A unique opportunity to acquire a ‘project’ S54 Z3 M coupe in signature Estoril blue metallic.
Our definition of project car doesn’t really do this particular ZM coupe justice. The most desirable of the Zs, this S54 powered pocket rocket runs like a dream, drives well on the road and is a perfectly ownable, useable machine. So why are we not retailing this car in our showroom in the traditional way? Simply because there are a number of small to medium sized issues – particularly cosmetically – which the current owner does not wish to address, feeling that the choice of works carried out, and the standard of those works, should be left to the new owner – and we agree with him. There are some areas of light corrosion (nothing structural or dangerous) and some paint inconsistencies. There are some mechanical issues – top mounts, bushes, noisy diff etc – the usual. The overall condition of the interior matches the mileage, the history is good, and the car sports an expensive AC Schnitzer back box upgrade – all of which make this S54 a tantalising prospect for any M fan who likes a fun challenge – at a very affordable price.
Our showroom team will be on hand to supply any detail required.
Nothing on the roads looks like the Z3M coupe. Even Ferrari, with their blatant copy-cat FF model failed to capture the aggression and purpose of the pocket rocket that delighted buyers upon its launch back in the late 90s. Developed by a break away group within BMW M as a side project (imagine that happening today?!) this two seater M3 eater is every bit as rewarding as it looks. Cool, unusual, fast and fiery, the M coupe in S54 guise is a rare machine indeed. Only 165 of these awesome machines were built by BMW in right hand drive.
The first edition of the M coupe used the earlier generation S50 engine from its sister car, the E36 M3. Fast as it was, the S50 demanded hard revving to return its reward, and by 2001 lacked the grunt needed to see off BMW’s rivals. But it appears BMW ran out of engines before they ran out of shells. So, they installed the brand new S54 3.2 lifted from the newly launched E46 M3 into the last run – with miraculous results. On paper, the difference is a mere 4bhp. In the real world it feels like at least 40. The free revving characteristics remained, but with the power instantly available, throughout the range. Smoother, torquier, more responsive – in other words chalk and cheese.
In an M coupe you sit more or less directly over the back wheels, so every bit of feedback is transmitted direct from the tarmac to your behind. This makes for an intuitive ride – and one that true driving enthusiasts will certainly enjoy. The snug cabin is pure classic sports car, the centre console and dash beautifully designed with its plethora of dials and gauges, giving you the immediate sense that you’re driving something really special. Then it throws you a curve-ball. It’s a compact two seater – but with a hatch-back boot and load area, large enough for a Labrador or set of golf clubs. Or, better still, a weekend’s worth of luggage for that spur-of -the-moment road trip.
With its huge tyres bulging obscenely from the wide rear arches, and fat quad exhaust pipes, the Z coupe finally had the engine to match the design. Although kitted out with a clever M limited slip differential, BMW judged it too lairey to be released without traction control – but it can of course be turned off. The sports seats and M cabin trim finish off the look, and leave you begging to drive it. You won’t be disappointed.
Please contact our showroom team on 01825 740456 or email sales@munichlegends.com for more information or to book a viewing.
