BMW Z3 Coupe (E36/8) 2.8 (192 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW Z3:

The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:
The Z3 was based on the E36/5 compact platform, a shortened version of the conventional E36 platform. This smaller and cheaper platform used the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design from the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced Z Series car.
M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Coupe (E36/8) Overview:

BMW Z3 (Coupe (E36/8)). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1300 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.1 s). The top speed reaches 229 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.8 (192 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 2.8-liter M52B28 engine delivers respectable power, but the automatic transmission slightly blunts its responsiveness compared to the manual.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is expected to be slightly worse than the manual version due to the automatic transmission's characteristics.

Best Use Case: Comfortable daily commuting, relaxed cruising.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unique and distinctive 'Clown Shoe' styling
  • • Engaging driving dynamics and handling
  • • Powerful and smooth inline-six engines
  • • Strong performance, especially M variants
  • • Potential for future classic status and value appreciation
  • • High-quality interior materials for its era

Cons:

  • • Limited practicality with only two seats and small trunk
  • • Firm ride can be uncomfortable on rough roads
  • • Older BMW maintenance costs can be high
  • • Some interior plastics prone to wear
  • • Rear suspension design can be a weak point

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E36/7: 1995 - 1999).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:Z3
Generation:Coupe (E36/8)
Modification (Engine):2.8 (192 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1997
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:2
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:192 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:280 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M52B28 More details about the engine M52B28
Engine displacement:2798
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:10 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.1 sec
Maximum speed:229 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.8 kg/Hp, 147.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.6 kg/Nm, 215.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1300
Max. weight:1570
Max load:270
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:210 l
Fuel tank capacity:51 l
Size:
Length:4025 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1740 mm mm [48mm more]
Height:1306 mm mm [18mm more]
Wheelbase:2446 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1413 mm
Rear (Back) track:1494 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/50 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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