Background
BMW Z3 Coupé 2.8 (E36/8) was one of the most distinctive BMW sports cars of the late 1990s. Introduced in 1998, it was based on the engineering of the Z3 Roadster but its fixed-roof body gave it an entirely different character. The long bonnet, set-back two-seat cabin and tall, sharply cut rear created a highly unusual shape that clearly distinguished the Z3 Coupé from both the Roadster and most other BMW models.
A bold shooting-brake design
BMW describes the Z3 Coupé as a shooting-brake-style sporting hatchback coupé. Its appearance was polarising from the beginning and earned nicknames such as “Turnschuh” and “Clown Shoe”. Over time, however, the unconventional styling became one of the car’s greatest attractions, and the Z3 Coupé is now regarded as a highly desirable modern BMW classic.
2.8-litre straight-six
The version represented by the model in my collection is the Z3 Coupé 2.8, powered by the 2,793 cm³ M52B28TU straight-six engine. Equipped with Double VANOS variable valve timing, it produced 193 hp at 5,500 rpm. Power was sent to the rear wheels, with a five-speed manual transmission fitted as standard.
231 km/h
The BMW Z3 Coupé 2.8 reached a top speed of 231 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.3 seconds. Its low seating position, rear-wheel drive and compact dimensions gave the car highly responsive handling. The fixed-roof body also provided greater structural rigidity than the Roadster and suited the sporting Z3 chassis particularly well.
Sports car and Gran Turismo
Although the Z3 Coupé was clearly a driver-focused sports car, its large upward-opening tailgate made it considerably more practical than the Roadster. Useful luggage space behind the two seats combined with strong performance and long-distance usability to give the car a genuine Gran Turismo character.
From 2.8 to 3.0i
The BMW Z3 Coupé 2.8 was produced from January 1998 until May 2000. It was then replaced by the Z3 Coupé 3.0i, which introduced the newer 3.0-litre M54 engine with 231 hp. A total of 17,815 Z3 Coupés were built between 1998 and 2002, including the 2.8, 3.0i and M Coupé versions.
Historical significance
The BMW Z3 Coupé was a niche model when new, but its low production volume and unconventional design later gave it cult status. The 2.8 was the principal regular version of the original range alongside the M Coupé, combining BMW’s classic naturally aspirated straight-six, rear-wheel drive and one of the most distinctive body designs in the company’s history.
Model in the collection
The BMW Z3 Coupé 2.8 (E36/8) in my collection was produced by Schuco. The base of the model is marked BMW Z3 Coupé 2.8. It is a BMW dealer model.
Technical data in brief
Production period: January 1998 – May 2000
Production location: BMW Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Body style: two-seat shooting-brake-style coupé
Engine: M52B28TU, 2.8-litre straight-six
Displacement: 2,793 cm³
Power: 193 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: approximately 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 231 km/h
Price when new: 64,000 Deutsche Mark
Total Z3 Coupé family production: 17,815 cars
Special feature: six-cylinder Z3 sports coupé with a distinctive shooting-brake body
Photo of the real car. Source: bmwgroup-classic.com