Identify this BMW

[Paul Drawmer]

Just wondered how many could identify this BMW. - wish I'd never sold it!

ch09082357 by pdrawmer, on Flickr

[Egg Chaser]

Z1?

[slomax]

Egg Chaser said:

Z1?

Good Shout!

[Google [bot]]

Ford mk1 Escort estate 'Mexico'.

[Paul Drawmer]

4 minutes at 05:30?
Bloody hell PH is good!

I just sort of imagined there'd be a few puzzled folk out there.

[roger482]

The Radio does give rather a good clue

[dudleybloke]

not seen one for years.

[CypherP]

roger482 said:

The Radio does give rather a good clue

Took me about 2 seconds to spot that!

[Paul Drawmer]

Oh no, I hadn't thought this one through.
I did think about the radio, but it's so rare (even in a Z1) that I expected it to be seen as a radio designation not part of the car.

However, it's my profile that needed obliterating!
"Escort Mexico Estate" indeed. hahahah.

Oh well, teach me to wake up before touching the keyboard.

[g3org3y]

Love the Z1, certainly a very rare car out on the road. First demonstration of BMW's rear Z axle set up iirc. I believe Mrs J Clarkson has/had one.

[Garlick]

What was it like to drive Paul? I've never driven one and always wondered how they handle?

Is it a 325i engine powering it? If so, what's the chassis?

Thanks

[g3org3y]

Garlick said:

What was it like to drive Paul? I've never driven one and always wondered how they handle?

Is it a 325i engine powering it? If so, what's the chassis?

Thanks

Old M20 2.5 engine from the E30 (i.e. 6 cyl, 12 valve and no VANOS (variable valve timing))

[MrDarkBlack]

The side mirror is a dead give away.

Always liked them, took a photo of one the other day.

Edited by MrDarkBlack on Sunday 1st May 22:35

[Pothole]

Slow, according to the TG test.

[Hugo a Gogo]

roger482 said:

The Radio does give rather a good clue

didn't notice that
the mirror was the giveaway for me

[Paul Drawmer]

Garlick said:

What was it like to drive Paul? I've never driven one and always wondered how they handle?

Is it a 325i engine powering it? If so, what's the chassis?

Thanks

The BMW Z1 chassis was basically a folded galvanised steel monocoque with plastic panels bolted on. It wasn't light, but for it's time it was rigid for a roadster (1250Kg unladen).

It had the E30 325i engine and front susp. The gearbox was special (can't remember why apart from needing fully synth) there was a torque tube from the 'box to the rear axle. It was the first of the 'Z axle' pre-dating the E36.

Aero was pretty good, pretty well buffet free if the drivers window was down and the passengers up. LHD only from factory, but there were conversions of varying quality.

Chassis could take a LOT more power, quite sharp with a compliant ride. I ran mine at the ame time as an E36325i - which was quicker due to the much better engine, but had more understeer than the Z1.

There's a PH member who has put an M3 engine in a Z1 (twice!) don't know his PH handle.

A Z1 was all about the doors though.

www.bmwz1.co.uk (I haven't updated the site for a few years)

Paul D.

[Garlick]

g3org3y said:

Garlick said:

What was it like to drive Paul? I've never driven one and always wondered how they handle?

Is it a 325i engine powering it? If so, what's the chassis?

Thanks

Old M20 2.5 engine from the E30 (i.e. 6 cyl, 12 valve and no VANOS (variable valve timing))

I thought so. Any tweaks for the Z car?