View source for BMW Z1

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW Z1
| image = Red BMW Z1 HCC21.jpg
| manufacturer = [[BMW]]
| class = [[Roadster (automobile)|Roadster]]
| body_style = 2-seater [[convertible]]/[[roadster (automobile)|roadster]]
| production = March 1989 – June 1991<br />8,000 produced
| assembly = Germany: [[Munich]]
| doors = [[Sliding door (vehicle)#Vertical doors|Vertically sliding]]
| predecessor = [[BMW 507]]
| successor = [[BMW Z3]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout#Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en/history/historic-modeloverview-bmw/product-description-page.ad-244-1.bmw-z1-e30.content.html |title=BMW Z1 (E30) |publisher=BMW Classic |access-date=9 May 2025}}</ref>
| engine = 2.5&nbsp;L ''[[BMW M20#M20B25|M20B25]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]]
| transmission = 5-speed ''[[Getrag 260 transmission|GETRAG 260]]'' Manual
| length = {{convert|3921|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2447|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1690|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1227|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1250|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| related = [[BMW 3 Series (E30)|BMW E30]]
| designer = [[Harm Lagaay]] (1986)
}}

The '''BMW Z1''' is a [[sports car]] which was produced in limited numbers by German manufacturer [[BMW]] from 1989 to 1991. It is the first model in BMW's line of [[BMW Z|Z series]] [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]]s (two-seater [[convertible]]s).

The Z1 is unique for its plastic body panels and [[Sliding door (vehicle)#Vertical doors|vertically sliding doors]] which drop into the door sills. It is one of the first BMWs to use a multi-link rear suspension. The sole drivetrain specification is the 2.5-litre [[straight-six engine]] and 5-speed manual transmission from the [[BMW E30|E30]] 325i.

In 1995, the Z1's successor, the mass-produced [[BMW Z3|Z3]], began production.

== Development and launch ==
At the start of 1985, BMW set up a division called BMW Technik GmbH to develop concepts for new vehicles and technologies. The director of BMW Technik GmbH was [[Ulrich Bez]], who oversaw the Z1's development. Control of the project was turned over to Klaus Faust when Bez left BMW in October 1988.{{cn|date=June 2017}} The lead designer was [[Harm Lagaay]].<ref name="autoblog.nl">{{cite web|title=BMW Z1 review|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF-o4LFi6qQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/YF-o4LFi6qQ| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|website=www.youtube.com|accessdate=10 June 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In August 1985, the BMW board gave approval to further develop the BMW Technik's first concept vehicle, the Z1.<ref name="25 years">{{cite web|title=Back to the future +++ 25 years of the BMW Z1|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0127402EN/back-to-the-future-25-years-of-the-bmw-z1|website=www.press.bmwgroup.com|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref> A year later, the first road-going prototype was produced and BMW publicly revealed the project. A coupe model was also the subject of a design study, but it did not reach production.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seven Incredible BMW Performance Cars that Could Have Been|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a26440/seven-wild-bmw-concept-cars-that-could-have-been/|website=www.roadandtrack.com|date=21 August 2015 |accessdate=12 June 2017}}</ref>

In August 1987,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0127402EN/back-to-the-future-25-years-of-the-bmw-z1 | title=Back to the future +++ 25 years of the BMW Z1 }}</ref> BMW announced that the Z1 would enter production and the following month the production form of the Z1 was unveiled at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show]].<ref name="75_Jahre">{{cite web|title=75 Jahre Teil 10: Z1 |url=http://www.bmw.de/bmw_aktuell/panorama/75jahre_teil10_z1.html |website=www.bmw.de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050503183828/http://www.bmw.de/bmw_aktuell/panorama/75jahre_teil10_z1.html |archive-date=3 May 2005 |language=de }}</ref> Production began in October 1988.<ref name="25 years"/> The original price target was [[German mark|DM]] 80,000, however by the time production began, the base price had increased to [[German mark|DM]] 83,000.<ref name="25 years"/>

== Doors ==
The Z1 features a unique door design where the doors retract vertically into the sills of the car, instead of traditional designs which swing outward or upward. The body with its high sills, offers crash protection independent of the doors, and it is possible (although perhaps not legal in some countries) for the Z1 to be driven with the doors lowered.<ref name="ranwhenparked">{{cite web|title=Great Automotive Failures: BMW Z1|url=https://ranwhenparked.net/2010/04/22/great-automotive-failures-bmw-z1/|website=ranwhenparked.net|accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref> The first, and only other production car with retractable doors was the 1954 [[Kaiser Darrin]], but its doors slid forwards into the fenders, not downwards. 

The windows may be operated independently of the doors, although they do retract automatically if the door is lowered. Both the window and door are driven by electric motors through toothed rubber belts and may be moved manually in an emergency.<ref name="25 years"/>

== Body ==
[[File:BMW Z1 5.jpg|thumb|BMW Z1 with the doors and top up]]
[[File:BMW Z1 (17560420290).jpg|thumb|right|BMW Z1 rear view]]
In addition to the unique door design, the Z1 body featured several other innovations: removable plastic body panels, a flat undertray, a roll-hoop integrated into the windscreen surround and continuously zinc welded seams.<ref name="hagertyinsurance">{{cite web|title=1989 BMW Z1 - Classic Car Price Guide|url=https://www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk/price-guide/1989-BMW-Z1|website=www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk|accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="drive-my"/><ref name="rmsothebys">{{cite web|title=1990 BMW Z1|url=http://www.rmsothebys.com/lf16/london/lots/1990-bmw-z1/1082133|website=www.rmsothebys.com|accessdate=10 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055620/https://www.rmsothebys.com/lf16/london/lots/1990-bmw-z1/1082133|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The side panels and doors are made of [[General Electric|GE]]'s [[Xenoy]] [[thermoplastic]].<ref name="drive-my">{{cite web|title=1988 BMW Z1 road test|url=https://drive-my.com/en/test-drive/item/2208-1988-bmw-z1-road-test.html|website=www.drive-my.com|date=2 June 2015 |accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref> The bonnet, boot, and roof cover are GRP components made by Seger + Hoffman AG. The car is painted in a special flexible lacquer finish developed jointly by AKZO Coatings and BMW Technik GmbH. During the Z1s launch, BMW suggested that owners purchase an additional set of body panels and change the color of the car from time to time. The car could actually be driven with all of the panels completely removed, similar to the [[Pontiac Fiero]]. BMW noted that the body could be completely replaced in 40 minutes, although Z1 owners have reported that this may be highly optimistic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwz1.co.uk/z1const.htm |title= Construction |website=www.bmwz1.co.uk |accessdate=27 September 2009}}</ref>

Aerodynamics were a focus of the vehicle design. The flat plastic undertray is used for [[Ground_effect_(aerodynamics)|ground effect aerodynamics]] and the rear bumper - in conjunction with the aerodynamically shaped muffler - forms a diffuser to reduce rear lift.<ref name="hagertyinsurance"/> The front end reportedly induces a high-pressure zone just forward of the front wheels to increase front-wheel traction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwz1.co.uk/z1aero.htm |title= Aerodynamics |website=www.bmwz1.co.uk |accessdate=27 September 2009}}</ref> The Z1 has a [[drag coefficient]] of 0.36&nbsp;C<sub>d</sub> with the top up or 0.43&nbsp;C<sub>d</sub> with it down.

== Suspension ==
The rear suspension, called the Z Axle, was specially designed for the Z1.<ref>{{cite web|title=1989 BMW Z1 for sale: Perfect Autumn sports car|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/09/05/1989-bmw-z1-for-sale-perfect-autumn-sports-car/|website=www.bmwblog.com|accessdate=12 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Future Fascination - 1990 BMW Z1|url=https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hsx/2011/01/Future-Fascination---1990-BMW-Z1/3694491.html|website=www.hemmings.com|accessdate=12 June 2017}}</ref> It was one of the first BMWs to feature a [[multi-link suspension|multi-link design]].<ref name="rmsothebys"/> In the 1990s, the Z Axle would be used on a variety of [[BMW Group]] vehicles, including the [[BMW E36|E36 3 Series]] and the R40 [[Rover 75]].

Front suspension is as per the [[BMW 3 Series (E30)|E30]] 325i.<ref name=RT0389>{{cite journal |last=Dinkel |first=John |date= March 1989 |title= Munich's Marvel |journal=Road & Track |pages= 72–73 }}</ref> Wheels, similar to the E30 325i, are {{convert|15|in|mm|adj=mid|-diameter}} by {{convert|7|in|mm|adj=mid|-wide}} wheels on both the front and rear, equipped with 205/55VR-15 [[tire]]s.<ref name="supercars.net">{{cite web|title=1986 BMW Z1|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1986-bmw-z1/|website=www.supercars.net|accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref>

== Drivetrain ==
The sole drivetrain configuration is a 2.5&nbsp;Litre [[BMW M20#M20B25|M20]] straight-six engine and five-speed [[Getrag]] 260/5 [[manual transmission]], sourced from the [[BMW 3 Series (E30)|E30]] 325i. The engine is a {{convert|2494|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} [[SOHC]] straight-six engine, which produces {{convert|125|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,800&nbsp;rpm and {{convert|222|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}} of torque.<ref>{{cite web|title=Specifications for BMW Z1 E30 Roadster (1988-1991)|url=http://bmwheaven.com/database/show.php?id=449|website=www.bmwheaven.com|accessdate=12 June 2017}}</ref>

The engine is mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution, and sits tilted 20&nbsp;degrees to the right, to accommodate the low hoodline.<ref name="ultimatecarpage.com"/>

== Z Series ==
{{main|BMW Z}}
The "Z" in Z1 originally stood for {{lang|de|Zukunft}}, the [[German language|German]] word for ''future''. Later cars in the Z Series are the [[BMW Z3|Z3]], [[BMW Z4|Z4]], and [[BMW Z8|Z8]], which were all available as 2-seat convertibles (however some models were also available as 2-seat coupes).

== Production ==
[[File:BMW, Techno Classica 2018, Essen (IMG 8974).jpg|thumb|Interior]]
The Z1 was produced from March 1989 to June 1991,<ref name="Oswald">{{cite book |last= Oswald |first= Werner |title= Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, Band 4 |edition= 1st |year= 2001 |publisher= Motorbuch Verlag |location= Stuttgart |isbn= 3-613-02131-5}}</ref>{{refpage|page=258}} all at BMW's plant in Munich,<ref>{{cite web|title=BMW PLANT MUNICH.|url=https://www.bmwgroup-plants.com/content/dam/bmw-group-websites/werke_com/muenchen/unser-werk/Brochure_Munich.pdf|website=bmwgroup-plants.com|accessdate=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229113021/https://www.bmwgroup-plants.com/content/dam/bmw-group-websites/werke_com/muenchen/unser-werk/Brochure_Munich.pdf|archive-date=29 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Exactly 8,000 cars were produced.<ref name="75_Jahre"/> All the cars were left-hand drive, and the majority (6,443) were sold in BMW's native German market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmw-z1.de/English/body_numbers.html |title=Body bumbers |work=Bmw-z1.de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204090608/http://www.bmw-z1.de/English/body_numbers.html |archive-date=4 February 2012}}</ref> The country to receive the second-greatest number of Z1s, Italy, received less than 7% of the total sold domestically. BMW Z1 vehicles officially imported to France for sale there have yellow headlights instead of the clear ones found elsewhere.<ref name="Broussaud">{{cite web |url= http://perso.wanadoo.fr/fred.brossaud/pdf/bmw_z1_eng.pdf |website=www.perso.wanadoo.fr |title= BMW Z1 |access-date= 2 January 2005}}</ref>{{refpage|page=8}}

Initial demand was strong, with BMW receiving orders for 3,500 vehicles before production began.<ref name="75_Jahre" /> However, demand dropped significantly around 1988 and BMW ended production in 1991. There is speculation that the drop in demand was due to the early inflated demand from speculative investors.<ref name="ultimatecarpage.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.php?file=car.php&carnum=52 |title=1988 - 1991 BMW Z1 - Images, Specifications and Information |publisher=Ultimatecarpage.com |accessdate=27 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311002208/http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.php?file=car.php&carnum=52 |archive-date=11 March 2007 }}</ref> In 1988, however, BMW was quoted as saying that they had 35,000 orders for the Z1.

BMW was reportedly unable to build more than 10 to 20 Z1 vehicles each day.<ref name="z1z1.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.z1z1.de/frames/z1-artikel_fs.html |title=BMW Z1 Roadster |website=www.z1z1.de |accessdate=27 September 2009}}</ref> More than half of all Z1 vehicles (specifically, 4,091) were produced for the 1990 model year. Seventy-eight Z1 vehicles were reportedly used as test mules, although most were later sold without a warranty and, presumably, at a lower price.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

The Z1 was available in six exterior colours and four interior colours. Red is the most common exterior color.<ref name="hagertyinsurance"/> Most (6,177) were red, black, or green with a dark grey interior.<ref name="bmw-z1.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.bmw-z1.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204152737/http://www.bmw-z1.org/marge.htm |website=www.bmw-z1.org |title=main page |archive-date=4 February 2005 }}</ref> Light yellow exterior (''fun-gelb'' in [[German language|German]] or ''fun yellow'' in English; 133 examples made) or red interior (38 examples made) are the rarest Z1 colours. The colours ''swimming pool blue'' and ''oh-so-orange'' were reserved for the car's designers, Ulrich Bez and Harm Lagaay.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
{{Commons category|BMW Z1}}
* {{cite book |last= Kittler |first= Eberhard |title= Essential Bmw Roadsters & Cabriolets: The Cars and Their Story from 328 to Z3 |publisher= Bay View Books |year= 1996 |isbn= 1-870979-77-X}}
* {{cite book |last= Mueller |first= Thomas G. |title= Die Grosse BMW Z1 Chronik Erstauflage |publisher= Edition Weiss Blau |language=de |year= 2002}}
* {{cite book |last= Zeichner |first= Walter |title= Typenkompaß BMW Personenwagen seit 1952 Erstauflage |publisher= Motorbuch Verlag |language=de |year= 1998 |isbn= 3-613-01873-X}}

{{BMW cars: 1980s to 2000s}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bmw Z1}}
[[Category:BMW vehicles|Z1]]
[[Category:Roadsters]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1988]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1991]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]