Why I Purchased a BMW M Coupe And Why the “Clown Shoe” Nonetheless Feels Timeless

It’s Christmas Eve right here within the U.S., and I hope you’ve finalized vacation plans and bought your tree trying as spiffy as potential should you select to rejoice. Like many fans, 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 means, it’s the proper time to rejoice arguably one of many biggest presents BMW has ever given the fanatic: the BMW M Coupe. Or as you could comprehend it, the “clown shoe.” And actually, 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 individuals will most likely go their complete life with out seeing an M Coupe. In any case, the automotive is exceptionally uncommon. My M Coupe is certainly one of 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 certainly one of 73 for whole manufacturing. Its Darkish Beige Oregon upholstery — the commonest upholstery alternative for Boston Inexperienced automobiles — makes it certainly one of 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 comfortable 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 unique 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 positive in regards to the seating place. An oddity of M Coupes is a hard and fast, non-adjustable steering wheel. It’s additionally a two-seater, so there’s solely a lot seat adjustment accessible. Anyway, driving the automotive leads me to the purpose I’m attempting to make. The M Coupe has the excellence of being the one most attention-getting automotive I’ve ever pushed, a lot much less owned. I’ve been waved down in visitors and accosted in parking tons by curious onlookers — some who knew precisely what they have been , others who eagerly wanted to seek 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 elements are extraordinarily apparent the second you begin driving the automotive. Much less instantly apparent is the previous 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 slightly bit noisier normally, than an E36. Nonetheless, the glass roof is a large win and helps alleviate claustrophobia.

Aside from driving the automotive, I haven’t accomplished a lot. The Coupe isn’t a every 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 unique radio, and a textual content to a dealership good friend bought me the code in minutes. No leaks in the intervening time, though the automotive may most likely stand a cooling system refresh. In all probability a challenge for subsequent yr. 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 M3I used to be trying in two very totally 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 liked them since turning into conscious of their existence. It’s totally 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 M3I picked up an exponentially rarer care that drives…fantastic, I’ll say it. Higher, though objectively it’s extra “totally different” than “higher.” BMW (or every other automaker) will virtually assuredly by no means make something fairly just like the M Coupe once more. At the least, actually not one thing for individuals 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.

Each day, new automobiles stray farther from the trail of pure aspiration and connectivity to the tarmac. However, maybe naively, I feel I’ve discovered the holy grail. For practically three a long time, 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 sort of gravitas. Contained in the BMW model or in any other case. Wonderful driving dynamics don’t damage, 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.