1999 BMW M COUPE

This 1999 BMW M Coupe is a superb example of a highly sought-after sports car. Equipped with the 316bhp 3.2-litre S50 straight-six that loves to rev, it is paired with a five-speed ZF manual transmission and rear-wheel drive through a limited-slip differential.

The early M Coupe’s engine was sourced from the E36 generation BMW M3 Evolution, and was installed within a bespoke Z3 body of a ‘shooting brake’ design. Its unusual styling meant that sales were relatively low, but the reception to its driving experience was superb. Over the last decade, the M Coupe has become a collectable modern classic.

This particular car is one of just 821 right-hand drive S50 models in the world. Manufactured in January 1999, it was delivered new to the UK and first registered in March. The car has been owned by the vendor for the last eight years, who has enjoyed some 13,000 miles behind the wheel.

Its paintwork is described as being in very good overall condition by the owner, albeit with some poorly applied paint from a previous touch-up on a front corner of the bonnet. There is also some slight clouding in the paint on the nearside front bumper where it meets the wheel arch panel, as well as a few minor chips and scuffs that are shown in the media gallery. The car sits on the original set of five-spoke alloy wheels, which have previously been refurbished in the Shadow Chrome finish.

All of the door jambs, boot and bonnet shuts are in great shape, with no signs of any corrosion. A thorough review of the MOT history shows that there have never been any advisories about rust to the chassis or bodywork either. The wheel arches are free of bubbling in the paintwork.

In the cabin, the interior is all original and is in sound condition. There are no rips or holes in the black and blue leather seats, and there is only minor wear on the driver’s seat bolster. The leather on the steering wheel airbag cover has lost some of its dye colour, but the M-branded and stitched rim is still in good order.

All of the switchgear and electrics work as they should, including the adjustable heated sport seats and the electric glass sunroof, as well as the Becker Grand Prix head unit and Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system. The stereo also features an iPod and Bluetooth connectivity module.

Lifting the bonnet reveals an engine bay in excellent condition, which appears to have been thoroughly detailed very recently and remains remarkably clean. Its cosmetic condition reflects its superbly-maintained mechanical status. The comprehensive history is detailed at the end of this description, showing an average of around 7,500 miles between every service.

The vendor has commissioned a range of work during his ownership to ensure the car is mechanically strong. This has included new VANOS bearings and solenoid; a replacement oil level sensor; new idler and deflection pulleys, and a replacement inlet cam sensor. The front wheel bearings have also been renewed, along with control arms and bushes, the front brake discs and calipers, handbrake cable and all of the brake pads.

Differential oil, gearbox oil and the brake fluid have all been renewed, as well as the differential mount bushing. The car has also been given a full wheel alignment. The vendor reports that as the car has been driven very little in the last three years, the front brake calipers will need refurbishing by the next owner.

The car is covered by a fresh MOT until July 2020, with only two advisories noting a minor oil leak and some front tyre wear. It is currently wearing a matching set of tyres all round, in size 225/45 ZR 17 at the front and 245/40 ZR 17 at the rear.

Accompanied by all of the original literature, including a complete book pack and the stamped service record, the car also comes with an extensive history file of invoices, as well as the tool kit and spare key.

This BMW M Coupe is a cherished and accident-free car, which has been well-documented by three of its owners on the z3mcoupe.com forum. It has been driven and enjoyed by all of its previous keepers, and is now ready to put a big smile on the face of a new owner.

Summary of service history:

6 miles – Pre-Delivery Inspection – Wyndham BMW Cardiff
1,191 miles – Running-in Inspection – Sytner BMW Cardiff
7,146 miles – Oil Service – Rydale BMW Cardiff
14,461 miles – Inspection I – Rydale BMW Cardiff
19,619 miles – Oil Service – Rydale BMW Cardiff
29,164 miles – Inspection II – Scotthall BMW Hampshire
38,524 miles – Oil Service – Sytner BMW City
44,227 miles – Inspection I – Cooper BMW Wimbledon
51,590 miles – Oil Service – BMW Heathrow
58,808 miles – Inspection II – Cooper BMW Wimbledon
66,668 miles – Oil Service – Cooper BMW Wimbledon
74,225 miles – Inspection I – Cooper BMW Wimbledon
81,493 miles – Oil Service – Specialist Cars BMW Luton
89,033 miles – Inspection II – Munich Legends
96,340 miles – Oil Service – Munich Legends
105,951 miles – Inspection I – CPC