1996 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 5MT
All photo credits
- Photo: 2002 BMW Z3 in Titanium Silver Metallic, Front Right, 06-11-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 BMW Z3 1.9, front right, 12-10-2023 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW Z3 1 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 BMW Z3 1.9, rear right, 12-10-2023 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW Z3 20i 1999 Innenraum 0907 by HLW, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 5MT is a 138-hp 1.9-liter convertible with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $28,750 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.
It makes 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).
The Z3 Roadster measures 158.5 inches long on a 96.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,690 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $28,750 ($59,552 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $29,320 ($60,733 *) |
| Destination Charge | $570 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | M44B19 |
| Displacement | 1.9 L |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (Getrag 250 / ZF S5-31) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 23 MPG |
| Highway | 31 MPG |
| Combined | 23 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Turning Diameter | 32.8 ft |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 158.5 in |
| Width | 66.6 in |
| Height | 50.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 96.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,690 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37.6 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 51.7 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 BMW Z3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA campaign 06E026000
Aug 19, 1997 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
NHTSA campaign 97V131000
30 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 BMW Z3
Owner Complaints
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 BMW Z3 (4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 9 |
| Seat Belts | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Fuel System | 2 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 BMW Z3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.