BMW Z3 (E36/4) - Year To Year Changes

Year To Year Changes

1997 - Traction control became standard equipment. A 2.8-liter, 6-cylinder dual-cam engine joined the original 1.9-liter, 4-cylinder engine.
1998 - Hardware for rollover bars became standard equipment, while roll bars remained an option. More heavily bolstered sport seats joined the option list. Wood trim and the power top also were available as separate options. A high-performance M roadster was introduced which did not offer traction control.
1999 - Side airbags became standard equipment. The 4- cylinder engine was replaced by a 2.5-liter inline six. Coupe versions were introduced and M models produced after September of 1998 got ASC traction control. Airbags are upgraded to dual-stage systems. Central locking also locks gas cap from April '99 onwards.
2000 - Revised tail styling, an inner top liner and a new center console for roadsters. The M model remained the same in exterior and interior appearance, other than chrome slats and chrome headlight rings which were added to all models April 1999 for model year 2000. Non-M models now also got a 3-spoke steering wheel with the sport package. The Harmon Kardon audio was also upgraded.
2001 - M52 based cars changed to M54 engines while the M model upgraded from the S52 to S54 - this ensured all models had more power. They also had redesigned wheels and BMW's Dynamic Stability Control which replaced the ASC traction control for 2001. M models also now included a low-tire-pressure warning system.
2002 - In-dash CD player became standard.