Pulled up to a rare BMW [Archive] - bimmerfest

SmoothCruise

10-04-2005, 08:30 AM

So last night from work, I was following another BMW in my 6er. It looked like a hatchback from the rear, but it had the hood of a Z3. Because it was black and the way it was shaped, it looked like a really sporty hearse. It was cute and ugly at the same time, and when I pulled up next to the car at a stop light, I asked the lady driving the car what it was.

Surprised that I'd yell out, she giggled, and responded "It's called a BMW Z3 M Coupe".

She told me only 1200 were made.

Perhaps Alex Baumann, can post some pictures for those who haven't seen one.

Robert A

10-04-2005, 09:00 AM

It's not rare because BMW limited production. Rather, nobody really wanted them so they languished on dealers lots.

SmoothCruise

10-04-2005, 09:02 AM

It's not rare because BMW limited production. Rather, nobody really wanted them so they languished on dealers lots.

Ah thanks. I did not know that. Since they sat on dealers lots (these cars look really ugly, but so ugly they look cute.), how did they go for?

AriciU

10-04-2005, 11:46 AM

Ah, you found the "SHOE" :D I don't think they're rare though... maybe in the US they are. They have the 3.2l 320hp engine found in the M3 E36 if i'm correct. Quite a fun car, more fun then an E46 M3 cose of the weight.

Southern6er

10-04-2005, 11:52 AM

Here is one...

http://www.cdi-tuning.de/bilder/bmw-z3-m-coupe-1.jpg

Alex Baumann

10-04-2005, 11:58 AM

Check our very own Z forum, our members have the finest examples of that little beast :)

Brent P

10-04-2005, 12:03 PM

Here is one...

http://www.cdi-tuning.de/bilder/bmw-z3-m-coupe-1.jpg
Didn't Grandpa Munster drive one of those :D

SmoothCruise

10-04-2005, 02:30 PM

Didn't Grandpa Munster drive one of those :D

Definitely looks ugly, weird, and/or grotesque.

AriciU

10-04-2005, 02:34 PM

You should see it sideways :P

Southern6er

10-05-2005, 07:00 AM

The only reason that Grandpa Munster would drive one is because they drive like a bat outta hell!

I was in my 3 one day after meeting with an interior designer about reworking our home. He had a TV show on HGTV and came to see us. I was driving him out of our home neighborhood in the mountains and it was just sticking like GLUE. Made my 3 look sloppy! Once we got on the highway, I never saw him again - he was GONE!

Alex Baumann

10-05-2005, 07:08 AM

That's a love or hate relationship. I first saw the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1988. I think it's a unique design.

SmoothCruise

10-05-2005, 07:50 AM

That's a love or hate relationship. I first saw the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1988. I think it's a unique design.

Hmmmm...... a 'unique design' here is like saying your best friend's girl friend has a 'nice personality' as the only complement you can give. The car is definitely unique, and I would sure like one, but you got to admit it looks awkward.

Alex Baumann

10-05-2005, 09:30 AM

Hmmmm...... a 'unique design' here is like saying your best friend's girl friend has a 'nice personality' as the only complement you can give. The car is definitely unique, and I would sure like one, but you got to admit it looks awkward.

But your analogy implies that I'm hesitant to criticize BMW design generally and I'd root for anything that leaves Designworks, which is not the case. I've stated my likes and dislikes about the recent models many times on various threads.

I don't think that it's an awkward design. I will still stand by my statement that it's a unique BMW model. It bears a lot of traditional BMW trademarks from the past.

Malibubimmer

10-06-2005, 04:20 PM

Do you think the Z3 coupe inspired Bangle?

Alex Baumann

10-06-2005, 04:24 PM

Do you think the Z3 coupe inspired Bangle?

I wish I know what inspires him at all.

Malibubimmer

10-06-2005, 10:04 PM

I wish I know what inspires him at all.
Well, large-bottomed women, obviously.

Southern6er

10-07-2005, 11:50 AM

http://photos.velocityjournal.com/images/stk/1980/cd1980seville01.jpg

fm_illuminatus

10-10-2005, 11:48 PM

That's a love or hate relationship. I first saw the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1988. I think it's a unique design.

I'm hear M Coupe owners are fanatics about their cars (more than the rest of us). It is a really neat little car...

ratcatcher

06-29-2006, 01:36 PM

I have to say I think it looks great - obviously not a classic beauty, but the first time I saw one I wanted to jump up and down. Cheers to BMW for doing something outrageous!

Maybe they let some engineers have their way. Have not had the pleasure, but hear that the stiffer body has it all over the reg. Z3

Looks best in black, and they should have let that Rat Fink cartoonist (bulging blood-shot eyes etc.) touch up the promo shots.

325ic a beer

06-29-2006, 01:46 PM

I saw that exact car on a post in this forum in which a 15 year old kid takes european cops on a thrill ride at speeds up to 145 mph!!!
That sucker hauls booty!! Handles pretty incredible as well and takes severe punishment too.. That kid was going off roading, jumping off of curbs ,, basically going beserk before the cops got him. Maybe someone has that link??

chuck92103

06-29-2006, 02:02 PM

Here is one...

http://www.cdi-tuning.de/bilder/bmw-z3-m-coupe-1.jpg

And some have the nerve to pick on the 6. :tsk: There is a reason they call they "Z"'s. It is the frickin last letter in the alphabet and hopefully the last of the nonsense.

mapsbmw

06-29-2006, 02:37 PM

I, for one, thinks this is one awesome looking car. I can't wait till the funds allow me to have the new Z4 coupe as a second car.

I give a lot of credit to BMW for trying unconventional things with their styling. It sets them apart from other high-end marques.

cobradav

06-29-2006, 02:41 PM

M3, this M coupe and I were with a bunch of e24s/e28s. Got to say we three had the most fun. As a group we would lag so we could run the curves just a little (or a lot) more aggressive. The M coupe could do all sorts of tricks. I like the looks. This one was extra sharp with nice wheels, tint, and just a little twek on the engine (chip and pulley).

lawman800

06-29-2006, 02:53 PM

I test drove one and while it was fast, it was not the best for interior layout. I recall there was a fishnet which separated you from the hatch cargo area. Bumpy and noisy as hell too.

http://www.moonlight-vanner.de/_borders/Van-Japan5.jpg

gbelton

06-29-2006, 03:16 PM

http://photos.velocityjournal.com/images/stk/1980/cd1980seville01.jpg

And MAYBACH say's it is the original!:yikes:

Steve645

06-29-2006, 03:29 PM

I actually really like the M coupe. I was contemplating buying one before i bought my E55. I'd like an alpine white one with some 19" BBS CH wheels...would look sick.

lawman800

06-29-2006, 03:30 PM

Sick is the right word, Steve.

650iOzBoy

06-29-2006, 03:42 PM

I wish I know what inspires him at all.

Mrs Bangle's behind? :dunno:

MrMe

06-29-2006, 04:06 PM

The Z3M Coupe is a stunning car to drive.

They're popular over here, particularly now. You see a lot of them at track day events and I've got a few friends with them.

They'll keep with an E46 M3 (indeed the late model Z3M Coupe has the M3 engine in it).

They sound much throatier because the exhaust walls were thinner.

Cracking car to drive - but a love or hate one to look at.

lawman800

06-29-2006, 04:09 PM

I think the M coupe had less weight and were 0.2 seconds faster 0-60 too because of it. There's no doubt that car had the handling and power to weight to keep up with any good sports car out there but man, do they have to make it so ugly?