What’s more interesting than a clownshoe BMW Z3? Its M version, of course! Featuring a very period-appropriate Titansilber paintwork and a clean-cut and well serviced ‘S50B32’ engine, this Z3 is presented in almost mint condition, inside and outside, with a modest mileage and its complete stock documentation. As enthusiasts keep on chasing this beautiful coupe, this could be your one-in-a-lifetime shot to get one.

The E36/8, or “Clownshoe”, M coupe has become an attraction for fine palates, as its unconventional aesthetic and driving experience are defined as “otherworldly”.

The Z3 M Coupé version was brought together by merging the wide body of a Z3, the sought-after BMW drive mechanics, an exclusive design and the pumping heart of an M3: while early European models received the E36-based S50 (321hp, 260lb-ft, inline-six) engine, later ones mounted a S54 coming from the E46 production line. Though the ingredients were all there, the recipe didn’t become a crashing success right away, as just few were sold around the world and even fewer made it to our days in good condition.

As displayed here, this BMW Z3 M Coupè is currently for auction with the following equipment:

• (209) Limited Slip Differential (255)
• (243) Airbag for Front Passenger
• (260) Side Airbag Driver/F Passenger
• (305) Remote Control For Central Locking
• (314) Heated Windscreen Washer Nozzles
• (354) Green Stripe Widescreen
• (423) Floor Mats, Velour
• (428) Warning Triangle
• (441) Smokers Package
• (481) Sport Seats F Driver/front Passenger
• (494) Seat Heating F Driver/front Passenger
• (502) Headlight Washer System
• (510) Headlight Beam-throw Contr. F Low Beam
• (530) Air Conditioning
• (548) Speedometer with Kilometer Reading
• (669) Radio BMW Business RDS
• (692) Cd Changer I-bus Preparation
• (710) M Leather Steering wheel
• (785) White Direction Indicator Lights
• (807) Japan version
• (818) Main Battery Switch
• (845) Acoustic Belt Warning
• (853) Language Version english
• (875) Infrared Remote Control
• (925) Shipping Protection Package
• (992) Number Plate Attachment Management.

Externally, this Z3 shows almost no sign of aging, as the seller states the paintwork is in excellent condition and no minor chips have been reported. The 17-inch “Style 40 Roadstar” wheels shine as new, with no noticeable sign of kerbing, and are wrapped in Continental ContiSportContact 225/45 R17 for the front and 245/40 R17 for the rear. The vendor reports also that the passenger’s door is slightly loose, as its hinges require some tightening.

Moving inside, the interiors appear in quite good order despite more than two decades of life, and the cockpit it’s a solid proof: all gauges shine through the M-branded leather-wrapped steering wheel, framing 280-Km/h speedometer, like the tachometer and auxiliary gauges, all enclosed by a three-gauge cluster in the center stack.

The digital odometer indicates just over 100'000 km. The cabin features black leather over grey Alcantara details: the first covering the seats, dashboard, door cards and centre console, the latter casing the roof and the parking brake lever. All of the above showing minor signs of wear, definitely commensurate with the car’s age, and there is no visible damage to speak of. All touchpoints, including the steering wheel and gear knob, are in excellent condition as all the other interior trims, which present well.

Mechanically, the S50 inline-six engine hasn’t been modified, thus expressing all its 321 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque, with no reported issues. The seller notes that the car starts and runs with no issues and that the engine has been thoroughly maintained and serviced since the beginning of its life, as shown in the attached documentation.

This Z3 currently resides in Verona (Italy), belonging to its third owner, who has always parked it indoors and barely used it since its purchase by the end of 2020. Firstly registered for the Japanese market on 30/11/1999, it was then purchased by a British gentleman in London in 2016.

It is currently for auction, including its emergency stock kit, all its stock manuals and books and two original keys. Please, note that the car will be sold as registered in Italy, with new driving plates.