Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Post Reply
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by lightning »

I just had this discussion with an Ebay seller who has listed his Z3 3.0 as having "M Sport" suspension even though it is not the "M Sport" version.
He said it was standard on all 3.0 versions.
I was under the impression that it was not standard on the 3.0. The brochure is not clear, it states that it is standard in the spec listings, then lists it as an extra supplied with the Sport version on the next page!

Can anybody clarify this?
Last edited by lightning on Sun 12 Jun, 2016 14:42, edited 1 time in total.
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by mrscalex »

lightning wrote:I just had this argument with an Ebay seller who has listed his Z3 3.0 as having "M Sport" suspension even though it is not the "M Sport" version.
He said it was standard on all 3.0 versions.
I was under the impression that it was not standard on the 3.0. The brochure is not clear, it states that it is standard in the spec listings, then lists it as an extra supplied with the Sport version on the next page!

Can anybody clarify this?
According to the brochure I have the Ebay seller is correct. The only differences on the 3.0 Sport are the alloys, centre console in alloy finish and Sport seats.

Will PM you a copy if the messaging allows me.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by lightning »

I have the Z3 brochure in front of me (the one with a blue Z3 bonnet on the front) and on page 44/45 "Z3 Sport edition" it states "The Z3 Sport roadsters, available with 1.9, 2.2 or 3.0 powerplants....."distinctive alloy wheels and aggressive front air intake with mesh grille.....are married to lowered sports suspension giving a more dynamic presence on the road...."

I am happy to be proved wrong, but l was always led to believe it was only on the M Sport version.
User avatar
c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by c_w »

But that doesn't clarify that there is a non-sport 3.0 [ie all 3.0 are Sports] - but there may be a non-Sport 1.9 and 2.2 variant.
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by lightning »

No, it doesn't.

That's what the Ebay seller is saying. Anybody know? Maybe the 3.0 came as standard with M Sport suspension but not the other M Sport extras?
As l have seen a lot of 3.0 versions without the sports seats and the M Sport option wheels etc.
Zed Carer
Joined: Thu 13 Dec, 2007 20:27
Posts: 1642

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wakefield

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Zed Carer »

The September 2000 Brochure includes the following models: 1.9i (M43), 2.2i, 3.0i and the M Roadster and Coupe - there are NO Sports models listed and there is no reference to the lowered sports suspension on any of the models. These were the face-lifted MY2000 cars that commenced production in Sept 99. The only mention of M Sport is to the M Sport steering wheel that was available as an optional extra on the 1.9i but was standard on the 2.2i and 3.0i.

The 2.2i and 3.0i were launched 01/09/2000 with the Sport (Note: Sport not M-Sport!!) versions following on 01/02/2001 - details HERE Generally the Sports versions included lowered suspension, heated sports seats, staggered wheels, etc.

The Sports versions of the E85 Z4 have lowered suspension and stiffer springs but it is NOT the same as the Z4M suspension but this might not have been the case with the Z3.
Last edited by Zed Carer on Sat 11 Jun, 2016 21:34, edited 2 times in total.
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
Image
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by mrscalex »

The sales brochure seems clear to me. Unless what was advertised is not what was produced but that seems unlikely. Or if there was a different specification prior or following the production period the brochure relates to.

Image

It's also clear elsewhere in the brochure that the M Sport suspension was only on the 1.9 & 2.2 Sport models.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by lightning »

My brochure differs, see my above quote (from the brochure)

Maybe it changed with the facelift version. But the Sport package is still listed as an extra on the 1.9, 2.2 and 3.0 in my 2001 brochure, which shows the facelift models.

How about this. My 2002 3.0 M Sport has a gap of 5cm between the top of the rear tyres and the bottom of the wheel arch. At the front the gap is 3cm.

Has anybody got a post facelift 3.0 without the sports seats and can you measure these gaps to compare?
User avatar
Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Robert T »

Just at note on BMW phraseolgy. There is no such thing as an "M Sport" Z3. That phrase was coined after the Z3 finished production. The car is referred to as a "Sport" and suspension as "M-Tech Suspension".

Cheers R.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Image
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by lightning »

It still needs clarifying though.

Can somebody measure the gaps l mentioned above (on a facelift 3.0 without the sports seats so not the "sport" version) and see how they compare?
Zed Carer
Joined: Thu 13 Dec, 2007 20:27
Posts: 1642

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wakefield

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Zed Carer »

lightning wrote:My brochure differs, see my above quote (from the brochure)

Maybe it changed with the facelift version. But the Sport package is still listed as an extra on the 1.9, 2.2 and 3.0 in my 2001 brochure, which shows the facelift models.

How about this. My 2002 3.0 M Sport has a gap of 5cm between the top of the rear tyres and the bottom of the wheel arch. At the front the gap is 3cm.

Has anybody got a post facelift 3.0 without the sports seats and can you measure these gaps to compare?
There are no pre-facelift 3.0, production of the 3.0i started on 01/09/1999 along with the 2.2i in the facelift body and these replaced the 2.0 and 2.8 (Note: the facelift body was actually introduced in April 99 so there are pre- and post-facelift 1.9, and 2.8). These first models are included in the September 2000 brochure and there are no Sports options on any models - 1.9i, 2.2i and 3.0i.

In Feb 2000 the model range was extended to: 1.9i, 2.2i, 2.2i Sport, 3.0i and 3.0i Sport. From the information it would appear that the lowered suspension was an option on the 2.2i but was standard on the 2.2i Sport, 3.0i and 3.0i Sport. Therefore a 3.0i produced between 01/09/99 and 31/01/2000 will be on standard suspension whilst those from 01/02/2000 will be lowered. A non-sport 3.0 might have sports seats as these were available as an option.

On the E85 Sport model the lowered suspension is only about 15mm lower than standard and not as low as a Z4M, gaps of 3mm and 5mm on a Z3 would appear to be lower than a standard Z3M so could a previous owner have fitted lowering springs?
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
Image
User avatar
Neutro999
Joined: Sat 19 Jul, 2014 23:12
Posts: 25

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Neutro999 »

I have a 3.0i roadster manufactured March 2001 and I checked mine on the online VIN checker and doesn't show M Sport Suspension as a factory fitted option (but it does have LSD)

Also my 2002 Z3 brochure (albeit a German edition) states that M sport suspension was an option on all roadster models (1.9i through to 3.0i) and that it included the LSD (which came as standard on the 3.0i) you couldn't get an LSD on the 1.9i & 2.2i roadsters without taking the M-Sport suspension option.

On the page about sports models it states all come with an LSD (which one assumes included M sport suspension also)

This leads me to believe that maybe the scan of the specs/price list by mrscalex is a mis-print by BMW as my 3.0i roadster definately doesn't have M Sport suspension - unless it was added in year 2002 models as a UK extra bonus because Z3's were being phased out before the Z4 arrived :?
Image
'01 Z3 3.0i with black leathers - a.k.a 'The Rebel'
User avatar
Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Brian H »

The M sport suspension is an option: S704A - M Sport Suspension, this is not on all 3.0 as standard.

Image

The difference between standard and M Sport Suspension (aka low slung sports suspension).
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by lightning »

This is more complex than l thought!

Seems like l might possibly have got it right after all.
Flight
Joined: Mon 16 Sep, 2013 20:43
Posts: 97

  blank

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Flight »

Hi All.
My two pence worth to the sport suspension discussion. I have a June 2000 3.0i, and according to the table produced by Brian H, my suspension is standard. I have 16" type 42 wheels, with an average dimension from rim bottom to wheel arch of 585 mm which puts it in the standard category. What I have I think is a standard Z3 3.0i with some extras. If I list them. I am sure some one more knowledgeable than myself will correct me.
Engine M54 - 3.00(170kw)
LSD.
Dynamic Stability control
Chrome line interior
Fog lights
Passenger airbag
Type 42 cross spoke 16" alloy wheels
Alarm system
Three button remote central locking
Rollover protection system
Electro mechanical semi auto soft top.
Velour floor mats
warning triangle and first aid kit
Smoker package
leather Oregon Topaz Blue sports seats electrically operated
Driver and passenger heated seats
Headlight cleaning system / Screen wash
Air conditioning
On board computer
BMW Business RDS radio.
BMW 6 CD Changer
M leather steering wheel
White direction indicator lights
Red third brake light
Cruise control
Battery master switch (Still haven't found it)
M gear lever knob
Topaz Blue Metallic paint

So what makes a sport package?
Cheers
Flight
Zed Carer
Joined: Thu 13 Dec, 2007 20:27
Posts: 1642

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wakefield

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Zed Carer »

Flight wrote:Hi All.
My two pence worth to the sport suspension discussion. I have a June 2000 3.0i, and according to the table produced by Brian H, my suspension is standard. I have 16" type 42 wheels, with an average dimension from rim bottom to wheel arch of 585 mm which puts it in the standard category. What I have I think is a standard Z3 3.0i with some extras. If I list them. I am sure some one more knowledgeable than myself will correct me.
Engine M54 - 3.00(170kw)
........
So what makes a sport package?
Cheers
Flight
Looking at the brochure I have yours is a standard 3.0 with the following optional extras:

Cross-spoke style wheels 7Jx16 £680
Chrome line interior £230
Sports seats (includes heating) £520
6 CD Changer £250
Cruise control £275

The Sports Model included as Standard:
Type 42 wheels 7.5Jx17 Front, 8.5Jx17 Rear
Lowered sports suspension
Sports seats (includes heating)
There may be other minor items that were standard on the Sports model.
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
Image
User avatar
Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Robert T »

Was the LSD a Sport feature?

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Image
Zed Carer
Joined: Thu 13 Dec, 2007 20:27
Posts: 1642

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wakefield

Re: Did the Z3 3.0 have "M Sport" suspension as standard?

Post by Zed Carer »

Robert T wrote:Was the LSD a Sport feature?

Cheers R.
Not sure for the original production from Feb 2000 but I suspect that it was standard from the start, it is shown as standard on the 3.0 in the Sept 2000 brochure.
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
Image
Post Reply