Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW Z3 M Coupe - Best BMW M cars

The M Coupe is unlike any M car before or since and it still holds a place in the hearts of many fans, while others can't stand the sight of it.

The M Coupe came into being in 1997, a car that shocked and divided opinion from the off. Based on the Z3 roadster of the day it featured the most powerful version of the BMW M straight-six to date and packaged it in a compact, lightweight body that was instantly recognisable then and still is today. The 317bhp unit revved to 7,400rpm and coils see the M Coupe to 62mph in 5.4s.  

What’s the BMW M Coupe like to drive? 

Steve Sutcliffe tries it out on track

Advertisement - Article continues below

I remember the Z3 M Coupe as being a wild, but not especially wonderful car to drive. Yes, it boasted a great six-cylinder engine beneath its long bonnet, but it also had a cramped and claustrophobic cabin and a surprisingly wayward chassis. 

In fact, the Z3 M was far better to drive than I was expecting, and far quicker than I recall, too. It proves that when you have a mere 1,420kg to propel, 321bhp from a high-revving, atmospheric straight-six engine is all you need and then some, thanks – especially when linked to a sweet shifting five-speed manual gearbox. 

You put up with the movement around the tail in the Z3 M, and instead just hang on tight while wearing a huge grin for most of the time. Truth is, I enjoyed driving this model about five times more than I thought I was going to. In a weird kind of way, it felt more relevant and interesting now than it did when new in 1998, possibly because cars have become so much more predictable since.

BMW Z3 M Coupe prices and specs

  • Number built: 6,291
  • Price new: £35,845
  • Value now: £40,000 
  • Engine: 3.2-litre 6cyl 
  • Power/torque: 316bhp then 321bhp from 2001/350Nm
  • 0-62mph: 5.1 seconds Top speed: 155mph
  • Gearbox: Five-speed manual
  • Weight: 1,420kg
Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

2025 BMW iX3 previewed in official prototype guise
BMW iX3 front end in camouflage

2025 BMW iX3 previewed in official prototype guise

This is our first official image of BMW’s Neue Klasse generation
News
20 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
New powertrains now available for BMW 1 Series, 5 Series Touring in MY2025 update
BMW 1 Series 2024 facelift - front tracking

New powertrains now available for BMW 1 Series, 5 Series Touring in MY2025 update

Mid-spec all-wheel drive 123 xDrive, plus 520 and M550e Tourings join the range, adding new ICE-powered options
News
30 Oct 2024
Best BMW cars - our favourite models from the Bavarian brand
Greatest BMWs - header image

Best BMW cars - our favourite models from the Bavarian brand

We pick our top cars from from the BMW stable over the years
Best cars & vans
23 Oct 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024