BMW Z1

exterior	interior

The BMW Z1 was presented / launched as a prototype. But the response was so good, BMW decided to take the car into production. At first only 1.000 cars were to be build, but in the end more than 8.000 were build.

The car looks somewhat similar to the 8-series. For example the wheel arches and of course the hood / nose of the car. Z cars are used to present the future (Z comes from Zukunft). In a way the Z1 did so, but the 8-serie, didn't sell as expected. So after these models, BMW choose a different nose for their cars.

The Z1 is doesn't have as many gadgets as the 8-series (few cars have...), the most remarkable gadgets are the retracting doors, which reside in the doorsills. These doorsills are therefore very high, which makes it very hard to get in to (or out of) the car in a respectable way. But to increase the open-car effect; they can stay in the lowered position even when driving.

Quite in contrast with the gadgets of the 8-series;

• The Z1 doesn't even give a warning beep, when the lights are left on.
• The central locking system doesn't lock the trunk.
• No air-conditioning (in some very hot countries, the heater is replaced by an airco).
• No O.B.C.

But despite all that, I would like the own one myself...

Interesting facts about the Z1:

• most of them can be found in Germany.
• a hardtop is also available.
• the exhaust system which also acts as the rear diffuser can be obtained in a dual exhaust pipes setup now (even in RVS). No bodywork changes are needed because the Z1 already has an extra opening at the back (for the tow eye).
• Alpina made their own version of the Z1.
• Much of its components are loaned from the 325i (engine is the 2.5 liter 6 cylinder, 12 valves, 170 hp).
• rearview mirrors are mounted on the window sill (instead of the doors as is the case with most cars).
• when introduced the car cost fl 150.000,- (very expensive!).
• 0-100 acceleration is about 8 seconds.
• standard 16" light alloy wheels with 225/40 tires are fitted.
• All Z1's come with leather interior (seats, steering wheel, parking brake, gearlever).
• The first BMW with its headlights behind glass (other models during that time had separate high / low beam headlights without an extra glass cover)

Links: