BMW Z3 E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2004)

67% Neofiliac
Keywords: bmwcoupedohcmacpherson-strutmanual-transmissionmulti-linkrwdsports-carsubcompact

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Photo 0of BMW Z3 E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2004)Photo 1of BMW Z3 E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2004)Photo 2of BMW Z3 E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2004)

Product Overview

BMW Z3 Coupe (chassis code E36/8) is a subcompact coupe in production from 1997 to 2004. It was available with a range of inline-6 engines that displaced 2.8 to 3.0 liters.
Based on the E36/7 Z3 roadster, the Coupe was offered solely with I6 engines. It has a controversial rear-end styling that has elevated it to modern classic status. Moreover, compared to most BMWs of this era, the Z3 Coupe's M52 and M54 engines are rather reliable and easy to work on. BMW was kind enough to use GM's 5L40-E automatic transmission, thereby avoiding the horrendous ZF 5HP.
Drivers who appreciate handling should keep in mind that the BMW Z3 Coupe uses MacPherson front suspension, which doesn't provide the best cornering performance.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 67% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Iconic styling, even if ugly to some
  • Reliable and simple drivetrain
  • Good handling
  • Very light
Cons
  • Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front

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Specifications

2.82.8 AT3.0i3.0i AT

Capacity

Cargo Capacity210 L / 7.4 cu-ft210 L / 7.4 cu-ft210 L / 7.4 cu-ft210 L / 7.4 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity10.0 L / 10.6 qt10.0 L / 10.6 qt10.5 L / 11.1 qt10.5 L / 11.1 qt
Engine Oil Capacity6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt
Fuel Capacity51.0 L / 13.5 gal
Passengers2
Payload270 kg / 595 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearDiscDiscDiscDisc
Power SteeringHydraulic Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size225/50 R16225/50 R16225/50 R16225/50 R16

Construction

Body Style3-door Coupe

Dimensions

Size | Height1306 mm / 51.4 in1306 mm / 51.4 in1306 mm / 51.4 in1306 mm / 51.4 in
Size | Length4025 mm / 158.5 in
Size | Width1740 mm / 68.5 in
Track Width | Front1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in1413.0 mm / 55.6 in
Track Width | Rear1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in1494.0 mm / 58.8 in
Weight1300.0 kg / 2866.0 lbs1300.0 kg / 2866.0 lbs1305.0 kg / 2877.0 lbs1305.0 kg / 2877.0 lbs
Wheel Size16 in16 in16 in16 in
Wheelbase2446 mm / 96.3 in2446 mm / 96.3 in2446 mm / 96.3 in2446 mm / 96.3 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h6.8 sec7.1 sec6.0 sec6.3 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph6.5 sec6.7 sec5.7 sec6.0 sec
Fuel Economy12.9 L/100km / 18.2 MPG (urban) | 7.4 L/100km / 31.8 MPG (highway)14.4 L/100km / 16.3 MPG (urban) | 8.1 L/100km / 29.0 MPG (highway)9.5 L/100km / 24.8 MPG (combined) | 13.3 L/100km / 17.7 MPG (urban) | 7.3 L/100km / 32.2 MPG (highway)10.2 L/100km / 23.1 MPG (combined) | 14.6 L/100km / 16.1 MPG (urban) | 7.6 L/100km / 31.0 MPG (highway)
Top Speed231.0 km/h / 143.5 mph229.0 km/h / 142.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph242.0 km/h / 150.4 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel drive
EngineM52B28M52B28M54B30M54B30
Engine | Bore84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Compression Ratio10.2:110.2:110.2:110.2:1
Engine | Displacement2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.8 L / 170.7 cu-in / 2798.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc
Engine | Power192.0 hp / 143.2 kW @ 5500 rpm192.0 hp / 143.2 kW @ 5500 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm
Engine | Specific Output68.7 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in68.6 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in
Engine | Torque280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine | TypeNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears5-speed4-speed5-speed5-speed
Transmission | TypeManualAutomaticManualAutomatic

Production

Availability1997 ~ 20001997 ~ 20002000 ~ 20042000 ~ 2004

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