Vehicle Segment:
Compact premium sports car / roadster
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT (later models), Chevrolet Corvette (as a comparable sports car)
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, classic BMW handling characteristics
Design:
Iconic long hood, short deck, flowing lines, available as a roadster and coupe
Value Statement:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information for owners and technicians, saving time and money on vehicle upkeep.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild, timing, cooling, lubrication, intake, exhaust
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, manual gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanism
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, control systems, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, convertible top mechanism
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, interior trim, HVAC system, airbags
Climate Control:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor components
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension overhauls
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical circuits, component testing, wiring repair
Body And Trim Repair:
Repair and adjustment of body panels, interior trim pieces
Depth:
Professional level, suitable for experienced DIYers and professional technicians
Diagrams:
Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for all procedures
Engine Options:
2.5L Inline-6, 2.8L Inline-6, 3.0L Inline-6 (M54), 3.2L Inline-6 (S54 for Z3 M)
Engine Code 2 5:
M50B25/M52B25 (specific variants may apply)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 168 hp (2.5L) to 315 hp (Z3 M)
Torque Range:
Approx. 170 lb-ft (2.5L) to 258 lb-ft (Z3 M)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic or Siemens DME)
Layout:
Inline 6-cylinder, front-engine, rear-wheel drive
System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Oil Type Recommendation:
Synthetic engine oil (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent, specific viscosity varies by engine and climate - consult manual for exact specs)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5 or ZF S5-31/S5D 320Z)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH for some models, 5-speed automatic for later models)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 synthetic (specific BMW specifications apply)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (specific BMW specifications apply)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,446 mm (96.3 in)
Length:
Approx. 3,904 mm (153.7 in) for Roadster, 4,045 mm (159.3 in) for Coupe
Width:
Approx. 1,691 mm (66.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,292 mm (50.9 in) for Roadster, 1,307 mm (51.5 in) for Coupe
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,500 kg (2,866 - 3,307 lbs) depending on engine and trim
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 160 - 210 liters (5.6 - 7.4 cu ft) for Roadster, slightly more for Coupe
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific NHTSA ratings readily available for all model years/variants, but generally considered safe for its class. Consult specific vehicle history.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional/Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars behind headrests (standard on Roadster)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years (depending on coolant type and BMW recommendations)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for iridium plugs.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based, or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or specific BMW power steering fluid
Cooling System Leaks:
Plastic expansion tanks and hoses prone to cracking, water pump failures
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, strut mounts
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Hydraulic leaks, motor failures, fabric wear
S54 Engine Specific:
Rod bearing wear, VANOS system issues, oil pump disc failure
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's legacy in sports car design and performance, building on models like the 507 and Z1.
Design Inspiration:
Designed at BMW's design studio in California, inspired by classic British roadsters and BMW's own heritage.
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Production Numbers:
Over 165,000 units produced worldwide across Roadster and Coupe variants.
