The 1999 BMW M Hatchback stands as one of the most distinctive and exciting performance cars ever to come from BMW’s M Division. Finished in a beautiful red exterior over a black interior, this ultra-rare fixed-roof variant of the M Roadster combines bold design with true M-engineered performance. Showing only 45,171 miles, it represents the golden era of BMW — when naturally aspirated engines, rear-wheel drive, and a proper manual transmission defined what it meant to drive. From its wide stance and signature long hood to its muscular hatchback proportions, every angle of this M was built to express power, precision, and individuality.
Among enthusiasts, this car is affectionately known as the “Clown Shoe”, a nickname born from its unmistakable silhouette — long in front, short and muscular in back, and utterly unlike anything else on the road. What began as a playful jab quickly evolved into a badge of honor. The “Clown Shoe” became a cult classic precisely because it broke convention: a design that prioritized driving purity and chassis stiffness over styling conformity. Today, that once-controversial shape is celebrated as one of BMW’s most iconic and collectible M designs.
At its heart lies BMW’s celebrated 3.2-liter inline-six, producing 240 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission that defines the car’s personality. The shift feel is mechanical and precise, connecting the driver directly to the powerband with each movement. The M Hatchback rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, topping out at a governed 155 mph. This drivetrain configuration — naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive, and manual — remains one of the purest expressions of BMW’s performance philosophy.
Inside, the focus on the driver continues. Deeply contoured Nappa leather bucket seats deliver both comfort and control, featuring 4-way power adjustment for the driver, 2-way manual adjustment for the passenger, and heating elements for both. These seats are matched to a leather-wrapped shifter that fits perfectly in hand, making every gear change feel deliberate and rewarding. The cabin’s design is simple, focused, and functional — exactly what enthusiasts expect from an M car.
Adding refinement to its performance core, the M Hatchback comes equipped with a premium Harman/Kardon sound system that fills the compact cabin with crystal-clear sound, and a power glass tilt roof panel that brightens the interior while maintaining the coupe’s sleek roofline. The hatchback configuration not only makes this M visually unique, but also impressively practical, offering space for luggage or weekend gear — something few performance cars of its era could claim.
With its clean CARFAX, low mileage, and pure enthusiast specification — 3.2L inline-six, 5-speed manual, heated Nappa leather buckets, Harman/Kardon audio, and hatchback versatility — this 1999 BMW M delivers everything that defines the M legacy. It’s a driver’s car through and through, affectionately nicknamed the “Clown Shoe” for its one-of-a-kind silhouette, and cherished by collectors and drivers alike for the exact same reason — there has never been, and never will be, another M quite like it.