BMW Z3 M E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2002)

76% Neofiliac
Keywords: bmwbmw-mcoupedohcmacpherson-strutmanual-transmissionmulti-linkrwdsports-carsubcompact

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Photo 0of BMW Z3 M E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2002)Photo 1of BMW Z3 M E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2002)Photo 2of BMW Z3 M E36/8 Sports Car (1997-2002)

Product Overview

BMW Z3 M Coupe (chassis code E36/8) is the performance version of the Z3 Coupe subcompact coupe in production from 1997 to 2002. It was available with a couple of inline-6 engines that displaced 3.2 liters.
Compared to the standard Z3 Coupe, the Z3 M Coupe was only offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. It uses more powerful engines in S50/S52 guises pre-2001 and S54 after 2001. A limited slip differential and more aggressive stance were employed, too.
Drivers who appreciate handling should keep in mind that the BMW Z3 M Coupe uses MacPherson front suspension, which doesn't provide the best cornering performance.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 76% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Has become a collector car
  • Reliable drivetrain
  • Good handling (despite MacPherson front)
Cons
  • Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front

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Specifications

S50S54

Capacity

Cargo Capacity210 L / 7.4 cu-ft ~ 410 L / 14.5 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity10.8 L / 11.4 qt
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 L / 5.8 qt
Fuel Capacity51.0 L / 13.5 gal
Passengers2
Payload270 kg / 595 lbs285 kg / 628 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearVentilated discs
Power SteeringHydraulic Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size225/45 R17, 245/40 R17

Construction

Body Style3-door Coupe

Dimensions

Size | Height1279 mm / 50.4 in1280 mm / 50.4 in
Size | Length4025 mm / 158.5 in
Size | Width1740 mm / 68.5 in
Track Width | Front1422.0 mm / 56.0 in
Track Width | Rear1492.0 mm / 58.7 in
Weight1390.0 kg / 3064.4 lbs1375.0 kg / 3031.4 lbs
Wheel Size17 in
Wheelbase2459 mm / 96.8 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h5.4 sec5.3 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph5.1 sec5.0 sec
Fuel Economy12.9 L/100km / 18.2 MPG (urban) | 7.4 L/100km / 31.8 MPG (highway)16.6 L/100km / 14.2 MPG (urban) | 7.9 L/100km / 29.8 MPG (highway)
Top Speed250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel drive
EngineS50B32S54B32
Engine | Bore86.4 mm / 3.4 in87.0 mm / 3.4 in
Engine | Compression Ratio11.3:111.5:1
Engine | Displacement3.2 L / 195.3 cu-in / 3201.0 cc3.2 L / 198.1 cu-in / 3246.0 cc
Engine | Power321.0 hp / 239.4 kW @ 7400 rpm325.0 hp / 242.4 kW @ 7400 rpm
Engine | Specific Output100.3 hp/L / 1.6 hp/cu-in100.1 hp/L / 1.6 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke91.0 mm / 3.6 in
Engine | Torque350 Nm / 258.1 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm350 Nm / 258.1 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Engine | TypeNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears5-speed
Transmission | TypeManual

Production

Availability1997 ~ 20002001 ~ 2002

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