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


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 6.8 s). The top speed reaches 231 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) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 2.8-liter M52B28 engine offers a strong, torquey performance, making it a capable and enjoyable driver's car, especially with the manual gearbox.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is decent for a naturally aspirated inline-six, providing a good balance of power and efficiency.

Best Use Case: Daily driving, spirited weekend drives.

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)
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:68.7 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:280 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M52B28 More details about the engine M52B28
Engine displacement:2793
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:12.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.8 sec
Maximum speed:231 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:6.5 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 gears5
Transmission typeManual
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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