I love the E36/8 aka M Coupe aka Clownshoe, and clown shoes are best in red, right? This beautiful Imola example has just 73k miles and has been well cared for by 3 owners. The previous owner addressed the well-documented potential rear subframe weld issues, and the only updates are light enough to not even be called modifications – air filter, headlights, stainless steel clutch cable, etc. It’s not quite perfect but pretty close, with a few minor scuffs and dings. It’s a 1999 model, meaning it has the 240hp S52 instead of the later S54 monster, but that’s mattering less and less these days and the prices of both head north.
Tag: Imola
For today’s edition of Wednesday wheels, I decided to focus on something close to home – the much unloved 4×108 bolt pattern found on the B2, B3 and B4 Audi. Additionally, I tried to get a theme going of multi-spoke “turbine” wheels. So to start it off, I have a set of the original – the Ronal R8 wheels found of many Audi models. These were either from a C2 (Type 43) 5000 or a Quattro, but either way they’re unloved, unappreciated and cheap. Then we have one of the best replicas of the original Ronal R8 for Audis – Team Dynamics Pro Race wheels. Most sets seem to be about iPad money but they’ve got a good reputation as being strong and reasonably light as well as affordable. They’re on my list of wheels I’d love to have for the track. Following up are a set of ATS wheels that are a rare sight; unfortunately, they’re dual bolt pattern and I don’t like that look, but they’re reasonably priced and in good condition. A set of TSW Imolas follows, also not my favorite design but they’re not bad looking wheels and work well on the Audis for look. Lastly, I have a set of B4 Speedline wheels. Generally, when you say Speedline and Audi, thoughts immediately go to the Coupe Quattro wheels, but these 15×7 wheels adorned many B4 models. My favorites are still the originals – those R8s would look good just hanging in the garage, but the Team Dynamics is a close second. What’s your favorite?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: Ronal R8 15×6, 5×112 Wheels on eBay
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The S54-equipped M Coupe seemed destined to be a collector car right out of the box. With a limited number produced, almost immediately enthusiasts began numbering their cars – there are, in fact, websites that are specifically dedicated to determining just how rare your M Coupe was. In the case of today’s example, it’s a claimed one of nine, and that’s easy to believe – because boil down the multitudes of combinations that were made with the E36/8 M Coupe, and you’ll soon discover that they’re all one of a small number. But this particular M Coupe is even more rare than most, with a host of Dinan and AC Schnitzer upgrades and some of the lowest miles on one today, with only around 1,000 miles a year accrued: