The Z series by BMW Corporation belongs to the roadster body types. A two-seater car with a removable roof, which can be either soft or hard. There have been a total of 4 generations of the future Z: Z1, Z3, Z4, Z8.
The sales started in 1988, and the car looked like a project of the future. From German Zukunft – future, this meaning was embedded in the Z generation.
BMW Z1 Generation
The first generation of unconventional cars. The unusual exterior makes the car even in modern times look like a visitor from the future. It feels like the car was specially created for a movie or a cartoon in a futuristic style.
The first generation was produced in only 8,000 copies, now the car is valued not by years, but by the price of collectibles, as in Russia there are no more than 10 of them, the same number in neighboring countries. The rest of the cars are in Europe.
It is difficult to gather reviews from BMW Z1 owners. It is hard to say anything negative about such a car. Despite the small number of units, finding spare parts for the car is not that difficult.
Those who strive to buy the Z1 are true fans and admirers of the model. Such a car will not bring practical benefits. It is simply original, unusual, and beautiful. A car for leisurely drives on good roads, for exhibitions, for competitions. But not for everyday use in Russia.
Z3 Generation
The Z3 body became more streamlined. The car no longer had its former sharp angles. Production started in 1996. Owners of this car note the main advantage – increased attention from both drivers and pedestrians. This version became the heroine of the Bond film «GoldenEye.»
Owners highlight the car's speed, ergonomics, dynamism, and quick response to the driver.
Owners also note the low cost of auto parts and their availability on the market.
The Z3 boasts good ergonomics, dynamics, and quick response to the driver's actions. The car reaches high speeds and does so quickly. Comfort, course stability, and a high level of BMW safety are worth mentioning.
The Z3 series was produced in larger numbers, making it much easier to find interior parts and accessories compared to the Z1 generation.
BMW Z4
In 2002, the 3rd generation marked as Z4 was released. The car's hood noticeably elongated, the front softened, and the radiator grille completely changed.
In 2009, BMW made significant changes to the model by installing the only roof option – a hard folding roof. The hardtop significantly improved the perception of the car in a more positive light, but it was not introduced immediately.
Owners appreciate the high level of comfort, modernity of the interior, and surprisingly good off-road capability of the car.
The Z4 suspension is well-tuned, and given its ground clearance, the car can handle quite challenging potholes at low speeds.
Since the Z4 was produced in larger volumes, owners are not as modest with reviews as with the first two versions of the car.
Many are irritated by the fabric roof; in Russia, it is inconvenient if the car is not driven in the southern regions. For some owners, the roof cracked in winter, and the fabric roof is not protected from ill-wishers. It can simply be cut out of envy.
As mentioned earlier, in 2009, a hardtop was introduced, solving this issue for car owners.
The car does not often suffer from breakdowns, is relatively inexpensive to maintain, and not overly demanding. Fuel consumption may satisfy some and not others, but overall, owners note that the car is agile, adds adrenaline, and lifts the mood.
A critical point for the Z4 is a complete battery discharge. The car cannot be jump-started from other vehicles. In this case, it is necessary to contact BMW dealers to bring the car back to normal operation. Attempting to start a drained battery on your own can disrupt the car's computer system entirely.
BMW Z8 Generation
The Z8 generation by BMW was released in 2000, a full-fledged convertible with a significant price tag. The car once again underwent a complete transformation. The exterior became less characteristic of BMW.
If you remove the badge from the hood, it is not immediately distinguishable from a Porsche. Reviews of the BMW Z series are rare, as the car is quite expensive.
Owners note the engine power of the car, technical equipment, seat comfort, a small storage compartment, if it can be called a trunk. All of this is rated at the highest level.
Maintaining a Z8 is quite expensive. Despite the years since its release, it is challenging to take such a car to a regular service or even a garage mechanic, as more than half of the specialists just do not know how to handle it.
More: Compact BMW1 and Audi A3, which one to prefer
Conclusions
The purchase of BMW Z generations should be made with knowledge or a great dream. The first 3 versions are the most advantageous, but there are not many of them available for sale. The Z8 lost the individuality of BMW but still became one of the most iconic cars.
For convertible and BMW enthusiasts, it is definitely a suitable option. For families, only if there is a decent 5-seater car in the family. The Z series is absolutely unsuitable for everyday life. These are cars for driving pleasure and leisure.
