a headmaster in a crispy day without a wind deflector, the sun is still shining. A short stop in the nearby Waffelhaus, directly opposite the main factory input, before he drives to the legendary watches -diner in Greer. It is not surprising that the Z3 Roadster is not only the smallest car in the parking lot, but at the age of 30 still younger than most regular patrons of the dinner.
While Greg Bunner is now the Guardian of the Z3 in South Carolina, other important numbers were behind his success. Among them gave designer Joji Nagashima, who gave the Z3 its unique proportions – somewhat later Z4 models never completely replicated. The M variant received a revised front with larger air inlets, displayed wheel boxes for their almost nine-centimeter wider rear and the legendary Quad-Exhau system that roars when pushing.
Not only the chrome slots and details reminded of the legendary BMW 507 Roadster, but also of the compact footprint. The most powerful Z3 models drove on relatively small 17-inch cast aluminum wheels (225/45 ZR 17 front, 245/45 ZR 17 behind) and relyed on a combination of a lower suspension, a sports chassis and a differential with a limited panties to use 325 hp and 350 Nm torque. Between 1997 and 2002, a total of 15,322 Z3 M Roadster were built-many in a late US-Spec version.
Three decades later, the Z3 remains a beloved icon. And when BMW’s first roadster was built outside of Germany, he remains the Brit from South Carolina – a real classic that is still as exhilarating as always.
