BMW · Chassis code E36/7 · E36/8
The Z3
The South Carolina–built roadster that starred in a Bond film, and spawned the M Coupe "clown shoe."
Produced
1995–2002
Built in
Spartanburg, SC
Body styles
Roadster · Coupe
Engines
I4 · I6 · S-series I6
Market range
$5k–$60k+
The story
America’s BMW.
The Z3 was the first BMW built in the United States, at the then-new plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It debuted in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, and the publicity helped make it a hit.
It started as a four-cylinder roadster built from E36 and older E30 parts. Six-cylinder versions followed, and then the M Roadster with the M3’s engine.
The M Coupe was a skunkworks project: a group of engineers built a hatchback version with a stiffer body, and BMW approved it on a tight budget. Its odd shape divided opinion at the time. Today it’s one of the most sought-after BMWs of the era.
Models & specs · US market
Pick your Z3
| Model | Years (US) | Engine | Power | Why you'd want it | Typical price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z3 2.8 | 1997–2000 | 2.8L M52 I6 | 189 hp | The six-cylinder roadster at a four-cylinder price | ~$11,100 |
| M Roadster | 1998–2002 | 3.2L S52 / S54 I6 | 240 hp | M power with the top down; 2001–02 S54 cars get 315 hp | ~$22,600 |
| M Coupe | 1999–2002 | 3.2L S52 / S54 I6 | 240 hp | The cult "clown shoe"; rare and rising | ~$41,400 |
*The early 1.9 four-cylinder (138 hp) and the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.0i sixes trade below the 2.8. S54-powered M cars bring a big premium. As of November 2026.
Why buy one
Pros
- Simple, fun roadster with classic long-hood proportions.
- Six-cylinder cars are cheap for the performance.
- The M Coupe is one of the most distinctive BMWs ever made.
- Shares many parts with the E36 3 Series.
Think twice
Cons
- The rear subframe mounts can crack, and the fix is involved.
- The semi-trailing-arm rear from the older E30 makes the handling twitchy at the limit.
- Tight cabin for tall drivers.
- Many have been neglected or worn hard as cheap sports cars.
Buyer's guide
What to check before you buy
Chassis
Inspect the rear subframe and differential mounts for cracks. Check whether they've been reinforced.
Cooling
Like the E36, the plastic cooling system is a weak point. Look for records of a full refresh.
Roof
On roadsters, check the soft top, the plastic rear window and the frame. On power tops, check the motor.
M cars
Verify the S54 on 2001–02 cars, check VANOS and rod-bearing history, and look for track use.
Market · November 2026
Where values sit
Six-cylinder roadsters sit around $11k, and the M Roadster in the low $20s. The M Coupe is around $41k, and S54 cars and low-mileage examples go much higher.
Sources: Classic.com. Updated quarterly.
The verdict
Buy an M Coupe now if you can; it's the collectible. For a fun summer car on a budget, find a 2.8 or 3.0i with a manual.
Sources