BMW Z3 I
The BMW Z3 I (1996–2002): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 24 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: E36/7, E36/8 · Sold in: United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, and France
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,050 mm RDW | 4,025 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm RDW | 1,692 mm |
| Height | 1,290–1,310 mm RDW | 1,293–1,306 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm RDW | 2,446 mm |
| Front track | 1,411–1,423 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,427–1,504 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,125–1,255 kg RDW | 1,225 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,225–1,355 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,400–1,550 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,200–1,305 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 500–600 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Boot space | – | 165 L |
| Fuel tank | – | 51 L |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 194–220 km/h RDW | – |
| Torque | 168–300 Nm ASTRA | 168–350 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 225/45R17, 225/50R16, 245/40R17, 205/55R16, 205/60R15, 225/55R15
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de, fr, pl), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 73.5% (73.0–74.0) | 69.2% | 33,253 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 40.8% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 35.4% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 20.8% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 19.3% | 28.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 18.1% | 17.1% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 13.6% | 18.6% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
251 complaints for model years 1996–2002. 17 crashes · 5 fires · 25 injuries · 1 death
- Airbags 64
- Seats 30
- Seat belts 28
- Body and structure 25
- Transmission and drivetrain 21
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 24 versions of the BMW Z3 I
Show all 24 versions
United States 11 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–20023MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1999–2002 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2001–2002 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2001–20023MODE | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 1999–2000 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 1998–2000FFS | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 1998–2000 | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 291–307 g/km |
| 1996–1998(FFS) | 1.9 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km |
| 1996–1998(FFS) | 1.9 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 23–24 MPG (9.8–10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 230–240 g/km |
| 1997(FFS) | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 1997(FFS) | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
Canada 13 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2002Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265 g/km |
| 2002Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267 g/km |
| 2001–2002Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274 g/km |
| 2001–2002Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 253 g/km |
| 2001Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267 g/km |
| 1999–2000Two-seater · Subcompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 278 g/km |
| 1999–2000Two-seater · Subcompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267 g/km |
| 1999–2000Two-seater · Subcompact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 278 g/km |
| 1999–2000Two-seater · Subcompact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 278 g/km |
| 1996–1998Two-seater | 1.9 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 235 g/km |
| 1996–1998Two-seater | 1.9 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.0–10.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 230–232 g/km |
| 1997–1998Two-seater | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.5–12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 288–292 g/km |
| 1997–1998Two-seater | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.2–12.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 281–283 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.