Overview

What is it?

This, the 1989-1991 BMW Z1, is the origin of the modern BMW small
roadster line that spans three generations of the Z3 and Z4. Sadly, he was
never as distinctive again.

 

Oddly, the BMW Z1 point was never specifically to make a roadster. This
was to let his new Technic Research Skunkworks explore new ideas in
engineering, as well as new development processes, and body construction for
small-volume cars. Z stood or Zaconft, or future.

 

When he was being encouraged to bring some fresh air into his
engineering thinking, he walked out the door to positively blue skies. They
came up with a deeply stitched design for the structure. Lo and behold the
shallow doors had space to retract downwards rather than hinge outward. Pull
the handle and the glass pane drops into the door, while the door itself moves
down electrically.

 

Yes, it is possible to operate the doors down. TG remembers doing
this in London when first coming to the UK. This was right before the MX-5, so
the roadster was pretty rare, let alone a crazy-looking left-hand-drive one
with doors that apparently fell off. The audience went crazy for it. Rerunning
it in 2018, the novelty is fully intact.

 

But it’s more than just a door. The body is an advanced steel
monocoque welded from sheet steel and then galvanized. The floor is a plastic
sandwich, which adds great strength. All that plastic body goes on. The sides
and doors are thermoplastic, the rest mostly GRP, all injection-molded, with
various foam cores and some breccia moldings. The panels are bolt-on.

 

Next party trick: The car drives around completely naked. According
to BMW Z1’s official history, you can change the color: “In theory, with a
whole second set of exterior panels it would be possible to change the Z1 from
red to blue in the space of an hour, it Nothing more.” It takes at least
a day, say those brave enough to attempt it.

 

The BMW Z1 skin and shallow-angled windscreen created little drag.
The Aero was carefully designed, with an underfloor that killed almost all lifts
and a transverse-mounted silencer acting as an underbody wing, with air
channeling up through the bumper.

 

Most relevant to future BMWs was the rear suspension, a multi-link
arrangement later known as the Z-axle, which made the E36 3 Series such a
stunning car, and gradually spread across the range. .

 

Perhaps the biggest letdown was the engine. Not its layout – a
gorgeous BMW straight six – but its power. These were the last days of the
12-valve, and even in 1988, 170bhp didn’t seem quite dramatic enough. Not
particularly great grip and handling. It could have taken a lot more.

 

The BMW Z1 was designed by Harm Lagaay, who later became the master
of pencils at Porsche, the Boxster, and the 996. The Z1’s engineering boss was
Ulrich Baez, who came from Porsche where he had developed the 993. He later
became the overgaffer at Aston Martin again. It was a noble car with proper
connections.

 

What is the decision?

 

The BMW Z1 is a car that can be enjoyed on many levels, even if
none of them are as a tire-burning performer.

 

Clever engineering, materials structure, and aero considerations
are mind-blowing.

 

Your driving senses are engaged with the elegant steering,
excellent handling, and charismatic engine. After all, all the rambling openness
makes you feel like you’re going too fast.

 

And even if you think you’re the soul of modesty, those doors will
show you up every summer street.

All Specifications of
BMW Z1 :
 

Feature	Specification
Production Years	1989-1991
Body Style	Roadster
Engine Options	2.5L Inline-6 (M20B25)
Horsepower	168 hp
Torque	164 lb-ft
Transmission	5-speed manual
0-60 MPH Acceleration	~7.9 seconds
Top Speed	~140 mph
Weight	~2,976 lbs (1,350 kg)
Doors	2 vertically sliding doors
Chassis	Tubular space frame
Suspension	Independent, front and rear
Brakes	Disc brakes at all four corners
Steering	Rack and pinion
Wheelbase	2,460 mm (96.9 inches)
Length	4,220 mm (166.1 inches)
Width	1,720 mm (67.7 inches)
Height	1,252 mm (49.3 inches)
Drive Type	Rear-wheel drive
Convertible Top	Fully retractable
Unique Feature	Vertically sliding doors
Production Quantity	Approximately 8,000 units produced

Price list of BMW Z1 :

The BMW Z1 was produced in limited quantities from 1989 to 1991, and prices may vary depending on location and market conditions. However, here’s the approximate price range of the BMW Z1 over the years of production:

Year	Approximate Price Range
1989	$45,000 – $55,000
1990	$50,000 – $60,000
1991	$55,000 – $65,000

 

These prices are in USD and based on historical data. Be aware that
actual prices may vary based on factors such as vehicle condition, mileage, and
any modifications or special features.