Why I Bought a BMW M Coupe And Why the “Clown Shoe” Still Feels Timeless

It’s Christmas Eve right here within the U.S., and I hope you’ve finalized vacation plans and received your tree trying as spiffy as doable should you select to have a good time. Like many fanatics, 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 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 you could 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 automobile fanatic father had no concept what he was taking a look at once I despatched him footage, both. In reality, some individuals will most likely go their entire life with out seeing an M Coupe. In spite of everything, the automobile is exceptionally uncommon. My M Coupe is one among 1,076 vehicles made in 1999; over the 5 mannequin years (1998-2002), solely 2,858 vehicles had been made for North America. My M Coupe is painted Boston Inexperienced, making it one among 73 for complete manufacturing. Its Darkish Beige Oregon upholstery — the most typical upholstery selection for Boston Inexperienced vehicles — makes it one among 61. Being a U.S. automobile, 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 automobile — however a sweetheart in its personal proper. In reality, prior E36 possession largely put me comfy with shopping for the S52.

M Coupe Possession Expertise

Whereas I purchased the automobile 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 automobile 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 out there. Anyway, driving the automobile leads me to the purpose I’m attempting to make. The M Coupe has the excellence of being the only most attention-getting automobile 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 had been taking a look at, others who eagerly wanted to search out out.

Driving the automobile isn’t altogether an unique expertise. However there are fairly just a few variations that make the M Coupe barely “higher” feeling as a driver’s automobile 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 automobile. 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 automobile is completely able to remaining well-planted via an apex. In the meantime, the cabin is considerably extra cramped, and maybe a bit of bit noisier normally, than an E36. Nonetheless, the glass roof is a large win and helps alleviate claustrophobia.

Aside from driving the automobile, I haven’t achieved a lot. The Coupe isn’t a each 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 automobile’s unique radio, and a textual content to a dealership buddy received me the code in minutes. No leaks in the intervening time, though the automobile might most likely stand a cooling system refresh. In all probability a challenge for subsequent 12 months. It helps that the unique proprietor maintained the automobile with a dealership for almost 20 years.

Why I Purchased an M Coupe

Once I moved on from my E46 M3, I 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 seen that M Coupe costs weren’t too far off from the place very nice E36 M3s had been promoting. Deciding to maneuver into an M Coupe was simple; I’ve liked them since changing 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 recognized 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…superb, I’ll say it. Higher, though objectively it’s extra “totally different” than “higher.” BMW (or some other automaker) will virtually assuredly by no means make something fairly just like the M Coupe once more. No less than, definitely 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 vehicles 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 almost three a long time, the M Coupe’s unmistakable proportions have inducted new zealots to the church of “clown shoe.” You’d be arduous pressed to discover a single particular mannequin that has that form of gravitas. Contained in the BMW model or in any other case. Glorious 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.