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| History |
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What makes the E86 M Coupe unique?
The E86 M Coupe is the high-performance version of the E86 Z4 coupe and was developed by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG. It features the 3.2-liter S54 inline-6 powerplant first introduced in the E46 M3, as well as an enhanced chassis and many special cosmetic alterations that are unique to this model. |
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Where was the E86 M Coupe introduced?
The E86 M Coupe was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show and production began soon after. A concept version of the regular (non-M) Z4 coupe that previewed the shape of the car had already been shown at the Frankfurt show several months earlier. |
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Where was the E86 M Coupe produced?
Like all E85 (roadster) and E86 (coupe) Z4 models sold worldwide, final assembly of the E86 M Coupe took place at the Spartanburg, South Carolina factory. However, its entire drivetrain was produced in Germany and mated to the car at Spartanburg. |
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| Production Data |
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How many versions of the E86 M Coupe were produced?
BMW M offered three distinct versions of the E86 M Coupe: European-spec models in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations, plus a single North American-spec version. |
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How many of each version were produced?
DU91 (ECE-spec, LHD): 1,714 produced from 04/2006 through 07/2008
DU92 (ECE-spec, RHD): 1,052 produced from 04/2006 through 06/2008
DU93 (NA-spec, LHD): 1,815 produced from 04/2006 through 08/2008 |
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What changes were made to the E86 M Coupe during its production?
Very few changes were made to the E86 M Coupe during the less than three years that it was produced. For the 2007 model year (starting 10/06 production), an auxiliary input was added to the BMW Business audio head unit, the previous Flat Tire Monitor (FTM) was replaced with a more accurate Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system, High-Definition radio became a factory option and Monaco Blue metallic (A35) paint was added to the exterior color selection list in North America (it was offered from the start of M Coupe production in other markets). For the final 2008 model year (which began in October of 2007), Silver Grey metallic (A08) paint was replaced by Space Grey metallic (A52) paint. |
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| Drivetrain |
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What makes the S54 engine unique?
The S54 engine that powers the E85 M Roadster is carried over from the E46 M3 and is the final evolution of the iron-block S50 inline-6 that was first introduced in European-spec versions of the E36 M3 back in 1992. Though derived from the 3.2-liter S50 B32 unit used in later European-spec E36 M3s, the S54 features the following enhancements:
-Increased cylinder bore to 87mm (from 86.1mm) for a new total displacement of 3,246cc
-Modified camshafts
-High pressure Double VANOS continuously variable valve timing system with faster operation at high rpm
-Increased compression to 11.5:1 (from 11.3:1)
-Advanced BMW/Siemens MSS70 engine management (64 million calculations/second, versus 25 million/second in the E46 M3)
-Electronic throttle activation with two M Dynamic Driving Control response modes
-Finger-type rocker arms for reduced reciprocating mass and friction
-One-piece aluminum head casting for lighter weight
-Scavenging oil pump to maintain pressure during heavy cornering
The ECE-spec E86 M Coupe is rated at 343 hp (DIN) at 7,900 rpm and 269 lb/ft of torque at 4,900 rpm, while the North American-spec version is rated at 330 hp (SAE) and 262 lb/ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. |
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What type of transmission is used in the E86 M Coupe?
All E86 M Coupes are equipped with a ZF Type H 6-speed manual gearbox featuring the following ratios: 4.35 (1), 2.50 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.85 (6). This is mated to a 3.62:1 final drive with M Variable Differential Lock. |
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What kind electronic stability control is the E86 M Coupe equipped with?
The E86 M Coupe is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control Plus (DSC+), an evolution of the earlier DSC system that retains Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), and cornering stabilization (all of which can be defeated via a dashboard switch), but adds the following permanent features: brake fade compensation (increases booster pressure to adjust for rising brake temperatures), brake standby (readies the brake system for sudden braking when there is sharp lift off the accelerator), brake drying (activates based on data from the rain sensor and monetarily brings the brake pads close to the rotors in order to remove any water) and start-off assistant (applies the brakes for a few moments when the driver first releases the brake pedal in order to prevent roll-back). |
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What is the M Differential Lock and how does it work?
The M Differential Lock, fitted as standard equipment to every E86 M Coupe, is an advanced version of the traditional limited slip differnetial. Though still entirely mechanical in operation, the M Differential Lock is activated when there is a difference in rotational speed between the two rear wheels. This difference pressurizes a viscous silicon fluid, which then operates a multi-disc clutch that directs more power to the wheel with the greatest traction |
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How does the North American-spec E86 M Coupe differ mechanically from the European-spec version?
Only a very slight variance in the placement of the exhaust catalysts differentiates the North American-spec M Coupe mechanically from the Euro-spec versions. This, along with a minor difference in how horsepower is calculated under the DIN (European) and SAE (North American) ratings systems, accounts for the 13-hp discrepancy between the two versions. |
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| Chassis |
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How does the suspension of the E86 M Coupe differ from that of the regular Z4 coupe?
The E86 M Coupe utilizes the same basic MacPherson strut/multi-link suspension design as the standard E85/E86 Z4 range. However, it has been substantially modified by BMW M GmbH with the following changes:
-wider front track (by half an inch)
-revised lower aluminum front control arms with a design similar to that of the E46 M3
-steering knuckles bolted directly to the front struts
-larger and stronger rear subframe designed to accommodate the M Differential Lock
-modified longitudinal links in the rear suspension
-modified wheel bearings
-specific spring and shock rates
-thicker front (27 mm) and rear (21.5 mm) anti-roll bars |
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What type of steering system does the E86 M Coupe have?
The E86 M Coupe shares the majority of its rack-and-pinion steering system with that of the E46 M3 Competition Package (ZCP). It therefore utilizes a hydraulically-assisted rack with an overall ratio of 14.5:1. (By contrast, the regular Z4 models are equipped with an electrically-assisted rack with an overall ratio of 14.2:1.) However, the characteristics of the power steering pump have been modified relative to the one used in the E46 M3. |
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What type of braking system does the E86 M Coupe have?
The braking system of the E86 M Coupe, which is identical to that of the E46 M3 CSL and E46 M3 with Competition Package (ZCP), consists of 13.7-inch cross-drilled rotors in the front and 12.9-inch cross-drilled rotors in the rear. These rotors employ a two-piece "compound" design whereby the aluminum hat is connected to the outer portion of the rotor via steel pins, which greatly improves heat dissipation under heavy braking conditions. |
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What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the E86 M Coupe?
The E86 M Coupe is equipped with unique M Double Spoke alloy wheels (Style 224) in 8x18-inch (front) and 9x18-inch (rear) sizes. These carry non-run-flat tires sized 225/45ZR18 (front) and 255/40ZR18 (rear). |
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How does the chassis of the E86 M Coupe differ from that of the E85 M Roadster?
Though the vast majority of chassis components are shared between the E86 M Coupe and the E85 M Roadster, the following items do differ: steering ratio ( 14.5:1 in the M Coupe versus 15.4:1 in the M Roadster), rear anti-roll bar thickness (22.5 mm in the M Coupe versus 21.5 mm in the M Roadster) and shock rates (slightly stiffer in the M Coupe than in the M Roadster). |
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| Cosmetics |
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How does the exterior of the E86 M Coupe differ from that of the regular E86 Z4 coupes?
The exterior of the E86 M Coupe shares the majority of its body panels with other E86 Z4 coupes. However, its more agressive front fascia features black "kidney" grilles that are inset further into the bodywork, as well as a more aggressive front bumper and lower front airdam. The unique rear bumper incorporates a lower diffuser and the quad exhaust tips that have now become a trademark of BMW M automobiles. Further exterior differentiators include twin "precisions lines" in the hood and the unique M Double Spoke alloy wheels, as well as, "M" badges on both front fenders behind the BMW roundel/marker light and a third "M" badge on the trunk lid. |
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How does the interior of the E86 M Coupe differ from that of the regular E86 Z4 coupes?
The interior of the E86 M Coupe shares its basic design and construction with that of other Z4 models. However, it contains the following special features:
-M sport seats in exclusive Nappa leather
-Optional extended leather (in limited colors) with additional leather on the center console, upper door panels, windshield frame, sun visors and roll-over bars
-M leather steering wheel with a thicker rim and tri-color stitching
-M instrumentation featuring unique graphics, red needles, a 180 mph/300 kph speedometer with the M logo, a variable LED tachometer redline and an oil temperature gauge in place of the usual coolant temperature dial
-leather M shift knob with an illuminated gear shift pattern
-door sill plates with the "M" logo
-available Carbon Leather and Walnut Madeira wood interior trims |
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What were the available factory options for the E86 M Coupe?
Because all M Coupes were equipped with a high level of standard equipment, there were relatively few options. However, the following items were generally offered at extra cost, depending on the market and production date: Park Distance Control, cruise control, power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror, power front seats with driver-side memory, heated front seats, Bluetooth phone interface, navigation system (Business and Professional), plus various audio and speaker systems including Professional Logic7. |
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| Special Versions |
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NO OFFICIAL SPECIAL VERSIONS OF THE E86 M COUPE WERE PRODUCED.
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