DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (variable valve timing)
Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Single Dry Plate
Optional
Transmission Type:
N/A (Only manual offered for M Roadster)
Features
Limited Slip Differential:
Standard (M Differential)
Fluid Specifications
Gearbox Oil:
BMW recommends MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF, Pentosin MTF 2)
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
160.7 inches (4082 mm)
Width:
68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
51.7 inches (1313 mm)
Wheelbase:
93.3 inches (2370 mm)
Track Width Front:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Track Width Rear:
58.7 inches (1491 mm)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
2
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
5.4 cubic feet (153 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3188 lbs (1446 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
3704 lbs (1680 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not Specifically Tested for this Model/Year, but general BMW E36/7 chassis is robust.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not Specifically Tested for this Model/Year.
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection system (ROPS) integrated behind headrests.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Dsc:
Standard (Dynamic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Integrated with DSC
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional in some markets).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Head Restraints:
Integrated into seats.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard BMW Business CD or optional BMW Professional RDS CD player. May feature Harman Kardon audio upgrade.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Business Navigation system (MK III or MK IV unit, likely with CD-ROM maps).
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Climatronic).
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard.
Connectivity
Telephone:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system with cradle for a compatible mobile phone.
Cd Changer:
Optional trunk-mounted CD changer.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Check Condition Based Service (CBS) indicator.
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years (DOT 4)
Coolant:
Initial change at 4 years, then every 2 years thereafter. Use BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant.
Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (or as indicated by VSI/CBS system).
Inspect Suspension Steering:
Annually or every 15,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-60 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved is acceptable if 10W-60 is unavailable, but 10W-60 is preferred for S54 performance engine)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Known Issues
Rod Bearings:
The S54 engine is known for potential rod bearing wear, especially if oil changes are neglected or if the engine is driven hard from cold. Early replacement is recommended for preventative maintenance.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points can occur due to chassis stress, particularly with spirited driving. Reinforcement kits are available.
Oil Pump Drive:
The oil pump drive (chain) can stretch or the bolt can loosen, leading to oil starvation. Regular inspection of the oil pump bolt torque is advised.
Throttle Actuators:
The electronic throttle actuators for the individual throttle bodies can fail, leading to rough idling or limp-home mode. Cleaning and recalibration or replacement may be needed.
Vanos System:
The VANOS system can develop leaks (seals) or the solenoid valves can fail, affecting engine performance and idle quality.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorsport:
The 'M' designation signifies BMW's high-performance division, known for motorsport success and road-legal racing cars.
Model Evolution
Z3 Lineage:
The Z3 roadster was introduced in 1995 as BMW's return to the small roadster market. The M Roadster variant arrived in 1997, featuring significant performance upgrades.
E36 To E46 Platform Transition:
The 2002 model year represents the final year of the Z3 M Roadster, utilizing the E36/7 chassis code. It was succeeded by the Z4 M Roadster (E85/E86) based on the newer E46 platform architecture in terms of engine and some chassis components.
Production
Production Period:
1997-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Total Units Produced:
Approximately 15,000 M Roadsters worldwide.
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the M Roadster itself may not have consistently appeared on the 10Best list, its lineage and the Z3 platform were often praised for their driving dynamics.
Road And Track Contributor Praise:
Frequently lauded for its exceptional handling, potent S54 engine, and raw driving experience, often compared favorably to contemporaries despite its occasional quirks.
Ratings
Market Reception:
Highly regarded by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its performance and driver engagement, though often criticized for its price point and certain mechanical vulnerabilities (rod bearings).
Le choix d'une sélection entraîne l'actualisation de la page entière.