Doug's Take

I'm a huge fan of the BMW Z3 M Coupe, as it boasts lovable, quirky styling that also provides surprising practicality, thanks to a useful hatchback grafted onto a Z3 M Roadster. This particular M Coupe has a lively S52 6-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It also features some great factory equipment including 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a power sunroof, and a Harman/Kardon sound system – along with only minimal modifications. Plus, this M Coupe comes with relatively low mileage and dry-climate California ownership since new, which are nice benefits that further enhance its appeal.

Highlights

THIS... is a 2000 BMW Z3 M Coupe, finished in Imola Red with an Imola Red and black interior.

• This Z3 M features a 5-speed manual transmission, and its odometer currently displays approximately 46,000 miles.
• The attached Carfax history report shows no mileage discrepancies in this Z3 M’s past; it also shows California ownership since new.
• According to the window sticker provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. The only modification reported by the seller is a chrome finish on the factory wheels.
• The E36/8 or Clownshoe M Coupe has become sought-after by enthusiasts for its unconventional aesthetic and engaging driving experience. Built as a hybrid of the E30 and E36 chassis, the M Coupe combines hatchback practicality, a capable engine, and a competent chassis in one, analog package.
• Power comes from an S52 3.2-liter inline-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

Equipment

A window sticker is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment is shown below:

• 17-inch Style 40 wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Power sunroof
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable and heated sport seats
• M leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Harman/Kardon sound system
• CD player

Modifications

• Wheels refinished in chrome

Known Flaws

• The attached Carfax history report indicates that this Z3 M sustained "minor to moderate damage" to the front, left side, right side, and roof in December 2021. The seller reports that the damage was caused by sand debris on the freeway and that the front bumper, hood, and roof were refinished and the windshield and headlights were replaced.
• Some chips and scratches around the exterior
• Curb rash on driver's side front wheel
• 2017 date codes on tires
• Creases on the driver's seat
• Wear on interior touch points and trim panels
• Wear on the footwell carpets
• Headliner is sagging

Recent Service History

Service records detail most of the maintenance performed on this Z3 M and are available upon request. The attached Carfax history report shows that the following services have been performed:

• March 2022 (45,591 miles): Seatbelt assembly replaced
• January 2022 (45,413 miles): Tire(s) balanced

The seller reports that the battery was replaced in November 2021. Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 1 key
• Owner's manual
• Window sticker
• Service records

Ownership History

The seller is representing this Z3 M on behalf of the owner, who reportedly purchased it when new in June 2000. The seller notes that the attached Carfax report shows an ownership change in error when a new title was issued in November 2023.

Previous Listing
This 2000 BMW M Coupe was delivered new to Hancock BMW of Columbia, South Carolina, and purchased new by the current owner who relocated it to California. The car is powered by a 3.2-liter S52 inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission and is finished in Imola Red II over Imola Red and Black Nappa leather. Equipment includes chrome 17″ wheels, a limited-slip differential, a pop-up glass roof panel, a Lo-Jack vehicle theft recovery system, Harman Kardon audio, air conditioning, and cruise control. This Z3 M Coupe has 46k miles and is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a window sticker, the owner’s manual, service records, and a clean California title.

This M Coupe is one of 79 examples finished in Imola Red II (405) over Imola Red and Black Nappa Leather for the model year. Features include a pop-up glass roof panel, front fender vents, a rear window wiper, and quad stainless-steel exhaust outlets as well as a Lo-Jack vehicle theft recovery system. The Carfax report shows “minor damage” occurring to the front, left, and roof of the car in December 2021. According to the seller, the front bumper cover, hood, and roof were repainted, and the windshield and the sunroof glass were replaced. Close-up images can be seen in photos presented in the gallery below.

Chrome 17″ Style 40 wheels are wrapped in 225/45 front and 245/40 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires showing 2017 date codes. Braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs.

The cabin features Imola Red and Black Nappa leather covering the heated and power-adjustable sport seats with a matching center console and door panel inserts. Amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, an alarm system, dual airbags, a BMW Business cassette stereo with a trunk-mounted disc changer, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The M-branded leather-wrapped steering wheel features tri-color stitching and frames chrome-ringed instruments consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The digital odometer indicates 46k miles, all of which were added under current ownership.

The 3.2-liter S52B32 inline-six features VANOS variable valve timing and was factory rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The battery was replaced in November 2021.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a ZF five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The seller notes that the rear differential mounting and trunk floor welding have not been addressed.

The window sticker shows initial delivery to Hancock BMW, factory colors, options, and a total suggested retail price of $42,870.

The Carfax report shows the aforementioned damage report in December 2021 and lists history in California with one owner from new.