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

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants
Sustainable BMW carbon fibre replacement roof

BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants

Developed in collaboration a Swedish clean-tech firm, natural fibres are said to be just as strong and lightweight as carbon alternatives, plus more s…
News
19 Jun 2025
New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for
BMW Concept Speedtop - front

New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for

Couldn’t get on the shortlist for the BMW Skytop? Here’s the hard-top version – but only 70 will be made
News
23 May 2025
Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time
BMW Skytop - front 3/4

Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time

Only 50 examples of the elegant V8-powered two-seater will be made, each costing approximately £500,000, and they’ve all been sold
News
16 May 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025