Bmw E30 Z1
By the Editorial Staff
March 24, 2026
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 Z series roadsters (two-seater convertibles). BMW Z1 (E30) 1988-1991 specs, photos, engines, years, launch date and history.
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Contrary to the subsequent model series Z3 and Z4, the BMW Z1 was just supplied in the roadster coachwork version and was provided with only a single power plant. The design was penned by the Chief Designer of Technik GmbH, Harm Lagaay. The BMW Z1 combined technical innovations, design and emotions ("Freedom on Four Wheels" - "Freiheit auf vier Rädern") in equal measure.
The unusual. Technical specifications for the 1989-1991 BMW Z1 (E30) 2 door roadster. Find & compare performance, practicality, chassis, brakes, top speed, acceleration.
The unique Z1 E30 model history The BMW subsidiary BMW Technik GmbH, founded in 1985, was responsible for the planning and execution of the project. Names to be mentioned here are Ulrich Bez and Harm Lagaay as a designer. Between early 1989 and mid-1991, exactly 8000 Z1s were built in a limited series.
Of []. The BMW Z1 is a two-seat soft top roadster. It uses the engine and transmission from the E30 325i mounted in a specially designed base frame or chassis, which is made from galvanised steel.
Technical Specs: BMW Z1 (E30) 2.5 (170 Hp) Cabriolet /1988, 1989, 1990, 1991/ Fuel consumption, Dimensions, 170 Hp, 225 km/h, 139.81 mph, 0-100 km/h: 7.9 sec, 0. In 2020, a good friend of mine decided it was time to part with his most cherished BMW, a 1989 Z1. The Z1 was developed in the mid-1980s by BMW's Technik GmbH.
The focus of what would become BMW's first Z car was technology and aerodynamics. At the Z1's heart was the M20B25 engine from the E30 3 Series platform. The BMW Z1 was a two-seat roadster developed by BMW.
It was produced from March 1989 to June 1991. All the BMW Z1 were left-hand drive, except the final one built. The Z1 was subsequently unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1987 where it debuted alongside the E30 3-series Touring and the E38 750i (which was powered by Germany's first post-war twelve cylinder engine).
Production started at BMW's Munich plant in October 1988.