Year: | 2000 |
Make: | BMW |
Model: | M Coupe (E36) |
Mileage: | 86,109km |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | RWD |
Engine: | 3.2-liter inline six |
Exterior Color: | Blue |
VIN Number: | WBSCM9104LB57*** |
What happens when five passionate BMW engineers with minimal marketing finesse take it upon themselves to transform a roadster into an exhilarating high-performance coupe? The answer is the BMW M Coupe.
When released in 1999, its unorthodox shooting-brake styling turned drivers away in droves. The long hood and breadmobile cabin quickly earned it the nickname “clown shoe.” But enthusiasts gradually came to recognize the unrivaled performance and gained appreciation for its distinctive styling as well. Many fans now consider the body muscular and attractive. They love the aggressively flared rear fenders, the batmobile front end, the dozen or so eye-catching available colors, and even the eccentric front “kidney” grilles. In fact, the M Coupe has become nothing less than a cult classic beloved by enthusiasts and collectors alike — as reflected by skyrocketing prices that can reach 60% higher than the original MSRP.
The first-generation M Coupe shares many of its components with the Z3 Roadster, including doors, several body panels, much of the front end and most of the interior. But BMW added wider wheels and made the chassis around 2.6 times more torsionally rigid than the roadster’s. This remarkable structural stiffness contributes to exceptional handling supported by very precise steering, incredible grip and stability, powerful brakes that are easy to control, and clear feedback that keeps you connected with the road. The M Coupe corners sharply with no perceptible body roll, making it easy to drive aggressively on surpentine mountain roads. You have to push the M Coupe hard to experience twitchiness and understeer. The ride is firm, as you would expect from a sports machine, courtesy of front MacPherson struts and rear semi-trailing arms.
The powerful 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve straight-six S50 engine in the European (and Japanese) version of the first-generation M Coupe accelerates the M Coupe from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds thanks to 258 lb/ft of torque at 3,250 rpm and 321 hp at 7,400 rpm — nearly 100 hp per liter. This modified version of the European E36 M3 engine features an aluminum cylinder head, lightweight pistons, a high 11.3:1 compression ratio, multipoint injection, BMW/Siemens MSS 50 engine management and VANOS continuously variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust valves. It delivers strong torque across the entire rpm range for smooth, tractable power at low vehicle speeds and instant acceleration at high vehicle speeds. When you press the pedal, it roars like a jet engine. Top speed is officially limited to 155 mph, but goes higher, and fuel efficiency is a respectable 15mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. The transmission, one of BMW’s best, is a ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox precisely controlled through short shift throws.
The interior is spacious with plenty of legroom, even for tall drivers, and lots of room for groceries and luggage in the rear where a partition net and cargo cover are provided. Contoured two-tone leather sports seats provide firm support around corners as well as two-stage heating and power adjustment. The cockpit is highlighted by a big three-spoke steering wheel, sporty meters with red needles, three chrome-ringed gauges in the center console (clock, volt-meter and oil temperature), straightforward climate controls and an illuminated leather shift knob.
This blue 2000 BMW M Coupe looks new despite its 86,000 kilometers and has been extremely well maintained by its attentive owner in Japan. It’s the standard model, with everything stock from alloy wheels to two-tone blue/black interior, and is super fun to drive.
Only 6,318 units were produced in total during the M Coupe’s 1998 to 2002 production run. So you get stared at wherever you drive it. The rarity also means that M Coupes retain their value more than most modern BMWs. First-generation models like this blue one remain relatively affordable, for now, but many second-generation models with more powerful engines are selling for over 50,000 US dollars.
If you’ve caught the BMW M Coupe bug and must find one for yourself, then by all means contact Japan Car Direct. Some of the best deals can be found in Japan, where prices are often lower, vehicles are often in better condition, and the incredible range of choices is simply unparalleled.
Importing used cars directly from Japan can lead to big savings over local dealers, and Japan Car Direct can make the process easy. We help you find the right vehicle from an auction, specialist dealer or private owner in Japan, arrange for a third-party inspection, make the purchase and export the vehicle to your nearest port without delay. This is true not only of M Coupes, but also JDM performance cars, German LHD and RHD luxury cars, Italian supercars or whatever drives your dreams. Contact Japan Car Direct today and transform your dream to reality.
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I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
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Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
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Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
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Yoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all... read moreYoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all of the first-time questions I had about the process. The vehicle I got was exactly as I expected based on the pre-bidding inspection that they organized and I am beyond thrilled with my new (to me) little van. I'll definitely be working with them again for the next vehicle I look to import read less
This was our first time importing a vehicle and we would hands down use Japan Car Direct again. Taylor made everything so simple and stress free. We would our Toyota... read moreThis was our first time importing a vehicle and we would hands down use Japan Car Direct again. Taylor made everything so simple and stress free. We would our Toyota Land Cruiser and would definitely use Japan Car Direct again. read less
First time importing a vehicle and Taylor did a great job guiding me the entire way! 5 star service! Excited about my new mini truck!
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Good experience throughout the entire process. They had the patience to help me find what I was looking for, when it arrived it was in great condition as I expected... read moreGood experience throughout the entire process. They had the patience to help me find what I was looking for, when it arrived it was in great condition as I expected it to be via the inspections and information provided. read less
First time customer review:
All around a great company to work with. Mathew was very responsive and helped me throughout the entire process. With this being the first time importing a... read moreFirst time customer review:
All around a great company to work with. Mathew was very responsive and helped me throughout the entire process. With this being the first time importing a vehicle, there were a lot of questions I had and he made sure to answer everything and kept me posted throughout the process. I would highly recommend Japan Car Direct and would happily work with them in the future. read less
My sales rep at JCD, Taylor, was amazing. He was quick to get me auction info, provided me good insights on possible price points, and was ready to answer any... read moreMy sales rep at JCD, Taylor, was amazing. He was quick to get me auction info, provided me good insights on possible price points, and was ready to answer any questions all the way through the process. The import was painless and the car is great. I will 100% use them again in the future! read less
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