[Speedyf16]

My buddy is looking to sell me his '99 S52 M Coupe Clown shoe in Estoril Blue with 102,000 miles for around $33-35k (Canadian dollars).

Originally a California car, it made it's way up to Canada and he bought it in ~2012 when we were in our 20s and it was such a fun car until he sold it for an E46 M3. He bought it back from the guy he sold it to a few years ago and now he's looking for me to be the next custodian of it.

It's got an AC Schnitzer classic exhaust and both the OEM wheel set and a set of BBSs. It's in fantastic shape inside and out. He's one of my closest friends so I trust the car doesn't have any gremlins to his knowledge and he has kept meticulous care of it beside his 996 GT2, 997 GT3 and 996 Turbo. We're just hoping to "keep it in the family."

I think it would sit nice beside my new G82 and '96 Integra, but I don't know tooooo much about S52 Clown shoes other than I remember really loving driving it way back in 2012...we don't live in the same city anymore but I'm planning to visit in the spring to take it for a spin.

Any general thoughts? Things to look out for?

Thanks!

[SYT_Shadow]

oh God, absolutely beautiful. I want one even if it doesn't run, just to look at!!

[M-technik-3]

From Google " Common issues with a BMW Z3M Coupe include a weak rear subframe, which can fail due to the car's powerful engine, potential problems with the VANOS system, cooling system concerns, worn out suspension bushings, electrical glitches, and potential issues with the convertible top mechanism (if a roadster), along with the typical BMW concerns like aging interior materials and potential oil leaks; always check the car's maintenance history thoroughly before purchase. "

Randy Forbes Did a reinforced setup that worked well, Not sure if he is still making them or if someone else is doing it. The cooling system and the headgasket they are known issues and expect to replace the whole system. Water pumps used to be prone to failure not sure if they still have the same issues as BMW revised the plastic impeller. Oil pump nut backs of and the gear then falls off the pumpkin loosing oil pressure. Reqiores dropping the pan and safety wiring the nut to the pulley. Good to do when changing the gasket. Plastics and window seals might be failing E36's were built to be disposable, when the bean counters took over and said no more overbuilt cars we want sales, not service for a 20 year old car.....

[Speedyf16]

Thanks for that summary of what to keep an eye out for

[NickyC]

I had a bunch of Z3M Roadies and one S54 Z3M Coupe back in the day, all were absolutely wonderful machines. For the S52 cars, the big issue is the rear subframe, the oil pump nut, and the seat belt holders on the seats always, always break. The S54 cars had bad rod bearings as well, I had the rods in my 01 Z3MC escape onto the road one day when I was driving down the highway. Luckily it was a known issue then so warranty took care of it no question.

As long as the car is in decent shape, I couldn't recommend it enough. Not sure I'd be so happy paying $30k for a car that old, however, I wouldn't even consider it over $15k. I'll duck out now before the MCoupe Mafia shows up and starts bombarding my DM box. Worst thing I ever said on those forums back in the day was I preferred the Roadster.

[Tambohamilton]

30k CAD = 21k USD

[M3SQRD]

Absolutely beautiful car! I remember test driving an Imola Red s54 Z3MC in 2002 and it was a blast to drive. However, i ended up waiting and getting a ‘03.5 IR/IR e46 M3 which i still own.

[pbonsalb]

I would have a 2001 for the S54 engine if I had room for a car collection — the Clown Shoe is a toy for occasional use these days in my opinion. I don’t have anything to add to the lists above, except to say that all the S52 stuff is common to the M3 as well and not a reflection on the Z3 other than the tighter engine bay being harder to work in and perhaps being hotter. The rear subframe is the real issue and some have shipped their cars to FL for Randy Forbes to bulletproof but he also sells the kit and shops elsewhere in the country can install them.

[ppointer]

I would say @M-technik-3 covered things really well. I would also say the price is pretty close to market. I have an '01 Z3M roadster. Great car and love driving it.

[pikkagtr]

You want an E86 for the S54 and the 6spd Manual vs the old 5spd
No rear subframe issues as well
The E86 M coupe is the "Real" clown shoe 🤣

[MSH_]

I still miss mine to this day! What a car. I had mine (S52 as well) set up for track work with GC/Koni coilovers + GC camber plates, Conforti SW tune, HMS harness bar & Schroth harnesses, S54 oil cooler, dedicated track wheelset w r compounds, 3.73 diff, UUC Short shift kit and a bunch of other stuff I cant remember.

My subframe did end up cracking early on in my ownership and I had it repaired under warranty by BMW. I immediately took it to TC Designs in the SF bay area for reinforcement after BMW repair and never had an issue after that. I added some poly subframe bushings to. Definitely make sure you check that out as others have mentioned it was common issue. Other than that mine was bulletproof with probably 60-75+ track days on it.

[Speedyf16]

Thanks folks! I'll go over these things with him in the spring when I visit.

And yea, with our horrid Canadian dollar right now, 30k is about 21k USD as said above haha...