Positioning:
Premium compact sports car offering a blend of performance, handling, and style.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims).
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, near 50/50 weight distribution, responsive steering.
Design:
Long hood, short deck, classic roadster proportions, available as a coupe.
Powertrain Options:
Inline-four and inline-six engines known for their smoothness and power delivery.
Primary Coverage:
North America
Secondary Coverage:
Global (OE material derivation implies universal technical data)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Software format, equivalent to hundreds of printed pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software/Web-based Access
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (Differential, Axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Instrumentation, Body Electronics
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Top Mechanism (Roadster)
Comfort System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair And Replacement:
Component Overhaul, Part Replacement (e.g., brake pads, suspension arms, alternators), Engine Rebuilding Procedures
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-based Diagnosis, Electrical Circuit Testing, Component Testing
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and usage guidance for specialized BMW tooling required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive OE-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Engine Variant 1:
2.5L Inline-4 (M44)
Horsepower 1:
168 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 1:
170 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Engine Variant 2:
2.8L Inline-6 (M52TU)
Horsepower 2:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2:
206 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Engine Variant 3:
3.0L Inline-6 (M54 - introduced later in model year or for specific markets)
Horsepower 3:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm (estimated for this year's application)
Torque 3:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (estimated for this year's application)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Likely rated Good (based on BMW E36 platform architecture)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely rated Acceptable or Good (specific tests for Z3 model year may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models
Airbags Driver:
Driver's Side Airbag
Airbags Passenger:
Passenger's Side Airbag
Roll Bars:
Integrated roll-over protection system (hidden behind headrests in Roadster)
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles for most standard spark plugs (check manual for specific recommendations and plug types).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as indicated by CBS. Use BMW-approved coolant.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW LL-01 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.8L:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific BMW part number).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-3 (Lifeguardfluid 6) or equivalent.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) diluted 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Common Issue 2:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid failure leading to rough idle and reduced power.
Common Issue 3:
Cooling system issues: radiator leaks, water pump failure, thermostat housing cracks.
Common Issue 4:
Subframe bushings and trailing arm bushings wear, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Common Issue 5:
Convertible top hydraulic lines and pump issues (Roadster).
Heritage:
BMW's legacy of building driver-focused sports cars and roadsters.
Platform Basis:
Based on the E36 3 Series platform, sharing many mechanical components.
Introduction Year:
1995 (US market, 1996 model year)
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Production Years:
1995-2002
