You can buy this car! Click here I just found my dream car... Search for yours www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273320546?advertising-location=at_cars&atmobcid=soc5&fromsra&make=BMW&model=Z3%20M&sort=relevance
The steering rack is the same one as the E36 M3 Evo and I hated it on mine. It's a variable rate rack, 3.2 turns lock to lock with a slow dead bit in the middle of the rack, great for stability on the autobahn and calming any twitchiness but It makes the car feel bigger and duller than it is. I fitted a standard Z3 rack and it transformed the car for me! A Z3 standard rack is 2.7 turns lock to lock and completely linear so the car is much more alert. I also added H&R ARBS and Eibach Springers with new dampers and the car was like putty in my hands!
It's not got me yet - still, have to say I have been against all BMWs since the 1980s when they were the Wide-boy wanna-be w@nkers' machine of choice for the red braces in The City... I know I should let it go...
I purchased one in 2007. A 2000 second hand. I absolutely loved it. I eventually sold it, in 2012, when I moved to Germany from NC, USA. I wish I would have kept it and shipped it here. They’re almost unattainable here.
I think they should be on the market now though; but that depends a bit on where in DE you are based too. Still, I've seen a few examples of these parked on the roads here.
Arguably a much better car, with the S54 engine, 6 speed and much better suspension. However, I absolutely loved my 1999 Z3M Coupe and it is already a €50.000 euro car, so the boat has sailed on that
I didn't realize these were so rare. I went to high school with someone whose parent occasionally dropped them off in one. Also worked at an office building about 10 years ago where someone drove one to work sometimes. Any of the older M cars are an occasional, but fairly rare sight on the road these days.
I have a 1997 m Roadster and find it a great fast cruiser. The fact that another car might do better lap times is not relevant as how many of us ever drive on a track. So many reviews are based on track times and not nearly enough on actual driving situations. Love your channel.
An absolutely gorgeous car, more beautiful than most new cars on the market today. Its quirky and unique. Built at a time when BMW were top of their game
The one time that that M stood for Mad. Absolutely mad, like the most of us are. I wish BMW had had more of those moments of TVR clarity. There have been a few: the CSL Batmobile, the 2002 turbo, the Z1, the M1. But not nearly enough. Moments when they said 'know what? Let's just do it. Let's go bonkers.' Even the X6M deserves some credit for that.
Early M cars were not "mad", most of them were not even that powerful, more about being ready for motorsport than outright power, they lost something when they started going for power rather than sweet manners.
I've always thought it looks more like a 2+2 E-type. It would've been far better if they'd gone with a fastback like the BGT. The upright C-pillars are what ruins the side angle on the jag and the BM...
Brilliant and highly watchable review, Jack. I felt like i was there in the driving seat with you, “dropping a cog and giving it a squirt” with that invigorating BMW manual gearbox. Fascinating! Thank you.
I’ve owned BMW, for the last 25 years. From E30 Sports, E36 M3, E46 M3,s and everything inbetween. I can say all the BMW fans of my generation love the Z3M coupe. I’m currently running an E86
Z3-M is the one to get? Gee wiz, seems like a lot. 37km ODO example here in the land of Oz is AU$134,990, or GBP $68,944. In my books at least - that's a lot! :O
Nice to see one of my favorite TH-camrs reviewing one of my favorite cars, which I've now had for over a year. You are pretty spot on regarding the steering and handling- for some reason, the Z3's and M's had different steering racks and people say the regular Z3 racks offer better feel over the M as well as a quicker steering ratio. That, along with a lower ride height, some stiffening, as well as updated bushings greatly improve the handling. I look forward to the day when I will acquire a Ferrari 308 as well as the Detomaso Pantera, but if I had to pick only one car I could keep, it would be the M Coupe because it's been a really practical car for me. I've been able to fit just about anything in the hatch area and used my old M Coupe to haul mountain bikes and a kayak with the roof rack.
Bread van is the best car shape. Jensen interceptor, Alfa 145, Alfa 147, Ferrari FF and GTC4, Volvo 480, Lamborghini Espada...,I'd have them all if I had the cash and space. Probably missed a load off that list.
@@johnmac8084my choice as well, 50 years ago a friend of mine had one, I loved "ripping about" in it, but I doubt that I could even get in and out of one now, a truly brilliant little car.
I once wrote in to Auto Car magazine correcting them on this car. They said the most powerful engine was from the E36 M3 evo (321hp). Nope, the final run outs had the 343hp lump from the E46. They published it too 😁 I have the edition of the magazine at home. I think it was 2012 or 13. I knew a lad with an estoril blue hard top (not friend just an acquaintance) he took me for a spin, it was gut wrenching. His had the E46 lump.
In my time working at various "Upmarket" used car dealerships in Johannesburg I only ever encountered one of these...in silver...so nice to drive... I had a customer interested in purchasing it, he was going to come and see me and the car on a Monday, the Saturday before he was supposed to visit there was a BMW Club Of South Africa track day being held at Kyalami race track, the owner of the company came in early, took the M Coupe and went off to race it...he came back less than an hour after we opened with the M Coupe on the back of a truck with the entire front end smashed in...he went under a Hyundai H100 "Bakkie" on his way to Kyalami...cost me a sale...thanks Harry...
Hope Harry got a few bumps and bruises. Also you'd have had to have the car completely mechanically inspected even if he hadn't pranged it, because no way in Hell I'd buy a car literally right after some jerk raced the Hell out of it at a track day. Uh uh, brakes, clutch, tyres, wheel bearings, differential etc, never mind the strain on the engine, nah bud. No bueno. What kind of Mickey Mouse outfit was this?
@@jameslaidler2152 nope...he was the owner of the company...all he did was drop it off and grab an E46 330i M Sport that was also in stock and took off again...that came back with bald tyres and the brakes shot to pieces...
@@jameslaidler2152 it still is open, I worked there in 2009. the dealership has since expanded and is in a bigger premises than when I worked there...the owner also owned a Honda dealership and a Spar supermarket, he`s Greek, it was all acquired with family money...
Here in the US, the S54 cars are double the price of the S52 cars, because our S52 was completely neutered in comparison. Love these cars. Also love that you drove an Imola car. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing Jack! A mate of mine had a clown shoe, he sold it when the rear subframe cracked from daily driving. Apparently a common problem in these otherwise very entertaining cars.
I always loved the look of the Z3 M Coupe. I got to take the BMW Spartanburg factory tour while they were in production. It was great fun walking the plant floor with sparks flying over our heads as the bodies were welded up. It was cool to see a wall of Z3 M Coupe bodies in a variety of colors waiting for final assembly. While I have always wanted to own one, the lack of sharpness and balance compared to the Boxster and Cayman just didn't cut it for me.
I used to live in the Philippines (I'm Scottish) for ten years and owned a Z3 Coupe imported from Japan. I am one handed (bike accident) so could not buy the M3 as manual only so bought a 3.0i. Great car. It actually won the annual BMW car show in Manila as the Peoples Choice of car at the show. Loved my "Clown Shoe".
Hi Jack. I think that it is rare in that colour. A Silver one sold at auction this weekend for just under £31k. I'd have one, but not at that money, Sal would kill me!
We owned a 1998 S Roadster with a B32 motor and dyno’d 345hp with remap, exhaust and intake. Swapped rear axle for a 3.93, Before we bought we tried the Coupe and drove really nice but was still no Porsche. We went for the roadster and was more immersive to drive, great with top down at 6 10ths, it felt more like a BMW TVR, a little lairy, we spec’d Shnitzer suspension and added chassis braces to help handling, wonderful engines 😎 we fitted ARP Conrod bolts as B32 could rev to 8k and were a weak spot
The engine sounds glorious! I always thought that this model was lumped with a 4-pot. I'm not into German European sedans but I'd own this in a second and drive it every Sunday. What a sound
To be fair, it is hard to classify a limited production car a flop based on total cars made. There were never any available in stock with waitlists at dealerships in America. I got mine with a couple thousand miles on it, one year old and had to fly to a nearby city after purchasing sight unseen (yay for fax machines).
Brother had one of the earlier ones pre TC. You really had to have your wits about you, as the short wheelbase wanted to kill you at all times if it wasn't bone dry. Fun but the 46 m3 was just the better car. You should check out the Z4M , bit more power , bit more polished and super super fast if you know how to steer.
I have only seen two or three of these in the states I like the looks and they are very distinctive. With only 5000 produced you are never going to see yourself on the street. Thanks Jack!
Great review Jack and super interesting car. The looks have definitely improved with age. As a Z3 convertible owner I'd love to see you test one of those M cars and compare and contrast. There is definitiely huge driving enjoyment gain to be had top down but of course it comes with loss of stifness in the chassis - that said my 2.8 with a strut brace feels, sounds and handles superbly. Keep up the great work
I'd love one but if we're talking bargain M cars in the UK at least the Z4M is crazy value right now. Well over twice the price in the US/EU. Thank Chris Harris and his opinion I guess for that.
Always been a fan of the BMW straight 6, owned a few belters, my favourite being an alpina B10 3.5 (e34). I once saw a z3 M coupé dominate the drift competition at Santa pod , in around 2004. ❤❤ Great little cars.
I owned the roadster from new back in the day. Its one car I regretted selling. The short wheelbase tends to not help the handling sensation. They are very particular about the tyre choices. One of the most common mods to these cars when they were new was a strut brace which was supposed to tighten up the front end. I never fitted one myself. The roadsters leaked. At 100ks an hour driving in the rain water used to get between the screen and the top and drop down on my right leg which of course you cant move off the accelerator. The convertible was the same price as an E36 M3 coupe when new.
I have the roadster, the front bushes all have to be nearly new to be anything other them vague straight ahead. There's no scuttle shake but the flex loading it into a corner makes it so much fun at reasonable speeds
Really love watching your vids. A good friend of mine bought one of these in the States back in the day when they were new. I didn’t know they existed, I’d never seen a picture, I’d never seen a review. My first exposure was seeing his car. Upon seeing it, I had the immediate, gut reaction of, “That’s f-ing ugly.”😁 I don’t dispute any of its performance attributes. I just think they’re hideous. No matter, as I still really enjoyed the vid!
My daughters Z4 was one of the vaguest handling cars I’ve ever driven. Until the hopeless runflats were ditched. It was still a car with a wandering heart and tram lined badly. A friend had a higher spec one which was a very quick car but had the same traits.
Always loved these. I remember around 10-15 years ago many people including me were lauding these as a car which was going to keep up in value just like the m3 csl did, but that never really happened, prices have remained stagnant over the past 5 years. Just looked them up online and there’s 9 Forsale on piston heads so they aren’t hard to find. A marmite car.
I always adored the "Clown Shoe", I remember watching the review on Top Gear and then seeing one in the wild in Calgary a few months later. They are small, but that was the point and those wide tires front and rear contribute a bit to the sketchy feeling you mentioned when going down the road, unlike full size cars with wide tires like the De Tomaso Pantera the smaller cars get caught a bit in the camber of the road as well as in the grooves created by traffic in general. That Six Cylinder Smile Machine is just showing a hint of what BMW can create when given some air to create a fun sports car! It's quick and it handles and that's what makes sports cars fun!! BMW would be wise to create a "fun" line of cars that are built for bombing down B roads like this M3 was! Everything now is so fast and scalpel sharp in steering that they feel clinical and a bit sterile. This car can and will try to kill you if not handled with care, but it wants to kill you with a smile on it's face!! That's what makes it such a great car!!!
Another great and interesting episode. I tested a couple of S54s. I feel the S50 engined model is the purist in that the original concept for the M Coupe was of pure intention- just shoving the biggest engine in the smallest stiffest body; after that it could be argued an S54 is a compromise precisely because of the stuff Jack says in relation to the then current M3. I heard the marketing budget was virtually zero and completely in favour of the mainstream models. Was it even intended to be a massive seller? I dunno! As I understand it though, the later S54 Z3M Coupe is only geared differently due to the different engine and the slight down-tuning was necessary due to shorter exhaust pipework to that found in the M3. I find my 2000 Z3M Coupe more drivable in normal traffic because the massive power doesn't fully kick in until higher revs but it's massive torque lower down makes it easy to plod around in. (...and like a tiny train on motorways!) I suspect in a few years there will be little to differentiate the two Coupes in values.
I had a 98 Z3 coupe with the 2.8 and the 540 rims in red. I owned it for six years. It was a very fun car and frankly better than the 911. I also think that the C3 coupe was a better balanced comfortable car than the M3. My only gripe about that car was that the seats did not change their angle of the seat bottom. Over a number of years it became very uncomfortable to sit in that car cause you were always hitting the same part of your spine. Ultimately, that is why I sold it.
Awesome cars, to look at and drive. Just fun every time you step into it and turn the key. Back when they designed cars irrespective of focus groups. Yes Jack, the steering wheel always felt a tad too big for me also...
The thinking man's Chrysler Crossfire! I like the "dumping dog " look too! I would think that if you got a bit closer to it's limits, that ultra short wheelbase would bite you!
This is one of scariest cars I've driven. It had more to do with subjective feelings I guess but this much power on rear wheels, the fact that you are almost on top of the rear axle with the whole car over the steering wheel and no aids gave me much trepidation. I remember it was pouring and I tried it on a road where the rain had dragged lots of dirt from the mountain right next to it. I kept thinking if that rear end goes, I won't be able to get it back. Didn't enjoy it at all. And I was also among the critics that thought this car was odious when it came out. "Clown shoe" is a fair nick name!
I absolutely love these. If I could afford to run more than 1 car, this would be on the shortlist. I'm hoping my OG M2 will also become a desirable future classic.
That numb centre on the steering was deliberate by BMW. It’s that way so that when on the autobahn small inputs from the straight ahead position aren’t so direct. A Z3 1.9 steering rack fixes it perfectly 😉 Love mine….although mine is tweaked and needs putting back together 🤦🏻♂️
I always loved the Z3M coupe, a truly distinctive and unique design! Only one correction, it wasn't more expensive than the M3. When both cars were on sale with the S54 engine the Z3M's price was reduced to around £36k and the E46 M3 was £40k.
I remember seeing one in person 2001 when my Dad bought his last 5 Series (he bought a E60 in 2005m hated iDrive and never bought another BMW again). Always thought it was SO cool.
I owned 1998 (E36) and traded it in on a 2001 (E37) version of the roadster (which I still have, in very good condition with 44K miles on it). Interestingly, the handling, ride and performance of the two were quite different, with the E37 being significantly quicker (4.5 vs. the E36’s 5.1 sec 0-60). I’ve never driven a clown shoe, but I sure do love my 2001 roadster!
Awesome car, I don't really care about the appearance element to it! I worked in the industry and spent a few weekends in an Imola Red Z4 M Coupe many years ago, what a car that was. Had 6th gear of course but it was the raucous nature, a complete hooligan machine. It got plenty of looks, lots of folk double-taking the shape!
Jack your videos are always excellent. Full of interesting facts you have a way of communicating this in a fun and exciting way. You are unique and I always look forward to new videos.
You can buy this car! Click here I just found my dream car... Search for yours www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273320546?advertising-location=at_cars&atmobcid=soc5&fromsra&make=BMW&model=Z3%20M&sort=relevance
Clown shoe is best shoe!
Perfect comment.
Agreed 100%
I've always loved the looks personally....I love anything different!
Agree buddy!
Was torn between the shoe and the e46M. The e46 won on passenger capacity.
BMW Z3M Coupe is just brutally gorgeous.
The steering rack is the same one as the E36 M3 Evo and I hated it on mine. It's a variable rate rack, 3.2 turns lock to lock with a slow dead bit in the middle of the rack, great for stability on the autobahn and calming any twitchiness but It makes the car feel bigger and duller than it is. I fitted a standard Z3 rack and it transformed the car for me! A Z3 standard rack is 2.7 turns lock to lock and completely linear so the car is much more alert. I also added H&R ARBS and Eibach Springers with new dampers and the car was like putty in my hands!
I always loved those cars right from the first day they came out if I win the lottery, definitely one for my collection
Hated the Z3 roadster when it first appeared but loved this and still do. Even the roadster has grown on me.
Yeah me too, I wouldn’t mind one now
It's not got me yet - still, have to say I have been against all BMWs since the 1980s when they were the Wide-boy wanna-be w@nkers' machine of choice for the red braces in The City... I know I should let it go...
Z3 M roadster with the quad pipes, wide body and 320hp at a cheaper price than the coupe is a tempting purchase..
Some of the finest wheels ever fitted to a road car.
I purchased one in 2007. A 2000 second hand. I absolutely loved it. I eventually sold it, in 2012, when I moved to Germany from NC, USA. I wish I would have kept it and shipped it here. They’re almost unattainable here.
I think they should be on the market now though; but that depends a bit on where in DE you are based too. Still, I've seen a few examples of these parked on the roads here.
When I was a kid I was madly in love with this car.... I STILL LOVE IT if I ever see one on the street today 😊
Z4M are undervalued too
Yeah, I lust after a Z4 M Coupe in dark blue. Top car and the shell(torsional ridgidity) is really solid for its time.
@mickwrinkles2318 also fantastic engine in them.
Arguably a much better car, with the S54 engine, 6 speed and much better suspension. However, I absolutely loved my 1999 Z3M Coupe and it is already a €50.000 euro car, so the boat has sailed on that
The most underrated of the M cars..
I didn't like the look of them when i was younger but I've taken a liking to them now... Definitely one for the "cool wall" 😉👍
All cars that look like shoes will eventally appreciate in value, so the Z3M will appreciate in value.
😆😆😆
Yep. The Panda 100HP for one.
Agree@@martinmees878
I didn't realize these were so rare. I went to high school with someone whose parent occasionally dropped them off in one. Also worked at an office building about 10 years ago where someone drove one to work sometimes. Any of the older M cars are an occasional, but fairly rare sight on the road these days.
I have a 1997 m Roadster and find it a great fast cruiser. The fact that another car might do better lap times is not relevant as how many of us ever drive on a track. So many reviews are based on track times and not nearly enough on actual driving situations. Love your channel.
I'd have one over the regular Z3 any day of the week!
Gran Turismo taught me that, haha.
Thanks Jack!
Greetings from the Netherlands
An absolutely gorgeous car, more beautiful than most new cars on the market today. Its quirky and unique. Built at a time when BMW were top of their game
Always loved the shape and stance and the glorious noise they make. Good to see a colour other than silver
The one time that that M stood for Mad. Absolutely mad, like the most of us are. I wish BMW had had more of those moments of TVR clarity. There have been a few: the CSL Batmobile, the 2002 turbo, the Z1, the M1. But not nearly enough. Moments when they said 'know what? Let's just do it. Let's go bonkers.' Even the X6M deserves some credit for that.
Early M cars were not "mad", most of them were not even that powerful, more about being ready for motorsport than outright power, they lost something when they started going for power rather than sweet manners.
I agree the X6M is a bonkers vehicle
@@popuptoasterI wouldn't say that. When the M635CSI and the E28 M5 came out, they were almost as quick as a 911 Turbo or a Ferrari Testarossa.
The vaccinated are mad!
@@sambobrooklyn316 In conspiracy la-la-land maybe..
Lovely car. I seem to remember dark green was a popular colour for these.
MGB/GT vibe in the styling.
I've always thought it looks more like a 2+2 E-type. It would've been far better if they'd gone with a fastback like the BGT. The upright C-pillars are what ruins the side angle on the jag and the BM...
One off my 3 bmw favorites. Together with an M3 E30 and Z8.
The Z8 is gorgeous. The E30 is iconic. This one is just M for Mad.
The Z8 might be one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
TY 🙏🙏. Think these have gone up in price, not the bargain they once were. Another for the wish list Jack!
Brilliant and highly watchable review, Jack. I felt like i was there in the driving seat with you, “dropping a cog and giving it a squirt” with that invigorating BMW manual gearbox. Fascinating! Thank you.
I’ve owned BMW, for the last 25 years. From E30 Sports, E36 M3, E46 M3,s and everything inbetween. I can say all the BMW fans of my generation love the Z3M coupe. I’m currently running an E86
Z3-M is the one to get? Gee wiz, seems like a lot. 37km ODO example here in the land of Oz is AU$134,990, or GBP $68,944. In my books at least - that's a lot! :O
I love how it looks like its got extended guards from the factory. It just looks fantastic imo!
Nice to see one of my favorite TH-camrs reviewing one of my favorite cars, which I've now had for over a year. You are pretty spot on regarding the steering and handling- for some reason, the Z3's and M's had different steering racks and people say the regular Z3 racks offer better feel over the M as well as a quicker steering ratio. That, along with a lower ride height, some stiffening, as well as updated bushings greatly improve the handling. I look forward to the day when I will acquire a Ferrari 308 as well as the Detomaso Pantera, but if I had to pick only one car I could keep, it would be the M Coupe because it's been a really practical car for me. I've been able to fit just about anything in the hatch area and used my old M Coupe to haul mountain bikes and a kayak with the roof rack.
Great to hear from you and that you share my conclusions.. enjoy your Z3 M!!
"The hairdresser's car, now with a hatchback". -- BMW
I remember the TV ad.
One of the cooler designs from BMW, it will definitely be a timeless classic.
One of the truly awesome BMWs along with the original 8-series and E30 M3.
Bread van is the best car shape. Jensen interceptor, Alfa 145, Alfa 147, Ferrari FF and GTC4, Volvo 480, Lamborghini Espada...,I'd have them all if I had the cash and space. Probably missed a load off that list.
Lotus Europa
You've got a Shooting Brake fetish like me! I've had a few....
Volvo P1800ES and 855 too. Beautiful shooting brakes
@@johnmac8084my choice as well, 50 years ago a friend of mine had one, I loved "ripping about" in it, but I doubt that I could even get in and out of one now, a truly brilliant little car.
"some say the Z3M drives badly" huh, never heard that in my life z3 yes, z3 coupe, no.
I once wrote in to Auto Car magazine correcting them on this car. They said the most powerful engine was from the E36 M3 evo (321hp). Nope, the final run outs had the 343hp lump from the E46. They published it too 😁
I have the edition of the magazine at home. I think it was 2012 or 13.
I knew a lad with an estoril blue hard top (not friend just an acquaintance) he took me for a spin, it was gut wrenching. His had the E46 lump.
In Germany they call it the Elefantenrollschuh that means elephants rollerskates
🤣🤣🤣
In my time working at various "Upmarket" used car dealerships in Johannesburg I only ever encountered one of these...in silver...so nice to drive...
I had a customer interested in purchasing it, he was going to come and see me and the car on a Monday, the Saturday before he was supposed to visit there was a BMW Club Of South Africa track day being held at Kyalami race track, the owner of the company came in early, took the M Coupe and went off to race it...he came back less than an hour after we opened with the M Coupe on the back of a truck with the entire front end smashed in...he went under a Hyundai H100 "Bakkie" on his way to Kyalami...cost me a sale...thanks Harry...
Hope Harry got a few bumps and bruises. Also you'd have had to have the car completely mechanically inspected even if he hadn't pranged it, because no way in Hell I'd buy a car literally right after some jerk raced the Hell out of it at a track day. Uh uh, brakes, clutch, tyres, wheel bearings, differential etc, never mind the strain on the engine, nah bud. No bueno. What kind of Mickey Mouse outfit was this?
Was he even fired?
@@jameslaidler2152 nope...he was the owner of the company...all he did was drop it off and grab an E46 330i M Sport that was also in stock and took off again...that came back with bald tyres and the brakes shot to pieces...
@@ca9968 The place even still in business? I'm getting trustfund baby vibes here.
@@jameslaidler2152 it still is open, I worked there in 2009. the dealership has since expanded and is in a bigger premises than when I worked there...the owner also owned a Honda dealership and a Spar supermarket, he`s Greek, it was all acquired with family money...
I'm a fan of BMW (at least from '70s to the '10s) and I love this car, the shape is so unique, beautiful and classic at the same time
I love the look of the car. Both interior and exterior.
Here in the US, the S54 cars are double the price of the S52 cars, because our S52 was completely neutered in comparison. Love these cars. Also love that you drove an Imola car. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing Jack! A mate of mine had a clown shoe, he sold it when the rear subframe cracked from daily driving. Apparently a common problem in these otherwise very entertaining cars.
Always loved Z3 Roadster and Coupe.. they look so badass and fun!!
Owned a 2000 Breadvan back in the day. Simply a wonderful thing.
I always loved the look of the Z3 M Coupe. I got to take the BMW Spartanburg factory tour while they were in production. It was great fun walking the plant floor with sparks flying over our heads as the bodies were welded up. It was cool to see a wall of Z3 M Coupe bodies in a variety of colors waiting for final assembly. While I have always wanted to own one, the lack of sharpness and balance compared to the Boxster and Cayman just didn't cut it for me.
I used to live in the Philippines (I'm Scottish) for ten years and owned a Z3 Coupe imported from Japan. I am one handed (bike accident) so could not buy the M3 as manual only so bought a 3.0i. Great car. It actually won the annual BMW car show in Manila as the Peoples Choice of car at the show. Loved my "Clown Shoe".
I remember seeing one in the flesh for the first time. I was horrified. However, it has matured well.
Hi Jack. I think that it is rare in that colour. A Silver one sold at auction this weekend for just under £31k. I'd have one, but not at that money, Sal would kill me!
😆😆😆😆
We owned a 1998 S Roadster with a B32 motor and dyno’d 345hp with remap, exhaust and intake. Swapped rear axle for a 3.93, Before we bought we tried the Coupe and drove really nice but was still no Porsche. We went for the roadster and was more immersive to drive, great with top down at 6 10ths, it felt more like a BMW TVR, a little lairy, we spec’d Shnitzer suspension and added chassis braces to help handling, wonderful engines 😎 we fitted ARP Conrod bolts as B32 could rev to 8k and were a weak spot
The engine sounds glorious! I always thought that this model was lumped with a 4-pot. I'm not into German European sedans but I'd own this in a second and drive it every Sunday. What a sound
Jack, in Australia this is a $120000 car. Yes that is one hundred thousand.
To be fair, it is hard to classify a limited production car a flop based on total cars made. There were never any available in stock with waitlists at dealerships in America. I got mine with a couple thousand miles on it, one year old and had to fly to a nearby city after purchasing sight unseen (yay for fax machines).
Brother had one of the earlier ones pre TC. You really had to have your wits about you, as the short wheelbase wanted to kill you at all times if it wasn't bone dry.
Fun but the 46 m3 was just the better car.
You should check out the Z4M , bit more power , bit more polished and super super fast if you know how to steer.
I have only seen two or three of these in the states I like the looks and they are very distinctive. With only 5000 produced you are never going to see yourself on the street. Thanks Jack!
Yes 🙌.. I get it’s a love it or hate it car.. but I think they’re cool!
Great review Jack and super interesting car. The looks have definitely improved with age. As a Z3 convertible owner I'd love to see you test one of those M cars and compare and contrast. There is definitiely huge driving enjoyment gain to be had top down but of course it comes with loss of stifness in the chassis - that said my 2.8 with a strut brace feels, sounds and handles superbly. Keep up the great work
I'd love one but if we're talking bargain M cars in the UK at least the Z4M is crazy value right now. Well over twice the price in the US/EU. Thank Chris Harris and his opinion I guess for that.
Always been a fan of the BMW straight 6, owned a few belters, my favourite being an alpina B10 3.5 (e34). I once saw a z3 M coupé dominate the drift competition at Santa pod , in around 2004. ❤❤ Great little cars.
great review, this is one of the hidden gems to get, and thanks fof never mentioning the word clown shoes like all others.
spot on review. As a current owner its a bargain for what it is, its rarity and those muscular looks. Mine replaced a GR Yaris!
Great review, a few for sale $115,000 AUD...hmmm.
I owned the roadster from new back in the day. Its one car I regretted selling. The short wheelbase tends to not help the handling sensation. They are very particular about the tyre choices. One of the most common mods to these cars when they were new was a strut brace which was supposed to tighten up the front end. I never fitted one myself. The roadsters leaked. At 100ks an hour driving in the rain water used to get between the screen and the top and drop down on my right leg which of course you cant move off the accelerator. The convertible was the same price as an E36 M3 coupe when new.
With the massive rear haunches and shooting brake cabin, it looks far more serious and attractive than the convertible
The prices of these have ALREADY become insane...like pretty much all BMW M cars.
You didn't mention the Z3 rear suspension, which IIRC retained semi-trailing arms ala E30.
Most of these cars suffer from wear to a rubber in the steering linkage. Replace that and the steering feel is all there
A must do on any e36,e46 car. The best part is that the coupler swap takes less than an hour for an average home mechanics.
Had a Z3 when they first came out. This was the aspirational car that I wanted but no way could afford. Always loved them
Thanks Jack I really enjoy being a passenger on your test drives
You just smash it out the park with every video with my most favourite obscure/rare cars, I don't know how you do it, but so glad that you do! :)
I have the roadster, the front bushes all have to be nearly new to be anything other them vague straight ahead. There's no scuttle shake but the flex loading it into a corner makes it so much fun at reasonable speeds
No one truly hates this car, otherwise they wouldn't be 30-40k to buy right now! It's already a rare classic that's shot up in price drastically.
There are a couple for sale in my country and the price asked is comparable to a decent M3 from the same era.
You sit so far back that you kind of steer the mini XKE hood into the curve and you follow in the rear. Its really unusual feel and I like it.
Really love watching your vids.
A good friend of mine bought one of these in the States back in the day when they were new. I didn’t know they existed, I’d never seen a picture, I’d never seen a review. My first exposure was seeing his car.
Upon seeing it, I had the immediate, gut reaction of, “That’s f-ing ugly.”😁
I don’t dispute any of its performance attributes. I just think they’re hideous.
No matter, as I still really enjoyed the vid!
My daughters Z4 was one of the vaguest handling cars I’ve ever driven. Until the hopeless runflats were ditched. It was still a car with a wandering heart and tram lined badly. A friend had a higher spec one which was a very quick car but had the same traits.
I own a 2.8 coupé and it is a great Grand Turismo.
The s54 came with a 3.23 LSD.
Agree with his review, which is why I put in a 6spd from e46 M3 and a 3.73 LSD in mine
I'm so,pleased you covered this, they are one of my all time favourite cars
Always loved these. I remember around 10-15 years ago many people including me were lauding these as a car which was going to keep up in value just like the m3 csl did, but that never really happened, prices have remained stagnant over the past 5 years. Just looked them up online and there’s 9 Forsale on piston heads so they aren’t hard to find. A marmite car.
I always adored the "Clown Shoe", I remember watching the review on Top Gear and then seeing one in the wild in Calgary a few months later. They are small, but that was the point and those wide tires front and rear contribute a bit to the sketchy feeling you mentioned when going down the road, unlike full size cars with wide tires like the De Tomaso Pantera the smaller cars get caught a bit in the camber of the road as well as in the grooves created by traffic in general. That Six Cylinder Smile Machine is just showing a hint of what BMW can create when given some air to create a fun sports car! It's quick and it handles and that's what makes sports cars fun!! BMW would be wise to create a "fun" line of cars that are built for bombing down B roads like this M3 was! Everything now is so fast and scalpel sharp in steering that they feel clinical and a bit sterile. This car can and will try to kill you if not handled with care, but it wants to kill you with a smile on it's face!! That's what makes it such a great car!!!
I have always liked these Z3 coupes, it's like a miniature sports estate, really sleek and has more practicality than the convertibles.
Another great and interesting episode.
I tested a couple of S54s.
I feel the S50 engined model is the purist in that the original concept for the M Coupe was of pure intention- just shoving the biggest engine in the smallest stiffest body; after that it could be argued an S54 is a compromise precisely because of the stuff Jack says in relation to the then current M3.
I heard the marketing budget was virtually zero and completely in favour of the mainstream models.
Was it even intended to be a massive seller? I dunno!
As I understand it though, the later S54 Z3M Coupe is only geared differently due to the different engine and the slight down-tuning was necessary due to shorter exhaust pipework to that found in the M3.
I find my 2000 Z3M Coupe more drivable in normal traffic because the massive power doesn't fully kick in until higher revs but it's massive torque lower down makes it easy to plod around in. (...and like a tiny train on motorways!)
I suspect in a few years there will be little to differentiate the two Coupes in values.
I had a 98 Z3 coupe with the 2.8 and the 540 rims in red. I owned it for six years. It was a very fun car and frankly better than the 911. I also think that the C3 coupe was a better balanced comfortable car than the M3. My only gripe about that car was that the seats did not change their angle of the seat bottom. Over a number of years it became very uncomfortable to sit in that car cause you were always hitting the same part of your spine. Ultimately, that is why I sold it.
I saw a silver one very lightly modified with silver BBS wheels a while ago... looked amazing!
Lol! My mom had one of these when I was a kid. Her's was an automatic 3.0, in white. Such a cool thing.
Thanks for this video! It looked awesome to me when I was 16!
Awesome cars, to look at and drive. Just fun every time you step into it and turn the key. Back when they designed cars irrespective of focus groups. Yes Jack, the steering wheel always felt a tad too big for me also...
The thinking man's Chrysler Crossfire! I like the "dumping dog " look too! I would think that if you got a bit closer to it's limits, that ultra short wheelbase would bite you!
This is one of scariest cars I've driven. It had more to do with subjective feelings I guess but this much power on rear wheels, the fact that you are almost on top of the rear axle with the whole car over the steering wheel and no aids gave me much trepidation. I remember it was pouring and I tried it on a road where the rain had dragged lots of dirt from the mountain right next to it. I kept thinking if that rear end goes, I won't be able to get it back. Didn't enjoy it at all. And I was also among the critics that thought this car was odious when it came out. "Clown shoe" is a fair nick name!
I absolutely love these.
If I could afford to run more than 1 car, this would be on the shortlist.
I'm hoping my OG M2 will also become a desirable future classic.
That numb centre on the steering was deliberate by BMW. It’s that way so that when on the autobahn small inputs from the straight ahead position aren’t so direct. A Z3 1.9 steering rack fixes it perfectly 😉
Love mine….although mine is tweaked and needs putting back together 🤦🏻♂️
I always loved the Z3M coupe, a truly distinctive and unique design! Only one correction, it wasn't more expensive than the M3. When both cars were on sale with the S54 engine the Z3M's price was reduced to around £36k and the E46 M3 was £40k.
I remember seeing one in person 2001 when my Dad bought his last 5 Series (he bought a E60 in 2005m hated iDrive and never bought another BMW again). Always thought it was SO cool.
I owned 1998 (E36) and traded it in on a 2001 (E37) version of the roadster (which I still have, in very good condition with 44K miles on it). Interestingly, the handling, ride and performance of the two were quite different, with the E37 being significantly quicker (4.5 vs. the E36’s 5.1 sec 0-60). I’ve never driven a clown shoe, but I sure do love my 2001 roadster!
I've always actually liked the looks of these more than the roadsters.
Kind of a "Breadvan" thing going on, but I like it.
Awesome car, I don't really care about the appearance element to it! I worked in the industry and spent a few weekends in an Imola Red Z4 M Coupe many years ago, what a car that was. Had 6th gear of course but it was the raucous nature, a complete hooligan machine. It got plenty of looks, lots of folk double-taking the shape!
Not anymore.. that boat has sailed.. the M coupes “clownshoe” in the states are super expensive now
Jack your videos are always excellent. Full of interesting facts you have a way of communicating this in a fun and exciting way. You are unique and I always look forward to new videos.
Thank you Lawrence, that’s great to hear!!
Very cool these! Hope you have a go in a Z4M Coupe aswell, rarer but more modern. And a great looker!
Loved the looks of this car the first time I saw it, love the design philosophy behind it too.
You'll either love it or you'll hate it ... I love it! Those flared guards all 'round are the boss. Thank you @Number27 for another great vid =)
Loved the ZM Coupe from the moment it was launched and Imola red would be my choice. Wish I’d bought one when prices bottomed out
I had the M Roadster. Getting rid of that is my one car regret. Fantastic machine.
Many petroldheads, automotive passionate and bmw fans KNOWS that car is almost brilliant, BUT it is rare and EXPENSIVE now.