The BMW Z1 was introduced in 1987 and came available in 1988. There were only 4 colors available, although two more were added in 1991, the same year production of this unique car ended … The car was based on the E30 325i and shared items like the engine and dashboard parts. Needless to say the car will be a future classic!
Year (of specifications) 1988 – 1991
Engine 2.5 litre inline 6 cylinder
Transmission 5 speed manual RWD
Max speed 140 mph
0-60 mph 7.9 seconds
Horsepower 170 bhp @ 5800 rpm
weight 2756 lbs
The BMW Z1 roadster first appeared in 1986, with production beginning in 1988 and running until 1991. Around 8,000 BMW Z1’s were built in total, the vast majority being sold in Germany. The BMW Z1 was an unusual and distinctive roadster which featured unusual doors which slid electronically down into the body to provide access. Other design features of the BMW Z1 included removable plastic body panels and a composite undertray to increases downforce.
The 2.5 litre engine, gearbox and front suspension of the BMW Z1 were all borrowed from the E30 325i. The BMW Z1 was succeeded by the more conventional BMW Z3 roadster.
The BMW Z1 is a two-seat soft top roadster. It uses the engine and transmission from the E30 325 mounted in a specially designed base frame or chassis, which is made from galvanised steel. The sports body, which is made from various types of composite resin panels, is fixed onto the base frame. The front suspension is re-worked 325 components, with a wider track. The rear suspension is the specially designed ‘Z axle’. The most distinctive features of the body are the electrically powered doors, which in the open position drop down into the side sills, this creating the ultimate ‘open car’ when the soft top is lowered underneath its’ flat cover.
