motor

XxTwstedMethodxX · 10-24-2004, 06:34 PM

Hey I'm thinking about getting an M Coupe or an M roadster, either with the older 240hp engine. Are these engines modified easily, or should I look into a car with turbos stock. Like an S4.

TT · 10-24-2004, 06:36 PM

An M Roadster with 240 doesn't exists afaik... the Z3 M only came with the 321 hp engine, am I wrong?

TransAm · 10-24-2004, 06:55 PM

You are wrong I'm afraid, TT.

The E36 was 240hp in the USA

The Z3 was 240hp up til about 2001, then they put the S52/S54 (I forget which) motor in it = 321hp

In Europe though, the Z3 M was 321hp always, then the output increased to 325hp (not sure when, maybe 2001 or 2002) it is because they fitted the E46 M3 motor, but it only puts out 325hp as the exhaust system is not long enough (not enough room under the Z3) to release the full 343hp

Just to round off, the E46 M3 in the US is 333hp due to emissions laws.

TT · 10-24-2004, 07:00 PM

Ah! I wasn't aware about that difference between Europe and US for the Z3!

callen · 10-24-2004, 07:04 PM

The M coupe is an awesome car. u rarely see them on the road,(ive only ever seen one) and personally that would be my choice. you dont need a turbo, and 240 bhp in an M car is more intoxicating than an S4 any day. also im assuming since ur speaking about older models, you have a price bracket you need to stay in, so the new S4 with 340 bhp is not an option. My choice, hands down, no questions asked, is the M coupe. besides, with some hamann options i think you should be able to reach 300hp. and dont ruin the car by cramming shit 'tuner' parts in it. plus at 17 years old, 240 hp is more than enough IMO.

ZfrkS62 · 10-24-2004, 07:27 PM

the S54 was the engine in the MZ3 in 2001 up til end of production and yes these engines are tuneable. it doesn't matter which engine you get though, but the S54 has an extra 1000RPM in the S52 (8000 and 7000 redline respectivley) the S54 is a lighter engine than the 52 and has a better VANOS system.

there are a variety of companies that make aftermarket equipment for both engines. DINAN of course being the most known and probably the most expensive.
there is another company out of Hunington Beach, CA called Evosport that has built quite a few German tarmac killers. They have their own shop so they do all of thier own R&D and if it doesn't take off time from your laps or add HP, they don't market it.

http://www.evosport.com/home.html

::edit:: here is the link to evosport /\

I would get the S54 engine if possible though. that extra 1000 revs come in handy

DeMoN · 10-25-2004, 04:56 AM

Z3 M = M Roadster = AWSOME car. Tiff Needell has one (or had one at least) and he loved it. I mean, if HE bought it IT IS a great car.

I love that car, I wanted to get it, but my father didnt want to pay so much for "a motorcycle" (being a 2 seater). So I had to get the G35, which I dont regret ONE bit.

XxTwstedMethodxX · 10-25-2004, 01:02 PM

Thanks guys.

Rgun · 10-25-2004, 01:40 PM

I have the fortune of driving a 2001 Z3 3.0i and that has enough power to get into trouble. We test drove a '98 Z3M with 240hp and other than sounding way better than the normal Z3, its not much different in performance between the older Z3Ms and the 3.0i's (probably different around a track, but not really at all in acceleration). If you choose to get an older Z3M, avoid the models without traction control, that was the reason we purchased the 3.0 over the M. I know many would not agree with me over that point but when the tires will spin at ANY point throughout first, and chirp in second if you floor it and having to drive in light snow.... its definitely worth it and we definitely dont regret not purchasing the M version.

Guibo · 10-26-2004, 12:38 AM

Here are some resources to check out:
http://www.368s.com
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/z3-coupe/

I'd seriously get the S54-equipped M Coupe, if you can swing it. No need to upgrade whatsoever (even 240 hp is enough in such a compact, fairly light vehicle).

C&D has a review online:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

That being said, the earlier ones are going for relatively cheap: about $20K finds you a very nice one.

ZfrkS62 · 10-26-2004, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by Rgun

I have the fortune of driving a 2001 Z3 3.0i and that has enough power to get into trouble. We test drove a '98 Z3M with 240hp and other than sounding way better than the normal Z3, its not much different in performance between the older Z3Ms and the 3.0i's (probably different around a track, but not really at all in acceleration). If you choose to get an older Z3M, avoid the models without traction control, that was the reason we purchased the 3.0 over the M. I know many would not agree with me over that point but when the tires will spin at ANY point throughout first, and chirp in second if you floor it and having to drive in light snow.... its definitely worth it and we definitely dont regret not purchasing the M version.

pre-1/1997 production (98 model year) doesn't have traction control (ASC+T) which is wheel spin control in a straight line basically.

from 4/99 they came with the DSCIII system which will make corrections in over and understeer situations as well as straightline.

M models recieved DSC systems in 2001. (9/00 production)

but these cars are setup so well that you really have to push it to get the DSC light to flash [indicating that it is correcting your over/understeer/wheelspin(unless you try dumping the clutch with the DSC on

)]

bmwmpower · 10-26-2004, 06:06 AM

The E36 was 240hp in the USA
in Europe 321

what a hell?