Segment:
High-performance compact sports car, roadster.
Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a pure driving experience with exceptional handling and a potent engine.
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (C5), Honda S2000, Nissan 300ZX.
Usp:
The Z3 M Roadster (and Coupe) offered a unique blend of BMW's renowned inline-six power, M-division tuning, and a distinctive, raw driving experience not found in most competitors.
Engine:
S54B32 inline-six engine, derived from the E46 M3.
Handling:
M-tuned suspension, wider track, performance-oriented steering.
Design:
Iconic Z3 roadster body with aggressive M styling cues.
Dealership Equivalent:
Yes, this is the same type of technical documentation used by certified BMW technicians.
General:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Specificity:
Vehicle Specific
Estimated:
1000+ (Estimate based on dealer manual depth)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians / Advanced DIYers
Primary:
Digital (PDF - assumed based on common distribution)
Searchability:
Searchable Text
Powertrain:
Engine (S54B32), Transmission (Getrag 420G), Drivetrain (Limited Slip Differential), Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front: MacPherson strut, Rear: Multi-link), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management (DME MS43/MS43.1), Body Control Modules, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Doors, Trunk, Convertible Top Mechanism, Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Brake Fluid Flush, Coolant Flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Fault Codes, Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Procedures for all Major Systems
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Convertible Top Repair
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Component Dimensions, Alignment Specifications
Level:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electronic diagnostics.
Depth:
Factory-Level Technical Information
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original documents, often with searchable text layers.
Scalability:
Printable at original size for clear diagrams and schematics.
Original Format:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for dealership technicians.
Original Format:
Durable, coated paper designed for shop environments.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (S54)
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower Hp:
315 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
258 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Induction:
Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (2.5 Gallons)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional BMW LL01)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.23:1 (Standard)
Type:
None (Manual only for Z3 M Roadster)
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD), 25% Lockup
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent with API GL-4 rating, e.g., Red Line D4 ATF, Pentosin MTF 2)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters (1.6 Quarts)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - Based on similar E36 models.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC - on some models/years)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Optional Side Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Roll Bars behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD Radio (Optional BMW Professional CD RDS)
Speakers:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon system.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
Optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; often retrofitted.
Type:
Manual or Optional Automatic Climate Control (AUC)
Headlights:
Halogen Projector Headlights, Optional Xenon Headlights
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the car's computer.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-4 years or as per CBS.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Differential Oil Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (Green color)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance or equivalent)
Engine S54:
Rod bearing wear (requires proactive inspection and potential replacement), VANOS system issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
Suspension:
Subframe mounting point cracks (rear), bushings wear, ball joint wear.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster dead pixels, ABS/DSC sensor failures, convertible top motor/switch issues.
General:
Vanity mirror lights failure, door seal deterioration.
Bmw M Division:
The M division is synonymous with high-performance BMWs, focusing on engine, chassis, and aerodynamic enhancements.
Z3 Lineage:
The Z3 was BMW's first modern roadster, building on the legacy of the 328 and 507. The Z3 M represents the pinnacle of the Z3's performance evolution.
E36 Platform:
Shares significant chassis and powertrain components with the E36 3 Series, benefiting from its well-regarded handling characteristics.
Production Years:
1997-2002 (Z3 M Roadster)
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Engine Introduction Year:
S54 Engine introduced in the Z3 M in 2001.
Car And Driver:
Car and Driver Ten Best (Z3 M Coupe/Roadster often featured in discussions)
Enthusiast Following:
Strong enthusiast following, often praised for its raw performance and driving dynamics.
Emission Standards:
Meets relevant emission standards for its model year (e.g., EPA Tier 1).