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This M Coupe was purchased the current and only owner on 12/9/1999 and delivered by Century West BMW, Universal City, CA. The M Coupe is finished in Titanium Silver with Black & Gray contrasting leather interior (1 of 74 with this combination). With a total purchase price of over $41,000.00, the BMW included optional in-dash CD player and moonroof, and no cost leather interior and center console valet. The Carfax reflects an owner change that represents the re-issuance of the title due to the passing of her husband, the original owner.
Maintenance documentation is extensive including service by the delivering dealer and other BMW authorized dealers. Best described as “cost no object” maintenance, the BMW was serviced in compliance with recommended BMW service/preventative maintenance intervals. This included annual “low mileage” maintenance when the car was used minimally in several years. Details of the service can be seen in the attached individual maintenance receipts and include:
- Frequent oil services and 27-point inspections
- Brake and coolant changes
- Regularly BMW recommended services
- Tire changes including a new set of Continental Extreme Contact tires in April, 2022 less than 200 miles ago
- Inspection within 100 miles by a highly respected BMW specialist supporting the high quality of the M Coupe
With only 64K miles, this BMW M Coupe presents beautifully. Essentially all finishes are extremely high-grade including the factory original Titanium Silver paint displaying excellent depth and high gloss throughout the exterior surface. The paint has been metered on all metal body surfaces, returning numbers consistent with factory original paint. The body panels show excellent door, trunk, and hood gaps, excellent fit along the front and rear bumpers, and nicely maintained exterior trim. The front bumper and hood are in excellent condition showing minimal rock chips and minimal scrape marks noted on the front air dam. The lenses are clear and glossy, while the original factory glass retains the factory markings with no notable marks or chips, consistent with the low miles indicated on the odometer. The alloy 17” wheels are in excellent condition, accented by factory brake calipers. A set of Continental Extreme Contact tires were installed in April, less than 200 miles ago.
The beautiful two-tone leather interior has been very well maintained and thoughtfully preserved, showing no rips or tears on the driver’s seat entry bolster and none of the characteristic wear we see on most cars of this vintage. A lighted, factory matching leather covered shift knob is in equally good condition. The two-tone front and rear leather seats remain remarkably supple and smooth to the touch with correct factory leather, and smooth bolsters. The door panels, including door pulls and door pocket lids are all in very nice condition. The dashboard, instruments, and center console are in excellent condition with switches and features operating as expected. The factory 5-speed manual gearbox with direct 5th gear is mated to a strong 3.2 liter, DOHC 24 valve in-line 6-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The headliner, sun visors, and control surfaces are all uniformly clean and nicely detailed. The overall fit and finish of the interior is cohesive and tidy, indicating the exceptional care this BMW has received since delivered new by its owner/driver.
The engine compartment and rear storage area are both unmodified and remain in excellent condition. The original engine is correct and properly maintained with clean components and factory engine and other stickers still present. The chassis displays visual condition consistent with the chronologically documented low miles, showing clean components and authentic finishes reflecting mild use and indoor storage. The floor pan, rocker panels, and structure show no visual evidence of structural compromise, consistent with zero reported accidents in the Carfax report and factory metered original paint.
The car starts instantly with delightful, sounds from the stock 24-valve 6-cylinder engine. The clutch and gearbox work very well with proper clutch engagement, excellent brakes, and a fully functional e-brake. The 240hp engine provides crisp performance and the stiff chassis and suspension result in excellent handling and light controls. Even by current BMW standards, the M Coupe offers a unique driving experience and solidity of a Coupe with pure sports car handling and performance. An inspection within 20 miles by VT Motorsports, Pleasanton, one of the Bay area’s premier BMW repair facilities resulted in the following comments:
- “Overall car is in excellent condition.”
- “The rear sub-frame and differential mounting are in perfect condition.”
- “Cylinder head looks to be factory and not replaced as VIN tag is still on.”
- “Seats do not shift as the seat bushings seem to be in good shape.”
Minor findings and future recommendations can be seen on the inspection summary dated 9/13/22 and shown in the in the listing.
The BMW M Coupe comes with a car cover, all factory delivery documents, a leather case, owner’s manual, and two keys.
This M Coupe represents a totally original, low mileage, lifelong California, “no surprises” example. The excellent condition, impressive performance and handling, and increasing rarity of fine examples make will make this car attractive to the BMW enthusiast or collector who enjoy driving their cars, showing them with pride, and sharing in the uniqueness of the “Clown Shoe” with fellow enthusiasts.
Summary
- 2000 BMW M Coupe / Built 11/99
- One Owner
- Delivered & remained in California
- 64K Miles
- Titanium Silver Metallic with Black/Gray Contrasting Leather Interior
- Factory Moonroof
- Serviced by BMW dealers with no deferred maintenance
- One of 6,291 manufactured between 1998 – 2002
- Original sales documents
- Owner’s manual & related documents, 2 keys,
History BMW M Coupe
At its launch in 1997, the very appearance of the BMW Z3 M Coupe polarized many BMW enthusiasts. The closed Coupe design was progressive and markedly independent. The long bonnet, coupled with a compact rear and wide wheel housings, was unique for a sports car of this type and resulted in the car being called the “Turnschuh” (Sports Shoe in English) by enthusiasts. The BMW M Coupe was powered by the most powerful version of the straight-6 cylinder engine for its time. Road tests at the time made it apparent that if there was anything the BMW Z3 M Coupe stood for, it was pure driving pleasure.
The design with a concise rear end also offered a practical advantage that could not be ignored. The large tailgate provided access to a roomy luggage compartment, with 9.0 feet of cargo capacity behind the two sporting seats, more than enough for long weekend trips and touring. Not insignificant for a car in the best tradition of vintage classic GT vehicles like Jaguar XKE Fixed Head Coupe, or Triumph GT6.
The four tailpipes under the rear spoiler made a statement about maximum performance and the power concealed beneath the compact sports car’s hood. At its launch in 1997, the Z3 M Coupe was equipped with the engine from the updated M3 E36. Developed by the M Motorsport specialists, the straight-6-cylinder engine with 3.2 liter capacity had an output of 321 hp at 7,400rpm. For the first time, it produced more than 100 hp per liter. The engine, with an internal designation of the S50B32, catapulted the rear-wheel drive M Coupe from 0 to 60mph in under 5 seconds, very respectable for the era. Top speed was estimated at ~155mph.
The BMW weighed in at a curb weight of under 3,000 lbs. when it was launched and had a chassis with maximum rigidity to guarantee the highest dynamics. The superb agility of the M Coupe was due to the low center of gravity, stiff chassis/suspension, front engine/rear drive configuration, broad track and almost exact 50/50 weight distribution with seats placed far back in the car.
The brake system was developed to serve both safety purposes and driving pleasure in equal measure and had compound discs with radial friction bearings. This system allows the brake disc to freely expand and ensures consistent, excellent braking power even under enormous strain.
The interior was designed to be driver-oriented, sporty, and in characteristic BMW style, and all business. With a low seating position, three-spoke M steering wheel, stubby gear stick and all instruments directly in the driver’s view, this cockpit makes no bones about being focused on the perhaps most enjoyable minor matter in the world: driving. Under high lateral acceleration, the sports seats, fitted as standard, offer ideal lateral support. The seats were upholstered in leather and available in several colors, while chrome trimmings in the entire interior gave additional emphasis to the car’s sporting aspirations.
Today, the M Coupe is rare and sought after with a strong following of enthusiasts. Its unmistakable design and suitability for everyday use, coupled with the extremely powerful power train of the BMW M3, appeals equally to both sports car and GT fans. Between 1998 and 2002 just 6,291 were manufactured. And ultimately the low number of vehicles produced also makes the Z3 M Coupe very desirable.