The BMW Z1 (1989–1991) is the first Z car: a two-seat roadster with doors that retract vertically into the sills, a plastic body over a galvanized steel monocoque, and the 2.5-liter M20 straight six from the 325i. BMW built 8,000 and sold none in the US. Every Z1 is now over 25 years old and legal to import.
Why Americans want it
The doors. Nothing else before or since has done it, and the Z1 can be driven with them down. It was built by BMW Technik as a rolling laboratory, with the Z-axle rear suspension that later went into the E36, a flat underbody and body panels you can unbolt and swap. Prices in the US have run $50,000–$90,000 for the few imported.
What was never sold in the US
- Model: the entire Z1 run, 8,000 cars from 1989 to 1991.
- Engine: M20B25 2.5-liter straight six, 170 PS, from the E30 325i.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.
- Body: thermoplastic panels (Xenoy) on a galvanized steel chassis; the doors retract electrically into the sills.
- Colors: six factory colors; Top Red and Dream Black are common, Fun Yellow and Ur-Green rarer.
Eligible years (25-year rule)
Every BMW Z1 is eligible now. Nothing switches over in 2027 or 2028.
What to look for
- Doors: the retraction mechanism uses toothed belts and electric motors; both doors must run smoothly and the window must sync. Rebuilds are possible but not cheap.
- Body panels: Xenoy panels crack at the mounting points if abused; repainting them requires the right process. Check for mismatched panel colors (panels were designed to be swapped).
- Chassis: galvanized, so rust is rare; check the sills around the door mechanisms for water ingress.
- Engine: M20 timing belt (due every 4 years), head gasket on high-mileage cars, cooling system.
- Documents: BMW Group Classic certificate, service history, both keys. We verify the VIN (WBABA91…) with BMW.
Typical landed price
Europe: roughly €45,000–€75,000, low-mileage and rare-color cars at the top. Landed at Newark or Baltimore with duty at the rate in effect on entry: roughly $63,000–$102,000. Container freight recommended.
Registration notes
- California: post-1975, gasoline; CARB lab certification applies, not guaranteed.
- Fuel: gasoline.
- Title: 17-character VIN. US title from Salvage Motors LLC. The Z1 has no conventional doors in the FMVSS sense, which is exactly why the 25-year exemption is the only route in.
Our take
Buy a Z1 with working doors and a BMW Classic certificate and you own one of the most original BMWs ever built. The 170 PS engine is not the point; the engineering is. Pay for condition, not for color.
FAQ
Can you drive it with the doors down?
Yes, legally in Europe and, under the 25-year exemption, in the US. Check your state’s rules on open-door driving.
Is it fast?
No. It is a 170 PS roadster with excellent handling. Think of it as a very special 325i.
Are parts available?
BMW Group Classic still supplies most mechanical and many Z1-specific parts; the door belts and motors are the costly items.