BMW Z3 M Coupé (E36)

The BMW M Coupé was presented in September 1997 at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. Production at the American Spartanburg Plant (South Carolina) ultimately started up in April 1998. The installed power plant was provided by two different six-cylinder inline engines that were refined by M GmbH (S50 and S54). Special solutions (S52, S54US) were developed for the North American market because the engines were unable to comply with the local exhaust emissions regulations applicable there. The M Coupé is distinguished visually from the Z3 Coupé owing to the extended track, four-pipe exhaust system, oval exterior mirrors, chrome air scoops and additional air inlets on the front apron. This is one of the shortest automobiles to come from the M GmbH stable and has a length of just 4,025 mm.