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BMW Z3 M Coupe (E36/8) 3.2 (325 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
M Coupe (E36/8) Overview:
BMW Z3 (M Coupe (E36/8)). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1375 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.3 s). The top speed reaches 250 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.
3.2 (325 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The S54B32 engine delivers exhilarating high-revving performance, sharp throttle response, and a distinctive inline-six soundtrack, making it a true driver's car with impressive acceleration.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a high-performance M engine, fuel economy is secondary, with urban consumption being notably high, though highway figures are more reasonable for its power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional M engine performance and sound
- • Unique and distinctive 'clown shoe' styling
- • Engaging and direct driving dynamics
- • Strong collector's appeal and appreciating value
Cons:
- • Stiff ride quality can be uncomfortable on rough roads
- • Limited interior space and practicality
- • High running costs for maintenance and fuel
- • No official Euro NCAP safety rating
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E36/7: 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | Z3 |
| Generation: | M Coupe (E36/8) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.2 (325 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 325 Hp @ 7400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 100.1 Hp/l [25mm less] |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 4900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S54B32 More details about the engine S54B32 |
| Engine displacement: | 3246 |
| 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: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 91 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.2 kg/Hp, 236.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 254.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1375 |
| Max. weight: | 1660 |
| Max load: | 285 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 410 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 210 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 51 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4025 mm mm [25mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1280 mm mm [13mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2459 mm mm [13mm more] |
| Front track: | 1422 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1492 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17; 245/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the BMW Z3 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!