Three decades ago, Pierce Prosnan Bond – James Bond became. With the launch of Goldneye, BMW Z3 also achieved fame around the world at SlipsStream. As more and more car manufacturers say goodbye to messengers, it is now the perfect moment to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Z3.
Where is the best to do so from Spartment, South Carolina? The first BMW Z3 of the production line here was launched in 1995, and we had the concession to take the last one ever built for a Roadster in Radiant Imola Red. But simply driving and enjoying the February sun is not easy here in the southern states. This is because Greg Bonner is the very desirable car gateway goalkeeper at the Spartanberg Factory.
1400 miles on a 30 -year -old car
“Bring her home safe and sound and treat her well. Bonner says with a smile:“ It is like a daughter for me and has only 1400 miles. ”He knows Z3 like no one else, and the final Z3 is guarded at all like the Holy Cup.” I started here in BMW in Spartanburg 29 years ago, ”and continues, and he pulled the baseball hat against the sun.” I worked in the paint store on Z3 for a long time. Great car – Titrenis! “
Today, Bonner supervises a wide range of BMW vehicles on its site in South Carolina, away from its home museum in Munich. Spartanburg was home to the largest production factory in BMW for years – where they were assembled in Munich, Dinglinging, Regensburg, and any other BMW factory around the world. Just a few days ago, BMW again confirmed its website as the largest auto source in the United States, and charging more vehicles abroad more than General Motors, Ford, Chrysler or even Tesla. Most of these models X, from x3 to top. But things were different 30 years ago when Z3 Roadster, along with BMW 3 Series (E46), the factory’s pride and joy – the fun of driving around the world, especially with the top down.
Global success for BMW Z3 and Z4
Why was BMW Z3 and his successor, Z4, very successful? The answer is not surprising. BMW has admitted the increasing demand for small, graceful road companies earlier. Z3 DNA DNA returns to British roadmen in the fifties and sixties of the last century, a part that was revived by Mazda with the launch of the MX-5 in 1989. Z3 followed a simple but effective formula: attractive design, compressed dimensions, two seats, and soft, easy-to-use preparations. Initially, it was only offered with two four -cylinder engines that produce 118 and 140 hp. It was not until later the most desirable engines in the 1960s-which were concluded in the exciting BMW Z3 M Roadster, which were all built in Spartanburg.
Roadster, which is 1425 kilograms, is a real driver, as it combines a light construction with six famous 3.2-liter capacity-the same power supply in the final repetition of the BMW M3 from the E36 generation. With 325 hp, Z3 M Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, accompanied by cheerful graphic music. top gear? 250 km/h. But the highway is not the ideal stadium for this built -in muscle road. It belongs to winding rural roads, where it can dance through narrow corners and bend the hair pin accurately.
One and only: /// Rhodester
The veteran warrior shares these feelings, but it surprises us by preferring the engine. “Of course, the M Roadster and the straight engines are great in the Z3, but if I have the option, it is possible that I go to one of the four -cylinder cylinders embroidery. It is lighter, and you really have to work with the handcraft box. It’s addiction.” Although his point of view is refreshing, it is difficult not to praise the straight legendary engines that gave BMW Z3 his reputation as a real performance.
The fun comes in a small package
On the roads surrounding Spartanburg and Greenville, IMola Red BMW Z3 M Roadster even in the fragile air in February – especially with the top below. The rapid circumvent of the nearby loyalty house, against the main entrance to the factory, is attractive. But for a real local experience, the dinner around the clock in the adjacent Jarir is the real hot point. It is not surprising that the Z3 Roadster is not only the youngest car in the parking lot, but with 30 years on his board, also smaller than most regular people.
Although Greg Bonner is the unofficial guardian of Z3 in South Carolina, his success had many parents. Among the most prominent was the designer Joji Nagashima, who gave Z3 its unambiguous lines and fully balanced proportions – which is never repeated Z4 the largest. Receive the M version from the top of the M.
Greetings to the legendary 507
Z3 design also displayed gestures for the legendary 507 Roadster in BMW, with distinctive chrome and side cabinet details. The most powerful Z3 models are distributed on the 17 -inch aluminum wheels (225/45 ZR 17 in the foreground and 245/45 ZR 17 in the back). Despite its small size according to today’s standards, they worked in harmony with the Mchin, and a limited slip, and the low ride height to put each torque 325 hp and 350 nm on the ground.
Rare
Between 1997 and 2002, BMW built a total of 15322 m3 M from two ways – they separated from the United States market. However, regardless of the choice of the engine or the market, there remains one right thing: BMW Z3 is a symbol. A car acquired the spirit of the nineties while it was honored for classic road messages in the past. Today, after 30 years, he still brings joy to those lucky enough to try it.
Posted for the first time by https://www.bmwblog.com