1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe: Clown Shoe

Today on Car Rave, we’re featuring this insanely fat 1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe – a car that often divides many.

First of all, there’s the history, which, true or not, has pushed the Z3 M Coupe into a god like car amongst BMW enthusiasts. The story goes that the Z3 M Coupe was developed in secrecy by the M-Division, unbeknown to parent company BMW, who didn’t originally want the car. As a result, there was minimal interference from the BMW board, allowing M-Division to build a rather bureaucracy-free performance car. Eventually fessing up, M-Division secured the Coupes future production only after the BMW board drove it, and realised its potential.

Now, believe what you will, but that’s one hell of a conception.

Secondly, there’s the looks, which are certainly…..different. Let’s start with the most obvious feature- the roof. Designed and engineered to tighten up the fun-but-floppy Z3 convertible chassis, it’s a completely functional addition. The result is a, er, unique looking breadvan/shooting brake type body. The media un-affectionately nicknamed it the “Clown Shoe”. Not too flattering. But then again I never thought the Z3 was a particularly stunning car from the get go.

But, history and looks aside, there’s no denying the cars performance credentials- these things were quick. First generation cars like this one received the S50 3.2 litre naturally aspirated six and five speed ZF manual box from the E38 M3, resulting in 236kws charging through a very short RWD chassis. Whilst not huge numbers by today’s standards, it’s important to remember that is from a naturally aspirated six cylinder. You’ll find no bi-turbos here, folks. In lieu of traction control, the engineers chose to instead pump the guards and stuff 245 tyres under the rear.

A few years ago, Z3 M Coupes were being touted as a good investment, with values set to soar. With price tag nearing the 6 figures, this example all but confirms that. It doesnt help that this is 1 of just 36 RHD S50 powered cars to land in Australia, making it an absolutely rarity. Thus turning the Z3 M Coupe into another car I will never likely to be able to afford.

Out of those 36, this would have to be one of, if not the best, Z3 M Coupes in the country. Tastefully modified, the owner has clearly put a lot of though into the look and performance, whilst also making critical improvements over the original spec. Most noteworthy, the critical rebuilding of the Vanos units- the Achilles heel of a lot of late 90’s/early 2000’s BMW’s. Oh, and ofcourse, how could you miss those iconic BBS RS that are perfectly fitted to the Z3 rear pumped guards. The list of modifications and improvements is lengthy, so it’s best to read the full ad below.

Personally, I love the BMW Z3 M Coupe. Its a strange, factory built hot rod, with an air of mystery and gossip surrounding it. A blip on the radar, from a time when BMW had some balls. Furthermore, I love the looks – not from a sheer beauty standpoint, but more function over form perspective. Whilst it does look tough, just knowing that the strange breadvan body was created purely to stiffen up the chassis makes the Z3 M Coupe all that more appealing.

Nowadays, the Z3 M Coupe is the kind of car you might see out and about once a year. Catching your eye across the traffic, and it’s a safe assumption that the driver will almost always be an enthusiast. The kind of person who could chew your ear off about late 90’s M cars for hours on end.

If this sounds like you, then you can find this 1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe on Carsales here for $91k.

1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe: In the owners own words

BMW Z3 M COUPE
Australian Compliance, Number Matching, Very Original
Year of manufacture: 1998
Just 1 of only 34 delivered to Australia.
1 of 821 RHD S50’s built worldwide.
1 of 2999 S50’s built worldwide.
Making this an extremely rare vehicle.
VIN No. WBSCM92050LB29154
ENGINE No. 6056178132651
Odometer Reading: 183,389 km’s – approx. 8,000 km’s per year.

Shooting Brake
Bread Van
Clown Shoe
3.2L High output S50 236kW inline six-cylinder, five speed manual.
0 – 100 km/hr. in 5.4 secs.
This is your chance to join one of the most exclusive car clubs in Australia – the M Coupe Club.
This is the ultimate rare, special order, collectable modern BMW M-COUPE, a truly modern classic.
Examples like this are almost never seen, especially in this condition!!!
Finished in stunning Estoril Blue with black leather interior throughout.
1 of only 821 RHD high output S50 engine examples ever built and 1 of 34 to ever be compliance and delivered to Australia from brand new.
Highly specified with all the options of the day, including full electrics, power windows and mirrors, central locking, power sunroof, cruise control, 10 speaker Harman / Kardon sound system, heated partial power sports seats, climate control air conditioning, velour floor mats, M-leather steering wheel, M door sill plates, rear window wiper, original factory M alloy wheels and many more extras – BUT WITH NO TRACTION CONTROL _ WOO HOO!!
In immaculate condition inside and out, comes with all the original delivery books and documentation, owner’s manual, service manual and receipts and comes with both original issued new car keys.
Virtually, still in as new condition and still looks and drives as brand new. Suit the most astute BMW Collector enthusiast shooting brake buyer who realizes the VALUE and RARITY of this special one of a kind, hard to come across BMW M-COUPE
Some of the service history completed on the vehicle includes –
Both vanos units were totally re-built by Mr. Vanos in the USA
Installed rear sub frame re-enforcement kit purchased from Randy Forbes USA in (All M-Coupes will need this $$ repair eventually).
Installed custom built coil-over suspension, with Koni sport shocks and Eibach springs especially valved and weighted to the M-Coupe by Ground Control California – The best you can get for these vehicles (motor vehicle modification approval permit supplied)
Currently running very rare and sort after BBS RS302 forged 3-piece wheels.18 x 8.5 front and 18 x 10 rear. These wheels were a custom order from Rotiform Custom Rims (California). The BBS RS302’s are an extremely rare wheel.
New clutch, flywheel, pressure plate and guibo installed May 2019.
Original un-opened first aid kit
After market stereo head unit with Bluetooth connectivity (original head unit supplied separately with vehicle)
AC Schnitzer front splitters and their fixings, painted Estoril Blue (supplied separately with vehicle)
ECS Tuning wheel spacers, front and rear (supplied separately with vehicle)
Original Road-Star wheels and lock nuts – 2 off new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres (supplied separately with vehicle)
New battery installed June 2019
Recently serviced in November 2019
So, if you want a head turning pristine car, that is very collectible and gaining in value every year, that will pass any mechanical test, then give me a call. I am selling only because I have another project that I want to make a start on.
Note – I will not respond to texts for requests for information.