It’s Christmas Eve right here within the U.S., and I hope you’ve finalized vacation plans and obtained your tree wanting as spiffy as potential in case you select to have a good time. Like many lovers, in lieu of a White Christmas, I’d like to go for a drive tomorrow — though frankly right here within the Pacific Northwest, that appears unlikely. Both approach, it’s the right time to have a good time arguably one of many biggest items BMW has ever given the fanatic: the BMW M Coupe. Or as chances are you’ll comprehend it, the “clown shoe.” And in reality, this specific shoe occurs to be my very personal 1999 BMW M Coupe.
About My BMW M Coupe
By no means seen an M Coupe? You aren’t alone; my automotive fanatic father had no thought what he was after I despatched him photos, both. In actual fact, some folks will in all probability go their entire life with out seeing an M Coupe. In any case, the automotive is exceptionally uncommon. My M Coupe is one among 1,076 automobiles made in 1999; over the 5 mannequin years (1998-2002), solely 2,858 automobiles have been made for North America. My M Coupe is painted Boston Inexperienced, making it one among 73 for whole manufacturing. Its Darkish Beige Oregon upholstery — the commonest upholstery selection for Boston Inexperienced automobiles — makes it one among 61. Being a U.S. automotive, it comes with the S52 engine — a bit neutered in comparison with the Euro S50 or the later S54 engine that BMW put within the automotive — however a sweetheart in its personal proper. In actual fact, prior E36 possession largely put me comfy with shopping for the S52.
M Coupe Possession Expertise
Whereas I purchased the automotive sight unseen, I used to be lucky sufficient to get a short spell of seat time in a distinct M Coupe (humorous sufficient, the identical spec). I checked out the native automotive as a result of I used to be prepared to purchase, however wasn’t certain in regards to the seating place. An oddity of M Coupes is a set, non-adjustable steering wheel. It’s additionally a two-seater, so there’s solely a lot seat adjustment obtainable. Anyway, driving the automotive leads me to the purpose I’m making an attempt to make. The M Coupe has the excellence of being the only most attention-getting automotive I’ve ever pushed, a lot much less owned. I’ve been waved down in site visitors and accosted in parking tons by curious onlookers — some who knew precisely what they have been , others who eagerly wanted to search out out.
Driving the automotive isn’t altogether an unique expertise. However there are fairly a number of variations that make the M Coupe barely “higher” feeling as a driver’s automotive relative to the usual E36. It’s lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, and each facets are extraordinarily apparent the second you begin driving the automotive. Much less instantly apparent is the outdated E30-based rear suspension geometry; whereas the entrance suspension is E36 M3, the again is all E30 semi-trailing arm. Whereas that opens the door for lift-off oversteer — hardly a thought when piloting an E36 M3 — the automotive is completely able to remaining well-planted by way of an apex. In the meantime, the cabin is considerably extra cramped, and maybe a bit of bit noisier generally, than an E36. Nonetheless, the glass roof is a large win and helps alleviate claustrophobia.
Apart from driving the automotive, I haven’t finished a lot. The Coupe isn’t a day by day driver. So, I’ve solely put a handful of miles on it within the 5 months I’ve owned it. I put in the automotive’s authentic radio, and a textual content to a dealership pal obtained me the code in minutes. No leaks in the meanwhile, though the automotive may in all probability stand a cooling system refresh. Most likely a mission for subsequent 12 months. It helps that the unique proprietor maintained the automotive with a dealership for practically 20 years.
Why I Purchased an M Coupe
Once I moved on from my E46 M3, I used to be wanting in two very completely different instructions: an N55-powered M2 or E36 M3. Each would’ve marked returns to acquainted platforms. Then, I observed that M Coupe costs weren’t too far off from the place very nice E36 M3s have been promoting. Deciding to maneuver into an M Coupe was straightforward; I’ve beloved them since turning into conscious of their existence. It’s completely different sufficient from the E36 to really feel like one thing new. However, acquainted sufficient to be a identified amount because of largely shared working gear.
So, for the worth of a better mileage however well-sorted E36 M3, I picked up an exponentially rarer care that drives…positive, I’ll say it. Higher, though objectively it’s extra “completely different” than “higher.” BMW (or some other automaker) will nearly assuredly by no means make something fairly just like the M Coupe once more. No less than, definitely not one thing for folks in my tax bracket. The E36 3 Collection was my introduction to BMW and what made me a lifelong model devotee. The coupe is a logical bookend.
Every single day, new automobiles stray farther from the trail of pure aspiration and connectivity to the tarmac. However, maybe naively, I believe I’ve discovered the holy grail. For practically three many years, the M Coupe’s unmistakable proportions have inducted new zealots to the church of “clown shoe.” You’d be onerous pressed to discover a single particular mannequin that has that type of gravitas. Contained in the BMW model or in any other case. Glorious driving dynamics don’t harm, both. Proudly owning one is a present and a pleasure that supersedes period, not to mention season. If that isn’t timeless, I don’t know what’s.
