Z3 M Roadster
A small roadster. A full-strength European M straight-six.
1997 European S50 specification · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 321 PS · 317 hp · 236 kW
- Torque
- 350 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 5.4 s
- Top speed
- 250 km/h · limited
- Power-to-weight
- 4.21 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- S50B32 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 3,201 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 1997–2002
- Body
- Convertibles
- Length
- 4,025 mm
- Width
- 1,740 mm
- Height
- 1,266 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,459 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,350 kg
- Fuel tank
- 51 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Why you’d want one
- Open-air driving in a compact M roadster.
Know before you buy
- Rear subframe mount cracking
- VANOS rattle and cooling system ageing
- Soft-top and window regulator wear (roadsters)
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
A small roadster with a serious six.
The early European Z3 M Roadster combines an open two-seat body with the S50B32 straight-six. Market and build date are essential because other Z3 M versions use different engines.
Open-air driving in a compact M roadster.
Inspect the roof, underbody and exact engine specification.
This S50B32 record is distinct from later S54-powered Z3 M cars.
S50B32 · Inline-six
The early European M Roadster uses the 3,201 cm³ S50B32 straight-six from the contemporary M3. Its 321 PS specification differs from both the early US S52 version and the later S54 model.
S50B32 museum engine in Munich. Family reference rather than a Z3 M engine-bay photograph.
S50B32 · Petrol
The early European M Roadster uses the 3,201 cm³ S50B32 straight-six from the contemporary M3. Its 321 PS specification differs from both the early US S52 version and the later S54 model.
Natural aspiration
Intake air enters without a turbocharger. Engine breathing, valve timing and engine speed shape the way torque builds.
Rear-wheel drive
A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. A long bonnet, rearward seating position and compact two-seat body define this open-top M model.
1997 European S50 specification
Power and torque above describe engine output for this specific factory specification. PS means metric horsepower; hp is used for US-rated output. Other model years and markets can differ. Open the BMW factory source for the original specification.
