BMW Z3M COUPE

17 December 2014 Redazione Budget Cars

BUDGET CARS – EPISODE II

In the first episode, we paid tribute to the Golf and its 40 years, with the powerful R32; Today our attentions have turned to a car that unfortunately has not received the deserved success and that has been often forgotten: the Z3M Coupe, also simply called M Coupe. Let’s start off by stating that it’s a rear-wheel-drive sort of hatchback/coupe: the small body is notable and catchy, the line of the Roadster version is almost completely different because of the trunk and the hard top that make it a proper small coupe, but with a very ambitious character. Always behind, it is impossible not to notice those four tailpipes that make it clear that a particular look will be able to entertain you and a lot. A weight of no more than a ton and a half, a short wheelbase and a driving position practically on top of the rear wheels, are the dress sewn around the 3.2cc naturally aspirated engine which outputs 317 horsepower. Performance is not only very good, such as the 0-100 kph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 per hour (limited), but handling is the thing that makes it a fantastic performance car. You’ll be able to do anything aboard this coupe, due to its versatility and to an engine always ready to respond to your input. Finally, the interior, quite modern for the late ’90s; the M Coupe also represents the ideal car for a ride on Saturday night. We’re pretty sure that this car is ready for an important revaluation. (do not miss on next issue of ACM, the review about one of our reader’s M Coupe).

BMW Z3 M COUPE (1998-2002)
Layout – front-engine, rear wheel drive
Engine – 6 cylinder 3.2cc
Transmission – 5-speed manual gearbox
Power – 317 hp / 350 Nm
Weight – 1425 kg
Acceleration – 5,4 sec.
Top speed – 250 kph
Price – from 19.000 €