What is the BMW M Roadster?
The BMW M Roadster is the performance version of BMW’s Z roadster, with a two-seat cabin and a fabric roof. The first generation was based on the Z3; BMW later brought the M treatment to the Z4 Roadster. Its open body and compact proportions give it the classic shape of a sports roadster.
Generations and engines
The first generation, E36/7, ran from 1998 to 2002 as part of the Z3 family. The second, E85, ran from 2006 to 2008 as the Z4 M Roadster. BMW M’s approach brought performance-focused versions to both roadster ranges. US and Canadian market figures list 3.2-litre petrol engines.
Fuel consumption and markets
US EPA figures cover 1998–2001 and give the 3.2-litre petrol M Roadster a best combined rating of 21 MPG, with a lowest listed consumption of 11.2 L/100 km. Canadian NRCan figures cover 1998–2008 and list 11.8 L/100 km on the 5-cycle test. European WLTP or NEDC, US EPA and Canadian 5-cycle procedures differ, so their results are not directly comparable.
Questions and answers
How many generations of M Roadster were there?
Two: the E36/7 from 1998 to 2002 and the E85 from 2006 to 2008.
What engine did the M Roadster have?
US and Canadian market figures identify a 3.2-litre petrol engine.
How economical is the M Roadster?
The lowest listed consumption is 11.2 L/100 km in US EPA figures and 11.8 L/100 km in Canadian NRCan 5-cycle figures. The EPA best combined rating is 21 MPG.
Which markets have official figures for the M Roadster?
The figures cover the United States and Canada.
