Models · BMW
BMW Z3 E36/7 buying guide
BMW's two-seat roadster, built from 1995 to 2002 and sold in the UK from 1997, with four-cylinder and straight-six petrol engines. A coupé joined later, and the range was facelifted in 1999.
The versions
- Four-cylinder: 1.8 (116PS, later 118PS) and 1.9 (140PS, later 118PS)
- Straight-six to 2000: 2.0 (M52, 150PS) and 2.8 (M52, 193PS)
- Straight-six from 2000: 2.2i (M54, 170PS) and 3.0i (M54, 231PS)
- Roadster with a fabric hood, electric on some cars; a coupé was offered with the six-cylinder engines
- Five-speed manual, or a four or five-speed automatic
- The Z3 M Roadster and M Coupé have their own page
What to check on a Z3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The hood and its operation
What to look for: Raise and lower the hood fully and watch it move. Look for tears, worn seams and a cloudy or cracked rear window, and on electric hoods check it moves smoothly without stalling or strain.
Why it matters: Hood damage is common on Z3s. On cars with the electric hood, raising or lowering it by hand can damage the motors, so ask how the seller operates it.
Knocks from the rear subframe
What to look for: On the drive, pull away briskly, lift off, and drive over speed humps. Listen for clunks or knocks from under the back of the car.
Why it matters: The rear subframe mounts can wear and become noisy. The Z3's rear suspension is derived from the older E30 3 Series, and its bushes are a known wear item. Replacement parts are readily available.
Rattles from the rear shock mountings
What to look for: Drive over broken surfaces and listen for a rattle or tapping from the rear corners, and push down on each rear corner when parked to feel for a clonk.
Why it matters: The shock absorber mountings are known to rattle as they wear. They're straightforward to replace, often at the same time as the dampers.
Also in the full guide
- Front ball joints and steering
- 2.2i and 3.0i: intake rattle and breather
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Z3
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.