In 1985, the propeller manufacturer created a small department responsible for studying new directions and setting new trends. BMW Technik Gmbh was born. The objective set was: creativity, novelty, efficiency and its director, Harm M.
Lagaay, was going to get to work on the theme of freedom on four wheels. The work gave rise to a series of sketches of roadsters, possibly without a roof or windscreen or equipped with bodywork reduced to the bare minimum.
After consultation with various engineers, two solutions emerged: a rear mid-engined car with four-wheel drive and another with mid-engine and rear-wheel drive.
The engine will be in the front
After six months of reflection, the decision is made: the engine will be placed at the front. Management saw no advantage in the engine’s position in the rear, apart from aerodynamics.
On the other hand, the use of a bank of existing parts and the ease of production argued in favor of the front engine.
An engine taken from the BMW 325i E30, the 2.5-litre in-line 6-cylinder with 170 hp and its gearbox.
The aerodynamics have been worked on by BMW’s aero-acoustic wind tunnel in order to avoid drafts inside the car; another important point, the underbody fairing is designed to channel the airflow to the exhaust muffler and the rear bumper.
The Z points its nose
The project takes the name of Z1 to mark a break. The Z is the first letter of the word “Zukunft” which means future in German.
The chassis is designed and assembled by Baur bodywork, a regular service provider for the brand; it is of the steel monocoque type, hot-dip galvanized. The floor, glued and screwed, is made of composite materials.
Once mounted, it increases the rigidity of the hull. In addition, a steel tube integrated into the frame of the windshield connects the two pillars.
It also stiffens the assembly and also acts as a roll bar. The multi-link rear axle called Z-axle was unreleased.
Innovation at all levels
The main innovation of the car was its body panels made of composite materials. The side doors are electrically retractable using straps inserted into the sills.
Curiously, it was a French company that invented the device: Matra Automobiles… It was also Matra who designed the bodywork in Romorantin.
All the panels are removable in the workshop and could be replaced. Note, finally, that the car could be driven with the doors lowered, which still caused air turbulence inside.
Born in 1987
It was at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show that the Z1 was unveiled. This roadster is not like the others in the range but it arouses enthusiasm especially when the manufacturer announces that it will be produced in 5,000 copies only; and this despite an astronomical selling price (366,700 F at the time).
Access on board is however subject to criticism because, despite the absence of a door, the bottom of the body is very wide.
In the passenger compartment, where the dashboard is oriented towards the driver, rigid shells (in body color) surround the seats. With its 1,290 kg, the Z1 offers muted performance. As for the box, it is only available in manual control.
Four colors on the program
Four colors are available when the Z1 comes out in 1988. Only one finish is possible and the list of options fits on a notepad.
For a coupe with sporty gasoline and whose handling is above the competition (including internal), the sports box (shorter ratios) is not available.
The weight distribution (49% on the front and 51% on the rear) appeals to demanding drivers, especially as specific tires are offered on the Z1: Pirelli P700Z or Michelin MXX. Demand swells so much that BMW goes into production at 8,000 Z1s.
Alpina for power
66 Z1 roadsters were taken from the line to be sent to the Alpina workshops to become Alpina RLE; official name of the Roadster Limited Edition.
The Z1 Alpina received a 200 hp 2.7-litre 6-cylinder unit associated with a suspension with shorter springs, 17-inch rims and a specific steering wheel.
Alpina production runs from April 26, 1989 to May 29, 1991. The production of the Z1 ends in 1991 but it will remain in the catalog until the exhaustion of the stock in 1994.
The first Z will have descendants in 1995 with the Z3, then the Z4 and Z8; a winning formula.