🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

Z3 Coupe

Model Variant:

2.8

Body Style:

Coupe (E36/8)

Chassis Code:

E36/8

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Niche sports coupe, considered a future classic, appealing to driving enthusiasts.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other small, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes and roadsters of its era, offering a unique styling and driving experience distinct from more mainstream offerings.

Key Features:

Unique "clown shoe" styling, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, potent inline-six engine, driver-focused cockpit.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Sound samples of BMW Z3 Coupe 2.8 engine and exhaust

Page Count:

N/A (Digital Audio File)

Manual Type:

Audio Sample Pack

Language:

N/A (Audio Data)

Format:

WAV, MP3 Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine acoustics, exhaust note

Procedures Included:

N/A (Audio files are for playback/sampling, not repair procedures)

Technical Depth:

N/A (Focus on auditory reproduction of vehicle sound)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

WAV (High Quality), MP3 (All Media)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52TU B28

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, Double VANOS

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5300 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Liters (with filter)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48)

Spark Plugs:

NGK BKR6EQUP or Bosch FR7DCX (check manual for exact fitment)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (optional, less common)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 (GL-4 or GL-5, check manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Pentosin ATF-1 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.9 inches (4087 mm)

Width:

68.2 inches (1732 mm)

Height:

51.5 inches (1308 mm)

Wheelbase:

96.2 inches (2444 mm)

Front Track:

57.2 inches (1453 mm)

Rear Track:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3075 lbs (1395 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3858 lbs (1750 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 8.1 cu ft (229 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not rated or limited data for Coupe variants in this era.

Active Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction)

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, side-impact protection, three-point seat belts with pretensioners, roll-over protection structure integrated into the A-pillars and windshield frame.

Front Brakes:

Vented Discs (approx. 11.8 inches / 300 mm)

Rear Brakes:

Solid Discs (approx. 11.1 inches / 282 mm)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio with cassette player and CD changer support. Limited digital integration compared to modern vehicles.

Driver Assistance:

ABS, Traction Control (ASC+T), cruise control (optional).

Connectivity:

Limited to optional CD changer and possibly an aftermarket AUX input. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.

Headlights:

Halogen Projector Beam, optional Xenon HID headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manufacturer recommendations.

Inspect Air Filter:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles

Inspect Brakes:

Every 15,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.

Replace Cabin Filter:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid (check manual)

Known Issues:

Subframe mounting point cracks (due to chassis flex), VANOS issues, cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat, hoses), early oil seal leaks (crankshaft, valve cover), differential bearing wear, sagging headliner, power window regulator failures.

Diagnostic Tools:

BMW DIS or ISTA/D (for advanced diagnostics), OBD-II scanner.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for building driver-centric, performance-oriented luxury vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The Z3 Coupe (E36/8) was a niche variant of the Z3 Roadster (E36/7), sharing its platform and mechanicals but featuring a distinctive hatchback coupe body style.

Production Years:

1998-2002

Production Location:

Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA

Model Line Positioning:

Positioned as a compact, sporty, and unique coupe offering within BMW's lineup, distinct from the more practical 3 Series coupe.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the Z3 series as a whole received various accolades, the Coupe variant is often celebrated for its distinctive styling and driving dynamics by automotive enthusiasts and specialized publications. Often cited as a 'cult classic'.

Ratings:

Generally positive reviews for performance and handling, with critiques often focused on its polarizing styling and practicality.