Z3 M COUPE

[Whacko]

Hi everyone,

I have recently purchased an M Coupe (Z3) but was quite surprised to find that the specs for South African released vehicles is down on the European version. I wonder if anyone on the forum has some info as to why BMW SA chose to detune the Z3 M Coupe. Mine is a late 1999 model, first registered in 2000. Only 87 000 on the odo now.
The European version first had the S50B32 motor with 321 hp (236kw) fitted and later the S54 motor. The South African models spec is 228 kw and a lower compression of 10.5:1 whereas the European version a 11.3:1. This is a surprise to me, why was this done? Is it a S50B32 motor or a S52 motor?
Anyone?
Any info much appreciated.
William Botha

 

[STREETRACER]

Hey whacko, the s50b32 engine has lowered compression due to our crap fuel! We actualy got different pistons than the europe version!!! i upped the compression to 11.5-1..

there is so much you can do to that car to up performance with out opening her up!!!

Were are you based, im racing at odi on sunday.. come chat to me there if you can!!

 

[Whacko]

Thanks for the response Streetracer,
I'm in the Western Cape. I also have a 330i, and to be honest I was a bit disappointed by the M Coupe's 0-100 compared to the 330i.
I would appreciate any info on getting the unit power up. What do you suggest? I was thinking in the line of supercharger or turbo, but maybe just leave her the way she is. The car is in pristine condition, and I believe it would become a collectable as there were only 821 manufactured of this model worldwide.
Whacko

 

[STREETRACER]

Charging didnt even cross my mind!
No just BMC pannel filter, decat and catback 63mm duel exhaust and a dastek uniQ chip and that thing will fly!!
There is some mods like 3.0L M3 ramtubes and all other sorts like diff swop etc!
But by doing filter, chip and zorst you will run with Stock E46 M3's
I agree keep it as STD as posible and phone me if you are tired of it :slap:


Post pics of your cabbie!!!!

 

[Whacko]

Thanks Streetracer, My brother does racing chip tunups, he's got the full kit, thing is, I don't want him to know about it, he has an AMG32 Merc and an AMG 55 SLK. Want to give him a bit of a surprise haha! So how do I go about the goodies, is there someone in Capetown you can recommend, or can you supply? What's the chances of getting the euro spec pistons? Is it due to the pistons that the compression is lower? How did you up your compression?

 

[STREETRACER]

yes it is the pistons that drop our compression.. Chiplogic skimmed my head!!! dont open your motor unnececary!!!!
I can supply the DASTEK chip but you will need a tuner!!

Look up REVO or TWINZ on the forum they are in CPT and will sort you with a tuned exhaust pipe and software! or look for a logo named RenZport and click on it!! all details will follow! they are very clued up with BMW's and they can point you in the right direction!!

you can phone me tommorow morning around 10-12 and ill share some idea's with you.. 0828955229
Car is a looker of note!!! :drool::thumbsup:

 

[Whacko]

yes it is the pistons that drop our compression.. Chiplogic skimmed my head!!! dont open your motor unnececary!!!!
I can supply the DASTEK chip but you will need a tuner!!

Look up REVO or TWINZ on the forum they are in CPT and will sort you with a tuned exhaust pipe and software! or look for a logo named RenZport and click on it!! all details will follow! they are very clued up with BMW's and they can point you in the right direction!!

you can phone me tommorow morning around 10-12 and ill share some idea's with you.. 0828955229
Car is a looker of note!!! :drool::thumbsup:

Thanxz Streets, your'e a star!:thumbsup:
I'll phone in the morning, my name's William, Whacko's my internet handle, I'm into software and hardware development. I own a company that builds CNC profile cutting machines, if you need any steel parts cut, let me know.
My cell is 082 451 1716 - Office 021 981 6125
Cool!

 

[Clownshoe]

Cool another Coupe in the Cape... was feeling lonely Nice car by the way.

 

[Twinz]

Nice car indeed...pay a visit to Zeemax one of our forum sponsors....they have tuned a few coupe's...there is a black one there at the moment that is a machine of note...

 

[Whacko]

Cool another Coupe in the Cape... was feeling lonely Nice car by the way.

Thanks but I know of one in Klapmuts and one in the Southern Suburbs, owners name is Alan. That makes four, we should arrange a get together and make some Capies drool..:thumbsup:

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Nice car indeed...pay a visit to Zeemax one of our forum sponsors....they have tuned a few coupe's...there is a black one there at the moment that is a machine of note...

Thanks Twinz, had a chat with Streetracer today. I will do so.

 

[Whacko]

I just couldn't resist, did a decat today at Powerflow, just for kicks. I will go Streetracers way later, this was only 700 bucks. I'm sure I felt a slight improvement. Anybody got any idea what the cat kw penalty on the m3 is?
Whacko

 

[STREETRACER]

it all depends on the milage on the car how blocked it its but it is very hard to say.. to many things that play a role..
example.. driving styles, fuels etc.. Nice One.. im sure you would have gained!!

 

[Whacko]

There is only two cats so Roddy at Powerflow just removed them and bridged the gap with straight ones. There is a notable increase in the exhaust sound with a nice crackle. She has 85K on the odometer, but I don't know what the previous owner used for fuel (leaded or unleaded). I could see through the cats no problem, couldn't see any buildup, but I suppose one has to cut them open for better look.

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Cool another Coupe in the Cape... was feeling lonely Nice car by the way.

Hehe, you only say that cause you have one too...