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.
| built at | Munich, Germany |
| engine | S54 Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC, Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Electronic Sequential Injection |
| 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 |
| wheel type | Cast Alloy |
| front tires | 225/45ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport |
| rear tires | 245/40ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist, ABS |
| f brake size | x 315 mm / x 12.4 in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist, ABS |
| r brake size | x 312 mm / x 12.3 in |
| front wheels | F 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 43.2 x 22.9 cm / 17 x 9 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Lower Control Arms, Coild Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Lower Control Arms, Coild Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1425 kg / 3142 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2459 mm / 96.8 in |
| front track | 1422 mm / 56 in |
| rear track | 1491 mm / 58.7 in |
| length | 4025 mm / 158.5 in |
| width | 1740 mm / 68.5 in |
| height | 1266 mm / 49.8 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 4.21:1, 2.49:1, 1.66:1, 1.24:1, 1.00:1, :1 |
| final drive | 3.15:1 |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.3 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~12.7 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~14.0 second |
