BMW M Roadster (E36/7), US model

A special solution was applied to the American market for the M roadster launched in 1997. The S50B32 engine installed in Europe failed to meet the strict emission regulations and was therefore replaced by the S52B32US for automobiles in the USA. As a result, the engine generated rather less power than its European counterpart but driving was consequently more environmentally friendly. In 2000, automobiles in Europe and the USA were switched to the S54B32 engine. Here too, the US M Roadster had an inferior performance mainly due to its exhaust system. Nevertheless, the M Roadster achieved high sales figures in the USA. A total of 10,503 units were sold from 1997 to 2002.