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BMW’s classic car collection in Munich showcases an array of extraordinary concepts that never came to fruition, including unique models like the E31 BMW M8, the V16 7 Series, and a V12-powered BMW Z3. Recently, BMWBlog had the opportunity to explore the BMW Classic collection.
The BMW Z3 is a compact sports car, so it was quite a surprise when, in 1999, BMW engineers decided to fit a substantial V12 engine into its small frame. This ambitious project involved not only installing a massive engine but also pairing it with a six-speed manual transmission, making the powertrain longer than usual.
However, this V12-powered Z3 didn’t turn out to be the high-performance vehicle one might envision. The engine—the M73 5.4-liter V12—was relatively dated, having debuted in 1993 and found in luxury models like the 7 and 8 Series. It produced a respectable 326 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque. For perspective, the Euro-spec E36 M3’s 3.2-liter inline-six engine delivered 321 horsepower, while the E39 M5’s 4.9-liter V8 offered 369 lb-ft of torque. Given its weight of around 3,100 pounds, this modified Z3 took about 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
The engineering team faced several challenges while working on this project. Fitting the V12 into the Z3’s small compartment proved complicated, with barely any clearance on all sides of the engine. Consequently, they had to replace standard air intake boxes with simple cone filters due to space restrictions. Additionally, because the M73’s complex dual-ECU system tended to overheat in the engine bay, the car required regular breaks every 15 minutes to cool the ECU with spray.
Since this project was undertaken by BMW’s M Division, the Z3 V12 shared many features with the Z3 M Roadster, including its interior and quad tailpipes. However, it was never branded as an M car, presumably because it was never meant for sale. Nonetheless, it featured a striking muted orange color, though it’s uncertain whether it belongs to any official M palette.
So, why did BMW embark on such a complex engineering task for a vehicle that was never intended for the market? The collaboration was inspired by a project request from the German magazine Auto Zeitung. This kind of ingenuity characterized BMW in the ’80s and ’90s, leading to numerous inventive projects like this. Many enthusiasts wish BMW would recapture that adventurous spirit today..
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