As one of the first vehicles to roll out from BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant, the Z3 was built from 1996-2002. On its first year made available to the general public, the Z3 had one package: a base-model convertible powered by a 1.9-liter inline-4 pumping out 138 hp. Standard features included an AM/FM/cassette player and cruise control. A five-speed manual transmission was also standard, but those seeking a somewhat less interactive driving experience could choose a four-speed automatic. Just in case you got stuck, there was traction control, which you could enjoy from your plushy leather seats. The following year is when the Z3 truly blossomed, thanks to the addition of another trim, the 2.8. Even though you're smart enough to figure this out, this trim was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 - the same lauded 190-hp six-cylinder that powered 3 Series models of the era. The Z3 also got its own little luxury upgrade, of a CD changer and heated seats.Putting the top down in a Z3, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.

Starting in 1998, the Z3 became more of an all-weather car thanks to the introduction of an optional power top. The Z3 couple followed up in 1999. Equipped with the 2.8-liter engine only, with its odd hatchback looks did make the body stiffer and more versatile, but the odd tail drew snickers and finger pointing from those who thought it ruined the lines of the stylish Z3. That year, the 1.9-liter four-cylinder was taken out, replaced by a new 170-hp inline-6. In spite of the 2.5-liter displacement, this car was given the odd name of a Z3 2.3 for 1999 and 2000. A killer Harman Kardon stereo was added, along with a hard top for the convertible selection. The overall saftey of the car was enhanced thanks to the mandatory side airbags. Zipping around town with a top down, you will need a BMW Z3 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.

Some minor tweaks to the body style came out for the convertible in 2000, followed up in the coupe model in 2002, along with the addition of stability control. At the start of 2001, the 2.8 trim in both the coupe and convertible became the 3.0i, with the introduction of a 3.0-liter engine good for 225 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque. The logically rechristened 2.5i powered out an extra 14 horses. Then, the Z3's first four speed automatic transmission was upgraded to a five speeder automatic instead. For 2002, in its last year of production, the Z3 finally made the CD player standard equipment.