In 2026, BMW will stop production of the Z4 - opens in new window or tab.. There’s no successor. It will mark an end to 30 years of BMW roadsters. The first, the sporty Z3, was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year. The end of the roadster era was expected from BMW, which built its reputation as “The Ultimate Driving Machine” on sports sedans.
item 1 of 16
The Z3 became a hit and even made a cameo in a James Bond movie. An early model recently sold on eBay Motors in Covina, Calif.
Roadster Revolution
Traditionally, roadsters—defined as open-top two-seaters—were the domain of British and Italian manufacturers. Think MG - opens in new window or tab. or Alfa Romeo - opens in new window or tab.. Then, in 1989, the Mazda Miata’s unexpected popularity upended the automotive world. It sparked a roadster revolution, and automakers that hadn’t built roadsters flocked to the segment.
GM introduced the Pontiac Solstice - opens in new window or tab. and Saturn Sky - opens in new window or tab.. Toyota turned its MR2 - opens in new window or tab. sports car into a convertible. Every major German company created a roadster, debuting the Mercedes-Benz SLK - opens in new window or tab., Porsche Boxster - opens in new window or tab., and BMW Z3. Importantly, none of these cars had a fixed-roof coupe or sedan equivalent.
There had been expensive convertibles, but these roadsters’ main appeal was affordability. They were fun sports cars that didn’t break the bank. The Z3 started at just over $29,000. Compare that with a BMW 328i convertible based on the 3-Series - opens in new window or tab. sedan and coupe, starting at just under $43,000.
007’s Car
BMW kept costs down by raiding the 3-Series parts bin. Engines, transmissions (both automatic and manual), suspension, and many interior bits were all plucked from other 3-Series models. The result was a relatively low-cost BMW with a lot of zip and agility. Behind the wheel, it was everything enthusiasts loved about BMW’s sport sedans with less weight.
It was stylish, too. While most roadsters tend to look like smaller, roofless versions of other cars in the lineup (think Mercedes SLK and the C-Class - opens in new window or tab., or Porsche Boxster and 911 - opens in new window or tab.), the Z3 incorporated BMW’s design language while adding flair like fender vents, side-mounted roundel badges, and a sloping nose.
BMW struck a deal with producers to have the new Z3 featured in the James Bond movie Goldeneye - opens in new window or tab., which premiered in November 1995. Although the Z3 appears on screen for only a second or two, and not in any action scenes, fans clamored for a Bond Edition variant of the Z3. It was limited to 100 units in the exclusive Atlanta Blue color of 007’s car.
End of an Era
The example that sold on eBay comes equipped with the optional 2.8-liter inline-six engine - opens in new window or tab. that makes 189 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It has a proper five-speed manual transmission and is painted in BMW’s signature Arctic Silver, matched with a classy red leather interior. The auction listing states that it’s a rust-free California car, with a perfectly functioning convertible top and complete BMW factory tool kit - opens in new window or tab.. The odometer reads 89,977 miles, and the car looks to have been well cared for.
It hails from the golden age of BMWs, when driving fun was a priority and technology had not intruded into the motoring experience. With a price of $7,800, it was a great deal, and roadsters are a dying breed. With the Z4 coming to an end, soon they won’t make ’em like this anymore.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.