Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 M Coupe "Clownshoe" is loved for its quirky styling, mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, and surprising practicality. This particular M Coupe is a rare later model with the more powerful S54 6-cylinder engine shared with the E46 M3. It also boasts some great factory equipment including a limited-slip differential, a sunroof, and a Harman/Kardon sound system – along with several nice modifications like a Dinan air intake, a Dinan ECU tune, and a Dinan front strut tower brace. Plus, this M Coupe comes with a clean, accident-free Carfax report – AND it's offered with the added thrill of no reserve!
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe, finished in Titanium Silver Metallic with a black interior.
- This M Coupe is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this Z3 M's past.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, notable factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
- Notable modifications reported by the seller include a Dinan air intake, a Dinan ECU tune, a Dinan front strut tower brace, an Alpine head unit, AC Schnitzer pedal covers, and rear spoilers.
- Colloquially known as the Clownshoe, the Z3 Coupe joined the Z3 roadster in showrooms for 1999. Like its convertible counterpart, it used several E36-sourced parts, but it stood out with an unusual, shooting brake-like silhouette that blurred the line between a coupe and a hatchback. The M model benefited from the same 3.2-liter straight-6 as the M3.
- BMW built 678 examples of the Z3 M Coupe with the S54 6-cylinder engine for North America between February 2001 and May 2002, according to BMW M Registry.
- Power comes from an S54 3.2-liter inline-6, rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque in stock form. Due to the modifications performed to this Z3 M, it may produce more power, but a dyno sheet was not provided to confirm. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment reported by the seller includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Power sunroof
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated and power-adjustable seats
- Air conditioning
- Harman/Kardon sound system
- Cruise control
Modifications
Notable modifications reported by the seller include:
- Dinan air intake system
- Dinan ECU tune
- Dinan front strut tower brace
- Lowering springs
- Black kidney grilles
- Rear spoilers
- Alpine head unit
- Aftermarket shift knob
- AC Schnitzer parking brake handle
- AC Schnitzer pedal covers
Known Flaws
- Chips on the front end
- Ding on passenger-side quarter panel
- Curb rash on wheels
- 2019 date codes on tires
- Creases on the seats
- Some wear on interior touch points and trim panels
- Some corrosion on underbody components
Recent Service History
The seller reports that the following services have been performed:
- July 2025: Engine oil and filter changed, state inspection performed
Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Owner's manual
- Car cover with bag
Ownership History
The seller reportedly purchased this Z3 M in December 2023.
Seller Notes
Due to the modifications performed to this Z3 M, it may not pass emissions testing in some states. As always, it's the buyer's responsibility to perform all due diligence regarding registering this Z3 M in their respective state prior to placing a bid.