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BMW Z3 M (E36/7) 3.2 (321 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 (E36/7) Overview:
BMW Z3 (M (E36/7)). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1360 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 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.2 (321 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Featuring the potent S50B32 engine (European spec), this version offers nearly identical, thrilling performance to its 325 Hp counterpart, with a linear power delivery and an engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the 325 Hp version, this M engine prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency, resulting in higher consumption, especially during spirited driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exhilarating S54/S50 inline-six engines with fantastic sound
- • Sharp, engaging handling and direct steering
- • Classic, distinctive roadster styling
- • Strong performance for its era, still potent today
- • Manual gearbox offers an immersive driving experience
- • Appreciating classic car status
Cons:
- • Stiff ride quality, especially on rougher roads
- • Limited luggage space, typical for a small roadster
- • High fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving
- • Demanding maintenance requirements for M engines
- • Some scuttle shake inherent in roadsters of this vintage
- • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to modern cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E36/7: 1995 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | Z3 |
| Generation: | M (E36/7) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.2 (321 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 321 Hp @ 7400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 100.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 3250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S50B32 More details about the engine S50B32 |
| Engine displacement: | 3201 |
| 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: | 86.4 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 91 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| 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 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.2 kg/Hp, 236 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 257.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1360 |
| Max. weight: | 1600 |
| Max load: | 240 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 165 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 51 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4025 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [48mm more] |
| Height: | 1266 mm [22mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2458 mm [12mm 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 | 245/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the BMW Z3. How does it handle on the road?