BMW M Coupe
source: Wikimedia
The BMW M Coupe is closely related the modern M-Series, delivering the luxury expected from the automaker along with a thrilling performance. There were only two generations, with the first one falling into the ’90s, as the E36/8 Z3 Coupe includes the S50 and S52, which were from 1998 to 2000. The M Coupe is the result of an engineering team led by Burkhard Goeschel and working toward the goals of improved structural and torsional rigidity for the chassis of the Z3 roadster. After some efforts on the part of the development team, the board of directors finally approved the M Coupe, provided it was cost-effective to manufacture.
source: Wikimedia
To keep those costs low, the BMW M Coupe shared many of its body panels with the roadster it was closely based off. This includes the doors as well as every panel in front of and including the A-pillar. Even most of the interior parts are the same. The biggest difference between the M Coupe and M Roadster it is based on is the engines. Depending on the market and year, choices included the BMW S50, S52, and S54.
North American models used an engine known as the BMW S52B32 starting in 1998. This engine had 236 pound-feet at 3,800 rpm and 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Other markets got the S50B32 with 317 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 258 pound-feet at 3,250 rpm. In total, 2,999 European models were made with this S50 engine and 2,180 were made for North America with the S52 powertrain.
The downside of the BMW M Coupe is its styling, which was unusual and led to poor sales. It was also cramped with just two seats, making it highly impractical for use. To make matters worse, many passengers found the right-side seat to be positioned uncomfortably high.
