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BMW Z3 Roadster
The BMW Z3 was the first
modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW,
as well as the first BMW model assembled in
the United States. It was introduced as a
1996 model year vehicle, shortly after being
featured in the James Bond movie, GoldenEye.
There were a few variants of the car before
its production run ended in 2002, including
a coupe version for 1999. It was manufactured
and assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The Z3 was replaced by the BMW Z4 in late
2002 at the Paris Auto Show.
TM Roadster
From 1998 to 2002, the Motorsports division
of BMW produced the M Roadster which included
suspension upgrades and the engine from the
BMW M3. The 1998, 1999 and 2000 M roadster
had the 3.2L S52 (U.S. Spec) or S50 (Europe)
motor from the E36 M3 into it with quad exhaust.
The 2001 and 2002 models had the S54 motor
from the E46 M3. There were also interior
upgrades with additional gauges in the center
console, lighted "M" shift knob,
various chrome bits throughout the cockpit
and sport seats as standard equipment. Exterior
changes were larger wheels spaced further
apart and more aggressive fenders than were
installed on the regular Z3. Hardtops were
available as an option.
In addition to the roadster version of the
Z3, BMW also released a coupe featuring a
chassis-stiffening rear hatch area. The coupe
was available as the Z3 Coupe from 1999 to
2001 or as the BMW Motorsport-enhanced M Coupe
from 1999 to 2002.
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