WHAT IS IT?
Perhaps the most controversial yet immediately collectible car from the BMW brand, the Z3 M Coupe was a more rigid answer to the Z3 roadster for those seeking a high-performance two-seat experience. The hatchback practicality and “clown shoe” styling certainly makes it unique. Powered by an inline six and with rear-wheel drive, 240 hp, and a 5-speed manual transmission, this could be the ultimate hot hatch. That added practicality and handling prowess could make this a fantastic tour/rally car. Was there another car with a similar hatchback, I6, RWD setup in the US since the MGC-GT of the late 1960s? It remains an iconic and distinctive car for those seeking an analog high-performance experience that will attract the attention of those “in the know.” As we mentioned in the past, only 2,858 M Coupes were produced, and the tin-top examples are even rarer.
WHY THIS ONE HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
We featured another M Coupe before here on TBOOTP, and while that was a lower-mile example, this one is even better and doesn’t share that prior example’s cosmetic deficiencies. With only 11,000 miles, the black metallic paint and dark beige interior look pristine. The sunroof delete option is prized in part because it adds a bit of headroom for taller drivers (and perhaps that helmet for track days). This is listed on Bring a Trailer with no reserve and should be an auction worth watching.
The hatchback practicality and “clown shoe” styling certainly makes it unique.
THE VERDICT
(Delivered by Chief Judge Dave Kinney)
Hammer dropped, find a better one and I will consider it, but for today, I’m ready to declare this the Best One On the Planet.
Best on the Planet May 5, 2025 – Present
Auction Link:Â https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-bmw-m-coupe-109/
Great cars for sure, I got mine M Coupe in January and drove it from San Francisco to South Florida on a 8 days road trip. Epic drive and not a single issue!
Since then 4-5 days road trips to Atlanta, Asheville, and Spartanburg South Carolina to check out the BMW Zentrum. Still not a single problem and the car feels and drives amazing!
What’s make a given car “BEST ONE ON THE PLANET”? Very low miles driven, not enjoyed as it was meant, sold repeatedly makes it best?
It’s up for a debate I guess.
You make a good point Bill. While this car’s history of going from owner-to-owner without significant use is sad given the fact that these are amazing cars to drive, the objective quality of this example is hard to argue with. Maybe it’s just me, but if I were the winning bidder at what might hit $75K or more, I’d treat it like a new car that is bound to experience some depreciation and just drive the hell out of it, and frankly, let this site and a window decal memorialize the time and place when it was the best one on the planet.
Agree Rob, you know how the saying goes “It’s not how many years you live, but how you live your years”.
I’d be happy to own this beautiful Z3, and yes drive it as it was meant to be. Mine is now showing 162K and drives like a dream
If this isn’t the best extant, I can’t imagine what is. This should come close to or break six figures.
This one appears utterly beyond reproach. Unless there’s one in the wrapper at BMW Welt, I’m sold. The new buyer of this car is going to be thrilled, and probably at least $75K lighter in the wallet. I hope it gets used instead of living its life as an auction frequent-flier. There’s simply nothing like a BMW Z3 M Coupe on the market today.
Hammer dropped, find a better one and I will consider it, but for today, I’m ready to declare this the Best One On the Planet. Fellow Jurors?