UP NEXT
Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Petrolicious. Don’t be left out—join the ranks of those who Drive Tastefully.
Already a member? Log in
We're glad you're back.
Not a member yet? Sign up
We'll get you back on track.
Films:
If The Shoe Fits, It Must Be A BMW M Coupe
I was fortunate enough to experience the ragged edge in my M Coupe with Alex about 11 years ago. I think his car was pretty much stock at the time and mine was lowered on stiff Ground-Control coil overs and 18” wheels. Him in the lead, I experienced what he was talking about here. That was an exciting and hair-raising experience, but maybe too much fun for public roads.
I remember the first time I saw the M Coupe. I couldn’t noodle it correctly. It was at once visceral and bizarre.
A years later later, 2002-ish, I flew into Ohio to buy a car from a guy who had just opened a small Euro used car dealership in a renovated gas station. There was a M Coupe in the showroom.
The owner (and sole employee) said the M Coupe was for sale (but sadly out of my reach). But first he had committed to doing a [cough] unsanctioned cross country race in it. My brain pretty much exploded at the idea.
Great video. The M Coupé is an interesting car right now. The looks have definitely improved with age – the long, sculpted hood, wide arches and stubby tail are unique and distinctive.
It’s also one of probably only a handful of more modern cars that seems absolutely at home on Petrolicious. The video a few months back on the SW20 MR-2s, and the more recent reader submission, didn’t quite grab me the way most Petrolicious posts do, despite being from a similar (if anything, even earlier) era to the Z3. I’ve nothing at all against Japanese cars – indeed, I probably prefer them to German ones, but the M Coupé is just special.
Maybe it’s the rarity, or that it was the black sheep of the BMW range, or the relatively exotic powertrain. But regardless, it’s a true modern classic and great to see on Petrolicious.
Thought about buying one and took a long drive in one. Love the fact that it was “a project car” and has all the performance of a proper sports car plus the practicality of a shooting brake. The design of the front is not as well resolved as the rear which is a shame.
Many are now falling into the slammed, moron community unfortunately. lately though the Z4M Coupe is taking over, partly because the Z3M Coupe is getting long in the tooth. Liked the video but he seems to follow a disturbing trend amongst some people to be completwely obsessed about himself. He mentions himself over 60 times in a 6 minute vid. So photos of one well prepared and another not so….
“Liked the video but he seems to follow a disturbing trend amongst some people to be completwely obsessed about himself.”
You wrote precisely what I was thinking watching the video. This is the first Petrolicious video I could not watch until the end and this fact compelled me to comment.
Isn’t anyone bothered by the “Coup” prononciation againg and again? it’s Coup[u]é[/u] as in the “e” is not silent, since this is a french word. I get this with the normal people that don’t care what they drive, but this is supposed to be a site for ethusiasts.
Otherwise the M Coupé is a great car. Regarding the gearbox downgrade from the M3 as far as I know the reason was that it did not fit the Z3 chasis.
Thanks for bring it up. You beat me to this, it’s been my pet peeve (along with people who write ‘should of’ or such). Of course if Americans start pronouncing ‘coupé’ correctly, you wouldn’t be tell that chicken coop joke (why does a chicken coop only has two doors?).
Anyway, the car, I love M Coupé, the only Beemer that I genuinely craved since the first M3. Such a mad car. Am I possibly the only one who thought that it’s a shame that the sunroof doesn’t slide open?
It’s just how ‘mericans pronounce it. That “e” on the end didn’t come with the accent mark on US models both in the promotional literature and anywhere on the car. So in americaland, “Coup” it is. It’s how Americans have always pronounced coupe.
Both the ZF 6 speed out of a e46 330i/e86 MCoupe and the Getrag 6 out of the e46 M3 fit fine in the Z3 MCoupe. No chassis modification necessary. It’s a shame that they didn’t come like that from the factory. I’ve got a ZF 6 in mine and I can’t go back to the 5.
I had a ’99 M Coupe that I had to sell a few years back. Definitely the most rewarding car I ever driven. I just had to do the basic suspension / wheel mods and it really set it light years ahead. Still, stick out of the box it’s not bad either. Alex (owner from this film) is a very nice guy. I had the pleasure of driving my M Coupe with his in the mountains of Colorado one fine day about 10 years ago.
Here’s mine
https://flic.kr/s/aHsjx81kGT
Gotta love the shoe! Long time viewer and a first time commenter, was just wondering if the Petrolicious crew have been trying some different filming techniques and editing with the past few videos? I love how you push the boundaries with what we have seen with short car vids and look forward to participating in the Petrolicious community!
