What are they?
2001 BMW M Coupe and M Roadster
What's special about them?
If something is good, then more of it must be even better. Or so goes BMW's logic for the 2001 M Coupe and M Roadster. Previously, these cars were equipped with a 240-horsepower 3.2-liter engine, but this year power jumps considerably thanks to a new engine. This is the same mill that is found in the all-new M3 Coupe. It has a slightly larger bore and stroke, increasing displacement from 3152 cc to 3246 cc. The new engine is also more advanced, with a revised cylinder head, new electronics, variable valve timing, a 11.5:1 compression ratio, individual electronically controlled throttle bodies, lightweight exhaust manifolds, and improved lubrication and cooling systems. With a redline set at 7,600 rpm, both the M Coupe and Roadster crackle off 315 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 251 foot-pounds of torque at 4,900 rpm. Because of a different routing of the exhaust system, these numbers are slightly less than the M3's 333 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. The cars don't have the M3 coupe's six-speed transmission, either. Beyond that, there are a few other minor changes to the cars for 2001, including stiffer springs and dampers, new exterior and interior colors, chrome-finished wheels and new gauges. Dynamic Stability Control will also be standard equipment this year. Pricing will be slightly higher than the 2000 models, with the M Coupe starting at $44,490 and the M Roadster at $45,990.
Why should you care?
While we always thought 240 horsepower was plenty, it irked us to know that European versions of the cars came with 321 horsepower. With the 2001 models, Americans finally get the chance to own the same package. The new engine should also keep the cars competitive with Chevrolet's improved 2001 Corvettes.
2001 BMW M Coupe and M Roadster
What's special about them?
If something is good, then more of it must be even better. Or so goes BMW's logic for the 2001 M Coupe and M Roadster. Previously, these cars were equipped with a 240-horsepower 3.2-liter engine, but this year power jumps considerably thanks to a new engine. This is the same mill that is found in the all-new M3 Coupe. It has a slightly larger bore and stroke, increasing displacement from 3152 cc to 3246 cc. The new engine is also more advanced, with a revised cylinder head, new electronics, variable valve timing, a 11.5:1 compression ratio, individual electronically controlled throttle bodies, lightweight exhaust manifolds, and improved lubrication and cooling systems. With a redline set at 7,600 rpm, both the M Coupe and Roadster crackle off 315 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 251 foot-pounds of torque at 4,900 rpm. Because of a different routing of the exhaust system, these numbers are slightly less than the M3's 333 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. The cars don't have the M3 coupe's six-speed transmission, either. Beyond that, there are a few other minor changes to the cars for 2001, including stiffer springs and dampers, new exterior and interior colors, chrome-finished wheels and new gauges. Dynamic Stability Control will also be standard equipment this year. Pricing will be slightly higher than the 2000 models, with the M Coupe starting at $44,490 and the M Roadster at $45,990.
Why should you care?
While we always thought 240 horsepower was plenty, it irked us to know that European versions of the cars came with 321 horsepower. With the 2001 models, Americans finally get the chance to own the same package. The new engine should also keep the cars competitive with Chevrolet's improved 2001 Corvettes.
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