BMW · 1997–2002

BMW M Roadster

The BMW M Coupé and BMW M Roadster are high performance models of the BMW Z3 and Z4 coupés/roadsters produced by BMW M. The first generation was based on the Z3 and was produced between 1998 and 2002. The second generation was based on the Z4 and was produced between 2006 and 2008. All models were produced in the BMW Spartanburg plant in the United States. Some major components— such as the engine and transmission— were imported from Germany.

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First generation (1997–2002)

=== Z3 M Roadster === The M-Roadster E36/7 was introduced in 1997 as the high performance version of the BMW Z3. The most significant cosmetic difference between the M-Roadster, including the M-Coupe, is the substantially flared rear quarter-panels ("fender flares") and the correspondingly offset rear wheels. Additional external differences compared to the standard Z3 models included front and rear bumpers, gills, quad exhaust, trunk, and mirrors. The standard Z3 models received a facelift in 1999. The appearance of the M was not changed In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced. The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The curb weight is 1,420 kg (3,130.6 lb). M Coupé. The M Coupé E36/8, manufactured from 1998 until 2002, was developed under the leadership of engineer Burkhard Göschel with the intention of adding increased torsional and structural rigidity to the Z3 roadster's chassis. The development team had a hard time convincing the board of directors to approve the model for production, but it was eventually given the green light as long as it remained cost-effective to produce. To achieve this goal, majority of the body panels had to be shared with the M roadster, thus the doors and everything from the A-pillar forward are interchangeable between the coupé and roadster, as are most interior parts. The Z3 Coupé, which combines the M Coupé's body with the standard Z3 drivetrain, chassis, and cosmetics, was approved for production at the same time. The small development cost allocated to the Z3M dictated a small marketing budget, and using the cheaper five speed ZF gearbox, not the more expensive Getrag S6S-420G 6 speed. The five speed gearbox dictated longer differential ratios to ensure lower rpm crui

Second generation (2006–2008)

=== Z4 M Coupé === The coupé model was introduced to the public first in concept form at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and then in production form at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show with production starting shortly after. The Z4 M Coupé has a fastback hatch design, resulting in a different body shape to its Z3 M Coupé predecessor. The roof and windows add an additional weight of 10–15 kg as compared to the roadster. BMW North America press kits report the Coupé's weight as 1,465 kg (3,230 lb) while other official BMW materials show a weight of 1,495 kg (3,296 lb). The official 0–97 km/h (60 mph) acceleration time is 5 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.5 mph). The Z4 M Coupé set a laptime at the Nürburgring Nordschleife of 8 minutes and 15 seconds. Z4 M Roadster. The roadster model was launched in late 2006. Weighing 1,450 kg (3,197 lb), the M Roadster has a 0-97 km/h (60 mph) time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Unlike the Z3 M Roadster, the external dimensions of the Z4 M Roadster are the same as the standard Z4. Engine. The M Coupe and M Roadster are powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine from the E46 M3. The engine has fly-by-wire throttle and double VANOS (variable valve timing). In most countries, the engine is rated at 252 kW (338 hp) at 7,900 rpm and 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) at 4,900 rpm- the same outputs as in the M3. The engine has a redline of 8,000 rpm. Cars sold in North America produce 250 kW (330 bhp) at 7,900 rpm and 355 N⋅m (262 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,900 rpm. Unlike the S54 engine from the E46 M3 and Z3 M Roadster and Coupes, where BMW used the same MSS54 DME, the Z4 M Coupe and Roadster engine is controlled by the MSS70 DME which makes popular ECU tuning options for

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