Wide body - fact or myth?

[wrench13]

I occasionally read about a wide body fender kit for the Z3. Was this a OEM kit or did some aftermarket company make one? If OEM, pns?

Second question - are the ///M Z3 fenders actually wider then the standard Z3s? If yes, by how much?

Sad, after almost 3 years of Z3 ownership, I am still learning about them.

[OnlyZ3]

It is a myth, there was never a wide OEM kit.

The only special versions that BMW made were three, that you can find here http://wikiz3.com/es/special_unics.html (my webste btw) Sorry its in spanish, currently working on a translation
an individual V12 M roadster in kyalami orange and an M coupé safety car (was officially called "M3 GTR motorsport")

[rf900rkw]

All 6 cyl and M are the same width and the fenders are the same profile. Early 6 and all M roadster fenders are the same. All coupe fenders are the same profile with coupe-ized attachment. Facelift 6s are generally the same, same width with a more ridged profile.

4 cyl are narrower. People have done wide body 4cyl by using 6 cyl parts.

[BimmerBreaker]

Usually when people say "wide body" referring to the Z3s, they are referring to the 6 cylinder bodies. I've never seen a widebody kit for a Z3, in fact aside from race cars, I can't recall having seen a widebody Z3 at all even custom work. The stock widebody is pretty wide as-is.

Pre-facelift 6 cylinder fenders are the same, M or 2.8 - a visual difference is created by the M bumpers extending the "wide" line of the fenders or hood, this makes them appear wider and lower, but the parts are the same. It has been noted recently that facelift parts can not be swapped to pre-facelift cars, just FWIW.

[DreamnZ]

This may be helpful...
The 6 cylinder Z3 and the Z3M have the same fenders. Except for the facelift models which came out in the year 2000.
Why then do Z3M's allow for a rear wheel with a wider lip?
It's because the axel of the Z3M is shorter than the axel of the regular 6 cylinder Z3.
Therefore, while the Z3M has the same exact fender as the 6 cylinder, it looks like you can put a wider tire with a bigger lip.
On a 4cyl Z3 the axel is shorter, therefore, replacing the fenders on a 4cyl with ones from a 6cyl will allow for the installation of the wider lipped roadstas on the rear.

Regarding OEM wide body kits, non were produced.
Below is an example of a wide body kit on a coupe.





Hope this helps.

[dcrothers]

Yes please, minus the gaps.

[Phr34k]

Regarding OEM wide body kits, non were produced.
Below is an example of a wide body kit on a coupe.
Hope this helps.

I hope that's the only example...

[wrench13]

Regarding OEM wide body kits, non were produced.
Below is an example of a wide body kit on a coupe.

Hope this helps.

Jezzz, I am almost sorry I asked. Make that am sorry.

[Vinci]

There is a guy in FL (Kabel?) with a coupe that had the front end widened a bit. I seem to recall him having pretty massive front wheels.

[DreamnZ]

Here's another widebody Coupe:
http://elgarajetuning.com/2011/03/07/bmw-z3-m-1998/

[BenFenner]

It's almost as if we have these things cataloged in some sort of searchable list to reference back to...

[robb1887]

There was a guy in Roanoke area "locally" building a fiberglass wide body for his racing Mcoupe. Dunno if he's finished it yet. I haven't see any updates in a while.

Now I need to go and find that thread since apparently I did not subscribe to it... thanks

[Z3speed4me]

I've wanted to widen my rear fenders forever, one day I am sure I'll eventually do it

[KeysCoupe]

This may be helpful...
The 6 cylinder Z3 and the Z3M have the same fenders. Except for the facelift models which came out in the year 2000.
Why then do Z3M's allow for a rear wheel with a wider lip?
It's because the axel of the Z3M is shorter than the axel of the regular 6 cylinder Z3.
Therefore, while the Z3M has the same exact fender as the 6 cylinder, it looks like you can put a wider tire with a bigger lip.
On a 4cyl Z3 the axel is shorter, therefore, replacing the fenders on a 4cyl with ones from a 6cyl will allow for the installation of the wider lipped roadstas on the rear.

Regarding OEM wide body kits, non were produced.
Below is an example of a wide body kit on a coupe.





Hope this helps.

I would love to see how that right door opens on the white example!
-Donny

[fire2]

I think the car could have used more length than width, its just a little too stubby, 4"-6" on the wheel base and body
would have made a big difference in looks and handling.

Facelift 6s are generally the same, same width with a more ridged profile.

How are they the same?, they have more curvey rear fenders and they dont match up with any of the other Zs bumpers,
thats what I like about mine and what has kept me from switching to an M. What is a more ridged profile?---I think it maybe
just the oposite with the post facelift.

This may be helpful...
The 6 cylinder Z3 and the Z3M have the same fenders. Except for the facelift models which came out in the year 2000

DreamnZ I am probably wrong on this but it has been my understanding the the post facelift came out in late 2000 that was sold
as a 2001 model

[rf900rkw]

GENERALLY the same. You forgot that word. Same width. Same track. The facelift car is neither wider nor narrower... just got those butt ugly ridges on the fenders.

[fire2]

You say it is more ridged and it has ugly ridges, lol, with the rear fenders of the post face lift all I see is more contour and style and less boring than the pre-facelift.