The BMW Z3 coupe
The polarizing coupe
In August, 1998 the Z3 Series has been expanded by a combination of station wagon and coupe, so call "shooting brake", if was presenting on the car show IAA 1997. The Z3 coupe have the internal development code E36/8 for the normal coupe and E36/8S for the M coupe models.
These 2-door fastback coupes with a solid steel roof were equipped with the bigger straight-six engines only. These was sold under the names BMW Z3 coupe 2.8, later Z3 coupe 3.0i as well as M coupe. The design of the Z3 coupe was highly controversial and polarizing, also the Z3 coupe was commonly named "sports shoe", German named "Turnschuh".
From October, 1998 BMW equipped the Z3 roadster 2.8 and the Z3 coupe 2.8 with the advanced engine "2.8 M52 TU" with 193 PS (190 hp). These engine had the same cubic capacity of 2,793 cubic centimeters like the engine "2.8 M52" with 192 PS (189 hp), now with two variable camshaft, "double-VANOS" named, equipped, so that in addition to the intake camshaft control now the exhaust camshaft control could be adjusted the rotation speed and the load conditions. This measure brought an improved torque curve at already lower engine speed as well as more power of 1 kW respectively short 1 PS. Furthermore, the gas mileage was reduced, obtained by close-coupled catalysts and engine-internal modifications better emissions and no cylinder liners used compared to the 2.8 M52.
Also M Power in the coupe
The Z3 coupe 2.8 M52 TU entered the market at the same time like the M coupe. With a lighter gross weight of 100 kg than the former BMW M3 helped the enormous high-performance engine "S50 B32" with a specific power output of over 100 hp per liter and a power to weight ratio of 4.5 kg per horsepower the M coupe to a performance, which were previously reserved only super sports cars. The 0 to 100 km/h-acceleration completed the M roadster in 5.4 seconds, the acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in the fourth gear even in just 5.3 seconds.
Also the M coupe "S50" become a new motorization with the 3.2 liter engine "S54" and 3,246 cubic centimeters from the end of the year 2000, the third generation of the BMW M3 E46. For the M coupe must this power pack throttled to 325 PS (321 hp), US-version 320 PS (315 hp), which makes an incredible power of 343 PS in the M3. Noticeable is the other engine characteristics of the new unit compared to the previous engine. The maximum torque is only available at 4,900 rpm instead 3,250 rpm and the maximum power is only available at 7,900 rpm instead 7,400 rpm. The maximum engine speed from this wonder of high-speed technology is more than 8,000 rpm.
For the US-versions of the M coupe "S52 B32" applies previously called only conditionally. To introduction of the M coupe models in the USA was already the question of whether you could let go so much performance without traction control to the customers? Then also there was a sharper emission standard. Therefore, the US model of the M coupe became a mix of "S50"- and "M52"-engine. The engine block and the cylinder head from the "single VANOS M52"-engine was adjusted to 3.2 liter cubic capacity with 243 PS (240 hp). Further the "S52"-engine become the traction control "ASC+T" and a hydraulic valve-clearance compensation. However, in the design and the vehicle trim of the "S52" model was in no way inferior to the "S50"-ECE model. The third generation of the 3.2 liter engine with a slightly reduced power of 320 PS (315 hp) for the US M coupe models was largely equvalent to the ECE models. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission only.
The high valent vehicle trim
The Z3 coupe applies in quantity a high valent vehicle trim compared to the Z3 roadster, e.g. Nappa leather, air conditioning, Sport seats as well as reading lamps. Further, a electric glass lifting roof was in option, which in addition to a lighter interior also contributes to a better air circulation.
Also applies to the Z3 coupe: July 5, 2002. Friday, a rather sad day for all BMW Z3 fans.
On that day the very last Z3 left the production line. Today this special exemplar is owned by the "Mobile Tradition" in Munich / Germany, the history car collection of BMW. The Z3 coupe is with 17,815 produced vehicles a truly successful niche model for the bavarian car group.
You will find a comparison of the terms in the lower table of all BMW Z3 coupe models in the BMW parts catalog EPC and in our web systems:
All Z3 coupe models
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