Z3 Identify this M coupe rear

About to pull the trigger on a 2001 M coupe. I notice looking at many photos that the rear of this one is somewhat different. Notice the placement of the plate, etc.
Is this a common mod or kit?
Also, looks like different wheels?

That's a Z3 coupe, not an M

Originally Posted by KBH22102

That's a Z3 coupe, not an M

Oh, weird. Know the key difference? Different motor I see. Any interior and suspension changes?

Originally Posted by confusa

Oh, weird. Know the difference?

For lack of better words, M is the sports trim level of a specific BMW model. Wikipedia can describe it better than I can: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z3

The biggest difference, if it's a 2001 model, is that the Z3 has a 225 hp (IIRC) 3.0 liter engine while the M has a 315hp 3.2 liter engine, along with a host of trim and mechanical upgrades (bit bigger brakes, tires/wheels, different chassis settings, quad exhaust that doesn't leave room for a spare tire, etc., and given the relative rarity of the 2001/2002 M coupes, somewhere in the neighborhood of a $10-15000 higher pricetag.

Now I see guys. Been lusting after one of these for years and didn't realize there are z3, non M, versions!

Yeap, but from a collector standpoint, less non-M coupe made.

Different engine, tranny, rear suspension, shocks, springs, wheels, tires, brakes, diff, exhaust, etc. Just a few changes.