- Powerful and free-revving S50 engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Excellent steering weight and feel
- S50 engine susceptible to VANOS failure
- Lacks balance and poise of Honda AP1 S2000 or Porsche 986 Boxster
- Awkward styling
Review: BMW E36/8 Z3 Coupe (1998-02)
Overview
Released in December 1998, the BMW E36/8 Z3 M Coupe was a two-seat performance coupe. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the rear-wheel drive Z3 M Coupe was powered by BMW’s 3.2-litre S50 B32 inline six-cylinder petrol engine as per the E36 M3 ; a five-speed manual transmission as standard. The S50 B32 inline six cylinder engine had an iron engine block, an alloy head, double overhead camshafts, variable valve timing (BMW’s VANOS), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1.
Compared to the Z3 Roadster on which it was based, the Z3 M Coupe was the same length (at 4025 mm), 48 mm wider (1740 mm), 8 mm lower (1280 mm) and had a 15 mm longer wheelbase (2459 mm). Furthermore, the Z3 M Coupe had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms; the Z3 M Coupe was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z3 M Coupe | 3.2-litre petrol I6 (S50 B32) | 5sp man. | 1998-02 | 236 kW at 7400 rpm | 350 Nm at 4900 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Z3 M Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard features for the Z3 M Coupe included 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with a ten disc CD stacker, power adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a power sunroof, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
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