Doug's Take
We love the BMW Z3 M Coupe "Clownshoe" here on Cars & Bids for its quirky styling, mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, and surprising practicality. This particular M Coupe shows only 14,000 miles on the odometer, which is amazing – AND it's a rare later model with the S54 6-cylinder engine shared with the E46 M3. This M Coupe also touts some great factory equipment including a limited-slip differential, a power sunroof, and a Harman/Kardon sound system – and its rod bearings were reportedly replaced, for added peace of mind. Plus, this M Coupe comes with no major modifications and a clean, accident-free Carfax report, further enhancing its appeal. This M Coupe is surely one of the nicest ones out there, and I'm thrilled to offer it on Cars & Bids.
Highlights
THIS… is a 2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe, finished in Titanium Silver Metallic with a black interior.
- This Z3 M Coupe features a 5-speed manual transmission, and its odometer currently displays about 14,000 miles.
- The attached Carfax history report contains some gaps, though it lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies for the given period.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
- Modifications reported by the seller include VAC Motorsports rod bearings, a VAC Motorsports oil pump, a Spal cooling fan, H&R Sport springs, and StopTech stainless steel brake lines.
- Colloquially known as the Clownshoe, the Z3 Coupe joined the Z3 roadster in showrooms for 1999. Like its convertible counterpart, it used several E36-sourced parts, but it stood out with an unusual, shooting brake-like silhouette that blurred the line between a coupe and a hatchback. The M model benefitted from the same 3.2-liter straight-6 as the M3.
- Power comes from an S54 3.2-liter inline-6, rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Power sunroof
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated and power-adjustable seats
- M sport leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
- Center console-mounted VDO ambient temperature and oil temperature gauges
- Rear cargo cover
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:
- VAC Motorsports rod bearings
- VAC Motorsports oil pump kit
- Spal radiator fan
- Bilstein rear shocks
- H&R Sport springs
- StopTech stainless steel brake lines
- Ceramic Pro 9H paint protection film applied to the front bumper and hood
- Clear side marker lenses
- Reinforced glovebox lid
- Door seal stickers from a 1999 Z3 M Coupe
Known Flaws
- Some chips around the exterior
- Scratch on the passenger-side rear wheel
- 2019 date codes on the tires
- Creases on the seats
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- February 2022 (10,276 miles): Exhaust camshaft position sensor and seat isolator pads replaced, engine oil and filter changed
- May 2020 (5,660 miles): Rod bearings, spark plugs, engine mounts, transmission mounts, front and rear brake pads, brake lines, and clutch line replaced, valves adjusted, brake caliper guide bolts torqued, alignment performed, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid, and brake fluid flushed
The seller reports that the following services were performed:
- April 2024: Engine oil and filter changed
- January 2023: Oxygen sensors replaced
- October 2021: Gas cap replaced
- May 2020: Tires, oil pump gear, valve cover gasket, and ignition coil packs replaced, engine oil and filter changed, coolant flushed
Additional service history is detailed by documentation that is available upon request.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Available service records
- Removed factory parts (rod bearings, side marker lenses)
- Car cover
- Magnetic stone guards
- Windshield sunshade
- Spare oil filters
Ownership History
The seller purchased this M Coupe in February 2020.
Seller Notes
The seller notes that a ceramic coating and paint correction was applied to the exterior in May 2021.