A southern car from northern Texas and Northern Louisiana, purchased last spring is a BMW for sale by owner. It is a 2.5i roadster Back before World War II; BMW had identified a certain niche of people who had a yearning for a specific kind of car. “These are people who, once they see an aerodynamic car body with a long and sleek engine compartment, as well as a speedometer extending all the way to 150 kph, feel that strong yearning for wide open roads simply perfect for driving fast, for Alpine passes just begging to be conquered, and for competitors so easy to overtake.” Those were words spoken by BMW when they launched their first roadster in 1934.
Indeed, that first two-seater convertible, called the BMW 315/1 Roadster, started off a series of expensive rag-tops through the better part of last century, including the BMW 328 Roadster in 1936 and the BMW 507 in 1955, before the German company abruptly ended their roadster line in 1959. It was revived again in 1988, under the Z nomenclature. So avail now of a BMW for sale by owner with the roadster coming under increasing criticism in the ’60s and ’70s in terms of both safety and comfort, it took 29 years before the next roadster bearing the propeller logo entered the market. In 1988 came the BMW Z1, launched ahead of its time in technical terms. The body of the Z1 was a steel monocoque made of pressed and welded metal panels and with its plastic floor bonded into place. The entire outer skin was made up of plastic elements and panels likewise bolted on to the car, with the doors retracting on request into the high side-sills even while driving.
The BMW Z3 2.5i
BMW’s American-built sports cars come as 2-seat convertibles and hatchback coupes. All use inline 6-cyl engines and have more power for 2001. BMW for sale by owner Z3 2.5i convertible has a 184-hp 2.5 liter in place of a 170-hp 2.3. The 3.0i convertible and hatchback have a 225-hp 3.0 in place of a 193-hp 2.8. The high-performance M Series models’ 315-hp 3.2 liter replaces a 240-hp 3.2. All come with manual transmission. Optional on 2.5i and 3.0i models is a 5-speed automatic in place of a 4-speed. ABS and antiskid system are standard. All Zs get redesigned wheels for 2001, plus BMW’s Dynamic Brake Control that helps maintain braking stability in turns. M models include a low-tire-pressure warning system.
The BMW Z3 2.5i Convertible
The first ‘modern mass-market roadster’ that was produced by BMW, the BMW Z3 was also the first new BMW model assembled in the U.S. The Z3 was one of the first vehicles to roll out from BMW’s Spartanburg, SC plant. Unveiled in the 1996 model year, the Z3′s claim to fame was in its appearance in James Bond movie, GoldenEye. Production on the Z3 continued until 2002 and was eventually replaced by the BMW Z4; which was showcased at the 2002 Paris Auto Show. The Motorsports division of BMW produced the M Roadster which included suspension upgrades and the engine from the BMW M3 from 1998 through 2002.
This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn’t beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it’s hard to beat.
Image Credits: static.howstuffworks.com, www.cargurus.com
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