Z3 Roadster M Package

[Roads_Scholar]

Can anybody tell me more (or anything at all) about the Z3 M Package? My 2001 was produced in Germany and has M badges on the rear of the car below the trunk lip, left side. I has a leather steering wheel with an M badge and a shifter with the M badge. Its a 3.0 convertible 5speed manual. Ive been told, word of mouth, there were a limited number of Roadsters with some M upgrades, but I cannot document this. Any info or link that provide info as to what exactly and M package is and production numbers is appreciated. My Roadie doesn't seem particularly special in any way, but its my first so i don't have any point of reference.

 

[Jack Ratt]

https://zroadster.org/threads/how-to-find-the-options-specified-with-your-z-roadster.1420/

Use the link to see how your car left the factory

 

[Grumps]

Hi. Your car is a 3.0 ( most likely a sport model).
The Z3M was a different beast altogether with a 3.2 engine and obvious differences such as interior, dials, wheels, and most noted the boot (truck) lid is different.
The M badges on yours are just small additions for appearance. My 2.8 has a steering wheel with the M logo on it also.

 

[Ianmc]

My sons 2003 E46 318i touring had a M badge on the steering wheel and gear knob (factory fitted). This is about when BMW started to devalue the M brand which they have totally managed to do now, supported by the aftermarket suppliers. I suspect your trunk badge is an aftermarket addition on the Z3, but BMW now put the badge externally on many models.

 

[Roads_Scholar]

Thanks for the info. Good stuff. I found the window sticker which mostly confirms the information provided by you fine folks. I don't see it on the sticker, but when I checked the VIN it indicated " Shorter Final Drive Ratio " and " Differential 25% Lock" as options. Can anyone give a brief explanation of these options? S204 and S209. Thanks as always. /

 

[Roads_Scholar]

Thanks for the info. Good stuff. I found the window sticker which mostly confirms the information provided by you fine folks. I don't see it on the sticker, but when I checked the VIN it indicated " Shorter Final Drive Ratio " and " Differential 25% Lock" as options. Can anyone give a brief explanation of these options? S204 and S209. Thanks as always. /

 

[mwpe]

Thanks for the info. Good stuff. I found the window sticker which mostly confirms the information provided by you fine folks. I don't see it on the sticker, but when I checked the VIN it indicated " Shorter Final Drive Ratio " and " Differential 25% Lock" as options. Can anyone give a brief explanation of these options? S204 and S209. Thanks as always. /

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667807

 

[Roads_Scholar]

Thanks

 

[Redcon1]

I'm sure you noticed your sticker shows the production point as Spartanburg, SC, not Germany.
Nice car, I don't see a lot of that color.

 

[Roads_Scholar]

Yes. I was mistakenly looking at the engine transmission info.

 

[Cooper]

Hi, all the Z3 cars were made in Spartanburg, SC USA. The ///M external badge stuff was just put on by another owner, this is common. Some people even go so far as to change out the side gills, front bumper, weld in another exhaust outlet [the ///M has 2 double tail pipes out] and a variety of other things.

There were options to have other bits and pieces as options such as the ///M steering wheel and shifter from factory. This does not make it a ///M which has a worked motor and a variety of other envious additions, some mentioned above.

You are likely to have the ///M sport suspension which is about 1 inch lower with a slightly thicker rear sway bar. I have that option, and maybe you even have sports heated seats as well.

So, sounds like you have a 3.0 with some options and a bunch of ///M badges added because someone though it would be cool.

Cheers.

 

[Roads_Scholar]

Cheers and thanks for you fine comment. I dont think I have a bunch of m badges out in by anybody but BMW. I know the previous owner and he did not replace the steering wheel or shifter or put the m on the left side of the tail end. Thank you for your condescending hypothesis, however. Additionally, it serves now purpose to let me know what I might have, but you DO have, except to highlight your vehicle.
No doubt you have more Z3 knowledge than I, but I am trying to learn.
In the future you may want to answer questions, if you wish, but keep your assumptions to yourself

 

[Roads_Scholar]

I still dont know what the 25% differential lock means. Any info on that would be appreciated.

 

[Grumps]

Cheers and thanks for you fine comment. I dont think I have a bunch of m badges out in by anybody but BMW. I know the previous owner and he did not replace the steering wheel or shifter or put the m on the left side of the tail end. Thank you for your condescending hypothesis, however. Additionally, it serves now purpose to let me know what I might have, but you DO have, except to highlight your vehicle.
No doubt you have more Z3 knowledge than I, but I am trying to learn.
In the future you may want to answer questions, if you wish, but keep your assumptions to yourself

Wow! You asked and you were given a perfectly acceptable answer. If you don't like answers please don't ask questions.

 

[Roads_Scholar]

It's not a matter of not liking the answer. The answer was wrong, off topic and inappropriately condescending.

 

[Grumps]

Ok. Right your car is by no means any sort of 'M'. It is a 3.0 standard spec or sport. The gear lever and steering wheel could have been options at new. The external badges have been added by someone at some point in the cars life. That is the on topic correct answer to your question. I do hope you didn't find my answer condescending.

 

[Roads_Scholar]

Thank you. That's all I was looking for in order to learn. I appreciate that.

 

[Grumps]

Thank you. That's all I was looking for in order to learn. I appreciate that.

Your welcome.

 

[GazHyde]

Thank goodness things calmed down and I didn't have to get all uppity what with this stupid heat wave and all...

 

[Cooper]

I still dont know what the 25% differential lock means. Any info on that would be appreciated.

The 25% is the limited slip diff, you have that installed. You can google how they work and there is a some youtube vids on it if you want to see the mechanism. It might be worth changing the oil in that if you have done more than 100,000 miles.

BTW, I reread my reply to which you accused me of being condescending. I was not rude in any way. No offence was given but much was taken... as the saying goes.

Cheers.