BMW Z3 and Z4: Books - History and Models

BMW Z cars: Roadsters and Coupes - A design and development history

From 1930 to today, BMW's roadsters and their coupe derivatives have represented the essence of sheer driving pleasure. These are BMW's fun cars, with high-revving engines, agile handling, and seating for just two.

This book presents a comprehensive history of BMW roadsters. It begins with the earliest sports racers of the 1930s - including the race-winning 315/1 and 328 - and the fabulous 507 of the 1950s before moving on to the roadster renaissance that began with the innovative Z1 and wildly popular Z3, and which continues through the latest Z4 and i8 Roadster.

All of the coupe, racing and M variants are covered, along with the Z1 Art Car and Alpina V8. So are spectacular concepts including the Z2, GINA, Z8 Coupe, Mille Miglia Concept Coupe, and Vision ConnectedDrive.
Relying on extensive interviews with the principle players, "BMW Z cars: Roadsters and Coupes" introduces the designers and engineers who transformed these legendary cars from inspiration to reality, from sketch to sheet metal. It even reveals how BMW's roadsters came to be identified with the letter Z. Contrary to what you've read elsewhere, it has nothing to do with the word Zukunft, German for future!

BMW Z3 and Z4 - The Complete Story

BMW, that most performance-oriented of car companies, had no affordable sports roadster in its line-up before 1995. Stung into action by Mazda's revival of the classic two-seat roadster, the Germany company quickly staked its claim with the Z3, a classic long-nose, short-tail design that used existing BMW mechanical hardware to good effect.

This new book tells the story of BMW's Z3 and Z4 two-seater roadsters and coupes, which since 1995 have been at the forefront of the affordable sports car market.
The history of the Z3 and both generations of Z4 are covered as well as full specifications of all models; the formidable M Power derivatives and a guide to buying and owning. The book is profusely illustrated with over 200 colour photographs and diagrams.

BMW Z3 - All models (except M Roadster) (1996-2002) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Although the BMW Z3 has been much maligned by generations of motoring writers, this book is an experienced and honest appraisal of BMW's small sports car. It looks objectively at issues to be aware of when buying a BMW Z3 - the good and bad points, the fact and fiction, economics, practicality, and living with a Z3.

BMW Z4 - E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe, including M and Alpina (2003-2009) - Essential Buyer's Guide

If you are thinking of buying a sports car you could enjoy every day, the E85 and E86 BMW Z4 should be top of your list. With well proven and great sounding engines, excellent handling and a choice of Roadster or Coupe body styles, choosing the right Z4 will give you years of pleasurable motoring, but how do you know which is the right one?

With the help of this buyer's guide, marque expert David Smitheram describes how to spot a bad car quickly, and how to assess a promising Z4 like a professional.
Packed with good advice, from learning the differences between each model (including the M and Alpina Roadster models), running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, details of the Z4 community, to whether the car will suit you and your lifestyle.
With accompanying colour photos this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying the original BMW Z4.

BMW Z3 M Coupes & Roadsters (1996-2002) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the BMW Z3 M Coupé and Roadster models from the years 1996-2002.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

BMW Z3, M Coupes & M Roadsters (1996-2002) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the BMW Z3 Coupé and Roadster sports cars from the years 1996-2002.

• The 38 articles, published at the time in the American car magazine Road & Track, provide much information about history, model introductions and technology.
• Also technical specifications, driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books