2001 BMW M Coupe
To upgrade the M model performance further, BMW M has created a brand-new engine, called the S54 for the 2001 M Coupe. For the first time, the same unit powers both European and U.S. models. It is essentially the same engine that powers the new M3 models, except that snug compartment dimensions dictate somewhat more restrictive intake and exhaust systems. The S54 engine delivers 315 hp and 251 lb ft. of torque, fully 75 hp and 15 lb-ft. more than the previous engine’s output.
Feature-by-feature, the new cylinder head (of aluminum as before) departs dramatically from the previous head, becoming more like those of other BMW M engines. The previous U.S. engine had VANOS 2 variable valve timing on its intake valves only: a 2-stagesystem, with one timing setting for low, one for high engine speeds. The new engine has stepless Double VANOS, which varies valve timing on the intake andexhaust camshafts without the step of the 2-stage system. This varies timing over a wider range and contributes strongly to the engine’s high power output.
Along with the new engine comes a variety of detail updates to the M Coupe. One is the Tire Pressure Monitoring system, which alerts the driver to any loss of tire pressure via an indicator in the instrument cluster. With this addition to the M roadster and coupe, the system is nowstandard on all M Cars.
In Detail
| built at | Munich, Germany |
| engine | S54 Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | Double VANOS DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 3246 cc / 198.1 in³ |
| bore | 87 mm / 3.43 in |
| stroke | 91 mm / 3.58 in |
| compression | 11.5:1 |
| power | 234.9 kw / 315.0 bhp @ 7400 rpm |
| specific output | 97.04 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | bhp per tonne |
| torque | 340.31 nm / 251.0 ft lbs @ 4900 rpm |
| redline | 7600 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 225/45ZR17 |
| rear tires | 245/40ZR17 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS & DSC |
| f brake size | x 315 mm / x 12.4 in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS & DSC |
| r brake size | x 312 mm / x 12.3 in |
| front wheels | F 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 43.2 x 22.9 cm / 17.0 x 9.0 in |
| steering | Engine Speed Sensitive Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | Struts & Arc Shaped Lower Arms w/Coil Springs, Twin-Tube Gas Sho |
| r suspension | Semi-Trailing Arms w/Coil Springs, Twin-Tube Gas-Pressure Shock |
| curb weight | 1420 kg / 3131 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2459 mm / 96.8 in |
| front track | 1740 mm / 68.5 in |
| rear track | 1740 mm / 68.5 in |
| length | 4026 mm / 158.5 in |
| width | 1740 mm / 68.5 in |
| height | 1280 mm / 50.4 in |
| transmission | ZF 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 4.21:1, 2.49:1, 1.66:1, 1.24:1, 1.00:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.0 seconds |
| drag | Cd |
