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).
The Z1 is unique for its plastic body panels and 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 E30 325i.
In 1995, the Z1's successor, the mass-produced 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. The lead designer was Harm Lagaay.[2]
In August 1985, the BMW board gave approval to further develop the BMW Technik's first concept vehicle, the Z1.