Quirk Database1980sGermanyDoors that make no sense
BMW Z1
The BMW Z1 is a two-seat roadster made by BMW in Germany from 1989 to 1991. Its weirdest quirk: The doors slide down into the sills, and the car can be driven with them lowered (legality varies by country).
BMW's plastic-bodied roadster used the 325i's straight-six and manual gearbox. Its doors don't open out. They slide down into the sills.
Quick facts
- Maker: BMW
- Years: 1989–1991
- Country of origin: Germany
- Body type: Two-seat roadster
- Engine: 2.5-litre straight-six
- Weirdest quirk: The doors slide down into the sills, and the car can be driven with them lowered (legality varies by country).
- Sold prices logged: 2 (latest: $92,000 at Bring a Trailer, Apr 17, 2026)
Sold prices
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 65-Kilometer 1990 BMW Z1 | $92,000 | 65 km (~40 mi) shown | Result for 65-Kilometer 1990 BMW Z1 at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 15k-Kilometer 1991 BMW Z1 | $59,313 | 15k km (~9k mi) | Result for 15k-Kilometer 1991 BMW Z1 at Bring a Trailer ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.
Fact-check pit lane
Specs, dates and production figures on this page were checked against:
- Wikipedia: BMW Z1
- Sold prices: each auction result linked in the table above