I have a long history with this particular coupe. First it was the test car for Edmunds.com's original road test back in 1999 (WayBackMachine Archive). Next it was owned by Bimmerforums member OrganicM whose great photos graced my computer desktop through much of college. It was next purchased by Asim who put it on custom built BBS RS wheels and later went on to co-found Livery Wheel company. After that it spent about year in the NW before landing back in the midwest with another Bimmerforums member. Having been enthusiast owned for almost its entire life really shows.
It's a fairly early build (but not pre-production) 1999 in artic silver over estoril blue. It's one of just 13 in the color combo and actually the second one I've owned (see LC61069). I'm personally a big fan of artic silver over the later (2000-2002) titanium silver as it has more of a blue gray base where titanium silver is warmer with a small hint of gold.
If you looked at the old listings, you'll notice it's much closer to stock than it has been in some years past. It still has a number of great, though more subtle, upgrades though. These include:
- Ground Control Coilovers
- Ground Control Camber Plates
- AKG Street Subframe Bushings
- UUC Stainless Steel Clutch Line
- UUC Stainless Steel Brake Lines
- Dinan Front and Rear 22mm Anti-Roll Bars
- BMW OEM Euro Clear Bumper Lights
- Macht Schnell Wheel Spacers (7.5mm front and 18 mm rear)
- Lug Studs
- Kenwood Bluetooth Headunit with Amp and Subwoofer
- Valentine One Hardwire
- Painted Roof Spoiler
- ///M Hatch and Floor Mats
Previous enthusiast owners took care of the normal S52 services like a new cooling system, giubo, belts, etc. I finished it up with fresh fluids, new interior bulbs, fixed leaks and warning lights, replaced missing interior hardware from previous audio and rear suspension work, added poly rear subframe bushings, completed the tool set and made everything work again.
Overall I think this may be may best driving S52 coupe I've had. It's a joy to drive even around town or run errands.
Feel free to email me with any questions at jon@mcoupebuyersguide.com.