BMW knows both high-performance and luxury like (almost) no other carmaker that hail from Germany. There is a car fit for every gearhead in BMW's robust catalog of roadsters, SUVs, sedans, and hot hatches.
The companies intricate naming system for their vehicles is a carefully crafted classification using letters, numbers, and body types. The BMW X series brings us crossover SUVs, while cars from the 7 series are full-sized luxury sedans.
The Z and M series from BMW are where things get interesting. Car enthusiasts know that the BMW Z series means business. Vehicles marked with a "Z" are nimble little sports cars that have two doors, either a roadster or a coupe, and offer a steering-wheel-gripping excitable drive. BMWs bearing the "M" badge ("M" stands for "motorsport" in this instance) means that these vehicles are of the high-performance variety in their respective class.
You already know what this means - the BMW Z3 M coupe is a car that is destined for greatness, power, and an engaging ride that only the most intuitive gearheads can conquer. If you're unfamiliar with the zippy little Z3 M coupe, you'll soon be on the hunt for one.
In the category of sports car, the BMW Z3 M coupe doesn't have the appreciation it deserves - and here's why it should start earning that now.
The BMW Z3 M Coupe And Its Beginnings
The BMW Z3 M coupe seems like it came out of nowhere. Not quite an M car, and slightly different from other vehicles in the Z series.
The BMW Z3 M coupe got its start as the BMW Z3. The Z3 is an open-top roadster - a sports car that does "sport" better than most. This sporty little convertible is one of the most affordable ways to own a BMW, and one of the most fun. BMW then chose to take things a step further with the introduction of the Z3 M coupe.
Notably, the BMW Z3 M coupe saw its introduction in the late 1990s, 1998 to be exact. The Z3 M coupe, in traditional M style, had a peppy straight 6 engine that touted over 300 horsepower. In addition to this high-performance gift under the hood, the Z3 M coupe sets itself apart from the original Z3 in a few key ways.
What Is The Difference Between A BMW Z3 And A Z3 M?
The BMW Z3 and Z3 M coupe are two entirely different models, even though they essentially have the same name. But the "M" badge is a very important thing to note, as it takes the Z3 to new heights of motoring prowess.
Differences between the Z3 and Z3 M cosmetically include rear wheels that are offset, both bumpers on the front and back, the mirrors, and trunk. The Z3 M coupe shares many of its external and internal parts with the Z3 M roadster, such as most of the body panels.
Mechanically, what makes an M car an M car is the addition of some truly special and electrifying touches. M powered engines set cars in the M series apart, and the Z3 M coupe flaunts a spirited 3.2 liter straight 6 engine.
The Z3 M is the performance model of the Z3, and it has the chops to prove it. BMW engineers tweaked little details on the Z3 M coupe to improve its handling. The show-stopping accomplishments of the Z3 M coupe received a boost from its intriguing design. "Clown shoe" and "hearse" are some of the words that foes use to describe the compelling body style of the Z3 M coupe - but naysayers can't deny that a car with unique looks is better than being boring!
How Many BMW Z3 M Coupes Were Made?
BMW's Z3 M coupe is in high demand, due in part to its amazing attributes. The other piece of the puzzle that makes up the enviable nature of the Z3 M coupe is that it is a relatively rare vehicle from BMW.
Only over 4,000 Z3 M coupes made it to the streets out of the production line. This means that if you ever happen upon a BMW Z3 M coupe for sale, act quickly!
What Makes The BMW Z3 M Coupe A Underrated Sports Car
The BMW Z3 M coupe may have a design that isn't for everyone, and it may be a bit too elusive to fully appreciate, but the experience of being behind the wheel of this sports car is wholeheartedly BMW.
The BMW Z3 M coupe has earned a cult-like following, and for good reason. With the Z3 M coupe, you have your share of M car performance with zippy Z series personality. A thrilling drive, a design that turns heads (for better or worse)... the Z3 M coupe has truly found its niche as a cult classic.
Pure driving exhilaration is the name of the Z3 M coupe's game. With venom pulsing through this unique car, the BMW Z3 M coupe definitely deserves more love.
Sources: BMW M, Car Gurus, Automobile Mag