The M Coupe has moved from cult legend into one of the most desirable M products produced. Late-production S54-equipped models have recently topped $100,000 at auction. Add in a rare color and great condition, and they’re all the more desirable. While not quite a 1:1, the M Coupe is like the Porsche 964 and has gone from being ugly duckling to the market darling, and the S54 models are the RS America of the lineup.
For most of us, that means if you want a ‘Clownshoe’ you’ll need to look towards early production when they were equipped with the venerable S52. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as lower running costs and higher production numbers mean much lower asking prices. Take this Imola Red ’99, for example. First off, only 2,180 S52 M Coupes were sold here. Imola Red was one of the more common colors on the M Coupe, with 422 made. This one is one of 164 Imola/Black S52s made, and it’s got lower mileage. Let’s take a look:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1999 BMW M Coupe on eBay
Year: 1999
Model: M Coupe
VIN: WBSCM9334XLC60806
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 45,123 mi
Location: Naperville, Illinois
Price: Reserve Auction
Introduced in 1998, the M Coupe was the high-performance fixed-roof version of the Z3 featuring the venerable S52 inline-six engine and brakes from the E36 M3, an upgraded suspension, and more aggressive bodywork. This E36/8 M Coupe was ordered in Imola Red over a black Nappa leather interior and is said to be one of just 201 S52-equipped examples in this particular combination. It was first registered in North Carolina and is now being offered at auction by its seller out of Illinois showing approximately 45k miles on the odometer. The exterior is finished in Imola Red (405) and features black Shadowline trim, M-badged fender vents, M-specific bumper covers, widened rear fenders, rounded aero mirrors, a lower rear tailgate spoiler, and quad exhaust outlets. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report. The 17†Style 40 “Roadstar†wheels are mounted with Continental ExtremeContact tires. Inside, this E36/8 is appointed with full black Nappa leather upholstery extending to the upper door panels and center console. Factory features include a leather-wrapped M-Sport steering wheel with M tri-color stitching, heated and power-adjustable bolstered sport seats, M-branded floor mats, M-branded door sills guards, and chrome-trimmed instrumentation in the gauge cluster and center stack. Driver’s amenities include power windows and locks, a glass sunroof, automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon audio system, a BMW Business CD stereo, and a trunk-mounted CD changer. This M Coupe is powered by a 3.2L S52 inline-six engine derived from the E36 M3, producing up to 240 HP and 236 lb.-ft of torque. The rear wheels are driven by a ZF 5-speed manual transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential, allowing acceleration from 0-60 MPH in approximately 5 seconds. The M Coupe was built with a wider front and rear track than a standard Z3, and also received a lowered ride height, modified front suspension geometry, firmer springs and shock absorbers, strengthened semi-trailing arms, a reinforced subframe, and brakes carried over from the E36 M3. The seller reports a binder of detailed service records will accompany the sale. Who we are? We are a small boutique private collection called collector cars chicago based in Naperville, IL. We specialize in European sports cars. Terms and conditions Only bid if you are a cash buyer and have the funds to purchase. No financing available. All sales final! All sales subject to tax title and doc fee. All sales transacted through dealership! $500 non refundable deposit due upon winning auction! Remaining balance due via wire transfer within 72 hours of auction close. Vehicle sold as is no returns or arbitration or after sale compensation. Additional pictures: shares/4af39bef54e247429cdd0093c3d20851/albums/2510ac0003ab4b81b859f7a972fe7fc8/assets/8ee0ffb6355049e084b8bb5fd20558e9 Videos: MG4MvAfAYrY uFz-dNgPsUo IF YOU STUDY THE MARKET! WATCH WHAT THE RED S54 COUPE IS GOING FOR ON BRINGATRAILER CURRENTLY, THIS IS THE NEXT ONE TO POP! listing/2002-bmw-m-coupe-50/
This one bid into the 30s in May, but we can see that the dealer wants closer to 50k for it. To me that seems pretty high, especially considering that it sold in 2021 for around 32k with fewer miles. It’s a nice example, but considering one with lower mileage just sold for 41k plus fees, it’s hard to justify the premium here.
-Carter
