If it’s not the E30 M3 the hardcore BMW enthusiasts are drooling over, then it’s this car, the original M Coupe. A sibling to the M Roadster, the hardtop variant offered a stiffer, uncompromised package that was actually somewhat practical. With its breadvan profile, you could actually go away for a weekend with a moderate amount of luggage and one extra person. This euro market M Coupe for sale in the UK is a left hand drive example, which were more common than their right hand drive counterparts. It also has the S50 engine under the hood that pumps out 321 bhp and garnered jealously from Bimmer aficionados across the Atlantic.
Year: 2000
Model: M Coupe
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 24,544 mi
Price: £24,995 (~ $40,504 USD)
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2000 BMW M Coupe at 4Star Classics
MODEL HISTORY
First unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt motor show the M coupe is BMWs M-developed version of the Z3 featuring one of three 24 valve six cylinder engines originally developed by BMW M for the E36 and E46 M3s. Developed under the leadership of engineer Burkhard Goschel with the specific goal of increasing torsional and structural rigidity to the Z3 chassis the development team had a hard time convincing the Directors to approve the model for production. It was give the go ahead under the condition that the project remain cost effective to produce and as such the M coupe shares many of its body panels and interior trim with the convertible.BMW claim the M coupe has a static structural stiffness of 16,400 newton meters, 2.6 times stiffer than the convertible and the highest of any other model BMW has ever produced. Combine this superb chassis with the BMW M developed suspension, straight 6 engine and no driver aids it provides the enthusiast with a thrilling drive!
EQUIPMENT
Heated seats, Electric sunroof, Air conditioning, Driver and passenger airbags, Heated rear screen, Electric windows, Pioneer CD player (Aux input), Electric mirrors, Cargo cover for boot area, Tool kit, Spare wheel and jack.
EXTERIOR
This particular example is finished in the dazzling Dakar yellow paintwork which makes for a great combination with the cars striking lines and styling. The paintwork remains in fine order with no lacquer peel or corrosion to be found whatsoever. On close inspection there are some expected stone chips to be found to the lower half of the front bumper however, areas such as the wing mirrors and flared arches are free from any chips or dings. All of the black window surrounds and chrome details are in excellent condition and retain a deep colour, as does the rear lip/spoiler.
INTERIOR
The two-tone leather sports seats are in excellent condition and remain free from any sagging or damage, still feeling firm and supportive. The smart black and grey two-tone combination is carried through to the door cards and centre console, all of which is in fine order with no scuffs or marks. The centre console houses much of the switch gear and dials which are all showing very little signs of wear, feeling solid to operate. The carpets are perfectly clean throughout, protected in the foot-wells with a set of black over-mats showing no signs of wear. All of the tools and spare wheel are still present, situated under the boot carpet which remains spotlessly clean.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Being an earlier example, this M coupe is equipped with the stunning S50 engine that produces an impressive 321bhp, and with no kind of electronic traction or stability control system, it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The S50 engine can be identified by the “BMW M Power” inscription on its cam cover, while the later S54 motor contains only the “M” badge. The ZF Type C 5-speed manual gearbox feels tight and presice shifting through the gears, handling the engines power perfectly.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The M Coupe still sits on the correct 17″ BMW alloy wheels. The deep rear dish on the wheels gives the car a very broad, aggressive stance. On close inspection there are some light scuffs to be found to the alloys however, if these were to be refurbished they would look superb. They are shod in a matching set of Bridgestone Potenza tyres that all have a good amount of tread remaining. The brakes feel strong and confident bringing the car to a standstill quickly and smoothly.
HISTORY FILE
This Z3M Coupe is in excellent mechanical condition having always been inspected by a BMW main dealer. The service booklet shows 8 stamps at the following mileage:
– 3,201km
– 6,638km
– 8,096km
– 16,826km
– 22,964km
– 29,304km
– 32,873kmthe last being carried out at 36,231km. The original BMW document holder is still present, along with all the booklets and manuals as well as a spare key.
This M Coupe is the stuff of pipe dreams for those of us stateside, not only because the no fun club (aka the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency) disallow such fun, but at over $40,000 USD it’s priced way above M Coupes in similar condition on the market here. Granted those cars wouldn’t have the S50 engine, but we won’t have permission to import these for another 12 years. Regardless, I always marvel at the stuff this dealer in the UK comes up with and this yellow number is an attractive little beast.
-Paul
