BMW recently announced the advent of the Z4 roadster. This means the end of
the line for the popular Z3 roadster and the coupe models based on the
platform, including the high-performance M Coupe model.

Based on the first pictures available as well as press comments, the new Z4
with its way-out styling will be controversial. There will be some sports
car enthusiasts who will prefer the classic styling of the outgoing Z3
models and most insiders doubt that BMW will even build a coupe model on the
Z4 chassis. Since its arrival in the US in late 1998 as a 1999 model, the M
Coupe has received a shelf full of awards and plaudits from the automotive
press. And save for a more powerful engine injected into the M Coupe last
year, BMW wisely has left everything pretty much alone for the 2002 model
year. So lets take a look at what may be the last of its kind from BMW, a
small high-performance two-seat coupe.

Overview: Based on the Z3 platform, the M Coupe delivers a whopping load of
M-specific performance equipment including a 3.2-liter engine, tuned
suspension, hefty four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and 17-inch wheels
equipped with wide high-speed-rated tires. An easy shifting five-speed
manual transmission rounds out the picture. The price has been bumped up by
about $3,000 since the model¹s introduction, but still offers pretty good
value for a no-holds-barred performance car.

Handling: Sports cars are fundamentally about handling. The M Coupe is
unusually keen on winding mountain roads. The steering feedback is
exceptional and the car is so well balanced that you can actually drive it
hard enough to break loose the rear wheels, yet maintain precise control.
Some of this athletic ability must be due to the fact that the car is
perfectly balanced. Set the car midway on a fulcrum and you¹ll find that 50
percent of the weight falls to the front and an equal amount to the rear‹an
accomplishment that is almost never achieved in the real world.

On the other hand, the small coupe is stiffly suspended, a quality that may
grow wearisome on long drives. The M Coupe is probably not the car for a
cross-country jaunt.

Engine and transmission: The M Coupe is the beneficiary of BMW¹s special
inline six-cylinder engine, which is one of the sweetest in existence. BMW
stubbornly stands by the inline architecture despite the fact that most of
the industry has moved to the V-6 design for its more compact external
dimensions. But inline six-cylinder engines are legendary for their
vibration-free operation and despite its exceedingly high output, the M
engine is smooth and refined. BMW tunes the exhaust to deliver an especially
distinctive medium baritone note not unlike the Jaguars from the 1950s and
1960s. 

The M Coupe¹s acceleration is as impressive as its handling ability. BMW
says that its newest creation will reach 60 miles per hour from a dead stop
in five seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 137 miles per hour
in the North American market, but my guess is that few owners will approach
testing its upper limits.

Design: The M Coupe itself has been somewhat controversial in the exterior
design department. I¹ve heard several people disparage its appearance. For
example, a man walked by the M Coupe with his school-age son and said,
³That¹s the ugliest car I¹ve ever seen,² Is this car too bizarre to get a
date for Saturday night? I must admit that the coupe does grow on one with
time. Photos do not do it justice. The vehicle is particularly striking from
a back view as the subtle compound lines and curves converge at the rear
quarter.

The interior is outfitted with electrically heated, full-leather sports
seats that provide exceptional lateral control and good lower back support.
The center console is quite will laid out and user friendly. Additional
analog gauges are mounted on the center console that delivers information on
the car¹s oil temperature and electrical system. A nine-speaker
Harmon-Kardon audio system produces excellent sound, although it competes
with the mechanical and exhaust noise.
 
 

Vehicle: BMW M Coupe

Price as tested: $45,635

Engine:

         Type: Inline 6 cylinder

         Horsepower: 315 @ 7,400 rpm

         Torque: 251 ft. lbs. @ 4,900 rpm

Fuel economy, manual transmission

         City - 17 mpg

         Highway - 25 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,131 lbs.