M Coupe Buyers Guide

Thanks.. emailed again and also your contact in CO.

Excellent website. I have been enamored with the M Coupe since its inception. I recall telling one of my friends, who was a serious car guy, “That one’s going to be a collector one day”. I was 28 at the time and owning one was a distant hope. I find myself now (at age 40) seriously contemplating finally being able to purchase an incredible (albeit unnecessary and extravagant) toy for myself. Though it will be a few more years before I’m able to save up the $$ for the “one”, I really appreciate your work and dedication for the good of the order. Thanks!

@Jon Martin
Thanks! It may be a tall order since Phoenix Yellow is my all time favorite color. From the site, I gather that you’re in Ft. Collins. I did my undergrad at CSU. Some day when we decide to road trip back out to CO, I’d love to check out your car. Happy New Year!

Hi Jon,
I just wanted to update your Sold listings. I bought this car:
http://listings.mcoupebuyersguide.com/listing.aspx?ListingID=145

I actually picked it up August 28th and paid $18,750 after having the seller get it aligned and fixing a small item or two. It’s in great shape and is a nice car. The new tires he mentions in the listing are 275s in the rear, with stock worn out Michelins in the front, so the handling is a little weird, but new tires up front will fix that.

Cheers,

Will

Just notice that the Steel Grey eBay coupe has a new BIN price of $14,500 (!!) Kind of cagey on the ever changing description of its title status; must need the cash quick. Smokin’ deal though.

Called the seller for this Grap Mcoupe
http://listings.mcoupebuyersguide.com/listing.aspx?ListingID=265 that was listed on Ebay with the salvage title , but getting conflicting answers about the title .
He say’s he had the car since 2009 , but the Autocheck report shows that it was retitled in 2010 in MD state ? Not sure if everything is legit on this one

This 2002 grey coupe in MD is sold . Just got a call from the seller that he got an offer/deposit even after I scheduled a PPI from the bmw delaership on friday .

Bad luck strikes again for me in the same month …Guess , I have to move faster the next time around or wait few more months because this is getting ridiculous ..

Thanks so much for your wonderful site Jon. So very thorough and helpful to someone like me who is in the market for a nice low mile 2001-2002. As well as a novice to the BMW world in general. (former Lotus owner here) I really just started looking and am SO anxious but I’m trying to follow your mantra of being patient and waiting for the right fit. I’m in San Diego and there are some great drives around here…I’m itching to get on them with my future ride! Again thanks and I’ll keep checking to see what pops up! David

Thanks Jon. This will be fun…a wish list! I’m still a novice when it comes to the M Coupe but I know enough that it is a car that will totally suit me. I’m interested in a car that I don’t have to worry about when setting out. I know that BMW is a reliable brand but it seems this car does have some quirks that I need to be aware of. -Ok with me….I’ve owned 4 Lotus cars before! I’d like under 25,000 miles if possible, under $30,000.- if possible. Relatively stock but am open to quality mod’s. LOVE the two tone interiors, especially the Imola and black. Outside, grey, black, white, silver, Laguna Seca blue or??? Close to San Diego is great but for the right price shipping would work. Thanks for your inspiration, David

Thank you for the great website. I am visiting several times a day in my hunt for an M Coupe. I went to check out the Cosmos Back 99 in Miami. The car is not too bad but it is not without issues. I am not a mechanic or professional collector, just someone who has been lucky to own many fun cars. Ive had some nice ones and Ive made some mistakes too. Heres my take.

The good- Motor seemed strong, no strange sounds. Tranny shifted good, shifter nice and tight. No rattles. Seats looked good. A/C blows cold and blower works properly in all settings. Front tires in good shape. They are willing to allow a PPI.

The bad- All 4 rotors look like they need to be replaced as they are groved and pretty worn. The drivers seat rocks back and forth-something that is an easy fix. Drivers Some paint touch ups that could have been done better. The rear Toyo’s will need replacing soon. There is a moderately loud rumbling noise-probably rear wheel bearings or tires. The clutch feels strange-all the action is at the bottom 2″. The head lights are dull but they would probably polish up nicely. The volume know on the radio seemed to work strangely- not really sure if its supposed to be this way but it takes lots of turns before it changes volume. The drivers side window is scrathed up. The front bumper had extra holes from plates.

The Better Business Bureau gave the dealer a C- rating today, last night it was rated as a D-.
http://www.bbb.org/south-east-florida/business-reviews/automobile-dealers-imported-cars/european-car-sales-of-america-in-miami-fl-90006378

Because of the price I was really expecting a cleaner car. I dont think the car is too far gone but who ever buys it should probably have a reserve for repairs. I didnt really want to post such detail about the car without consulting this sites owner first, but I couldnt find a link to your email. Please feel free to edit/delete my post.

Id like to add that after seeing how different a car can look in person compared to the pics, I have become less willing to travel very long distances for an M Coupe. I am actually kind off dissapointed because I had hoped to flysomewhere with my wife and drive back together. She needs a break from the kids and I need and an M Coupe BAD.

Hi guys. Thanks so much for this site. I used it to learn, locate and eventually buy a 1999 Boston Green M coupe. I paid $17750, 72K miles and seems to be in great shape some pics are available at

http://www.snapfish.com/earthlink/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4618030006/a=18395499_18395499/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Sorry, to view the above pics you have to create a snapfish account, its easy and free.

I really appreciate you having put this site together! Where I live I can count the # of M coupes within 500 miles on my index finger!! Can you be reached to discuss price points for the 2000/1999 models. I’m a serious buyer, but most of the asking prices seem reflective of wishful thinking & not fair market value…

First, I want to say how useful this site is for all of us out here and there that love and care about these cars. When I go to Edmunds.com or KBB.com and see what they list average retails prices for M coupes, I am left scratching my head since there is a big disconnect between their average price and what these cars seem to be selling for. Are they only collecting data from dealerships?

I do have a question regarding your valuation based on scarcity, particularly in connection with interior color combinations. I know that preferences are just that and a matter of taste, but just because a red and black interior is rare, does that mean it adds value? Before I bought a titanium silver with a dark gray and black nappa interior, I passed on a red and black interior one. To me it looks garish and not particularly attractive at all. I think maybe so few were made because BMW might have guessed they would not be everyone’s cup of tea. Not trying to insult anyone’s taste here, just wondering whether rarity for an off-beat color combo translates into higher value. Thanks again for the site.

Thanks for quick reply. Your evaluation article is informative. The biggest potential problem may not be bank loans but insurance payouts in the event of a totaling accident. Looking at published sales data, an insurance company could fairly (from their standpoint) write a check for $12,000 for a car that would sell for closer to $20k. That’s a lot of money to leave on the table.

Also thanks for your views on why originally unpopular colors are now commanding more in the market place. Even if I had a crystal ball, I would have bought conservative. I would have had to look at the seats every day, swallow hard and remind myself that the car will be worth more sometime in the future. Not a good trade off for me, but as I said all a matter of taste. Thanks. @Jon Martin

Hi, I just contact the seller and it is a savage title. Driver side door was damage and repaired.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2296398468.html
What is the good price to offer if it’s a salvage title for this car?

HI JON !

JUST FYI I S0LD MY S54 2002 WITH 29650 MILES TODAY FOR 27K JUST INCASE U WANT TO UPDATE IT IN YOUR LIST.
THANKS AGAIN FOR RUNNING SUCH NICE WEBPAGE….
SINCERELY.
JAWAD

ALL,
On the 1999 M-Coupe 1999 Estoril Blue over Black
Chicago, IL – $14,999… apparently a deposit has just been received on it, However they do not have the entire service history (records) on it.

I need to ask your opinion on a car. It was the silver 1999 with imola red interior 64,750 that sold on August 5th 2010 for $16,500. It is on a used car dealers lot in Florida price is way to high, but what concerns me is that it is very dirty under the hood w/ oil / grease caked near the power steering bottle. The odometer shows 68,537 miles since last August. I wonder if they clocked it. The other big issue is the clutch engages right off of the floor.

Thanks,
Emmanuel

Hey Jon, I wanted to update my coupe from purgatory. It’s the Imola Red M coupe from Wilson, NC. I relisted on CL at $14,995 a few days ago. It sold in 24 hours for $14,300. The new owners put on tires and had the hood buffed and it looks great!!

Just a tip, you posted somewhat negative comments about the car based upon the review of a potential buyer that made me a low ball offer and was disgruntled when i sent him on his way. Just something to keep in mind when you post comments.

Thumbs up for your great site!
I am looking for a S54 myself (driving a 3.0 at the moment) and your site offers a lot of valuable information… so: thanks for that 😉

John, just wanted to inform you that I recently purchased one of the cars you have in the purgatory. 2000 ti silver, black/imola red interior from Grand Junction, Colorado for $24400. The car is really clean, love the color combo. Actually had less than 30,000 miles on it.
Thank you for such a great website. Great tool for my purchase.

Can I list my 2002 M Coupe for sale on your site? It’s in as-new condition with only 4800 miles.

Thanks!

@Jon Martin

Hello Jon,
I just bought the silver s54 Mcoupe from Enthusiast Auto. I used your site and it helped me find the perfect car.
Thanks
Gordon

Jon Martin :
Sure feel free to ask me questions on any of the coupes listed. I give all the coupes I have listed a value rating. Typically 3 stars means that they are pretty close to what I think is fair market value.

how can i post my 2000 m coupe with 25,750 black on black

Thanks for going to all the trouble. wow. so, if one wanted a white or yellow M with the Oregon interior, it appears that there aren’t many. funny, but I’ve got a white z3 convertible and the black is boring. i might be the guy whose cup of tea is the Oregon! now for the hunt.

Hey Jon – Thanks so much for posting this – it has given me a great idea of what I should be looking for in terms of price and whatnot – I have a link to a person who is looking to sell his M Coupe – I went and test drove it today and I’m pretty set on purchasing it but it would be awesome if you could give your two cents on it – It would give me that final 2% of comfort in the purchase. Please let me know if you’re interested in helping and I will send you the link, as I definitely don’t want anyone else stealing this baby from me! 🙂

How do I get in touch with the sellers who have no contact information listed?

Love the site Jon!
I have no plans on selling my ’99 Artic Silver over Grey ever but I love coming here and seeing how much they are selling for. You are providing the Coupe community with a great resource.
I am in the market for period correct wheels and was looking for some links here but didn’t find any. Have you got any ideas?

Jon,
Many, many thanks for all the help you’ve given me related to my purchase of the 2002 MCoupe. I was really fortunate to happen upon your site; any other information source was spotty. Intercity is picking up the car tomorrow in San Jose and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival on the east coast. Nothing like the anticipation. The seller is a true gentleman, providing accurate and timely information throughout this process. Your interest and expertise is a real gift to those of us who are “taken” with these machines.

I can get one of you Ms out of purgatory. I purchased the 1999 Boston Metallic Green M Coupe in Boulder Creek CA on April 13, 2011 and drove it to its new home in Tucson, AZ. I paid less than the asking price, but do not wish to disclose what I paid because I don’t want to bring prices down for M Coupe sellers. Linda Frew, Oro Valley, AZ

@Fabrizio
Good choice. I purchased a BGM M Coupe in April of this year. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. A real head turner, for sure.

I enjoy all the information this site has to offer. My 1999 Cosmos S52 is for sale in Wisconsin. The BMWCCA web site has been down for weeks. Where is the best place to advertise?
Thanks! Tim

Hi,
I am selling a 2001 BMW M-Coupe with the S54 engine. 42,700 orig. miles. great condition. $28,000… where should I list?

Engine: S54. 3.2 L in-line 6 cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed, manual
0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
Horsepower: 315 bhp @ 7400 rpm
50/50 weight balance that enables exceptional handling
Silver w/ black leather interior.
a/c, heated seats, power windows/seats, c/d, am/fm, moon roof.
garaged
I would appreciate your advise,
Thank you,
Dyan

Jon,

Thank you very much for your informative website. I am on the verge of buying a silver 2000 m roadster (been looking for a silver coupe but a roadster would do just fine). It is a 36000 mile car with a final negotiated price of $16000. First, doest the price seem fair to you? Second, how much should I be worried about this so called ‘subframe damage’ that a fair number of m coupe/roadster owner seems to be affected with? Thank you ver much for your advice!

Tony

Hi Jon,
Thanks for your insight. I have actually been looking for an s54 m coupe/roadster for the past 1.5 year but am running out of patience (hence this 36k s52 roadster). I have decided not to buy the car because once the novelty wears off, I will regret not having waited for an s54. There is this s54 with 22k miles that I found on ebay with a BIN price of $24k. I have been doing my due diligence but the prices seem to be all over the place for me to get a good sense whether $24k is low, fair, or high. Please let me know what you think. Thank you 🙂

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619&item=170666653979&viewitem=&category=133184

Hi my name is Sebastian and I just wanted to ask I could post my M-coupe on your site. thanks

Hello, I own a 2001 M Coupe, Titanium Silver no mods, abt. 64,000miles. Engined replaced at 35,000 lbs. due to defective connecting rod bearings. Car is damaged as a result of car accident. I have two repair estimates, $13,500 and $17,000. Can I list this car on your site for sale?

Thanks

Joe Fadel
Coral Gables, FL

Hi
I have a 2001 (bought new in 2002) phoenix yellow M coupe that I am considering selling. It has slightly over 5000 miles on it and is in perfect running condition. Do you know where is the best place that I could list it for sale?
Thank you Karen Whitford New York, NY

Hi. I love your site, and found it by Googling “BMW M Coupe for sale”. I am not sure how to reach some of the sellers, and many of the listings seem to be very outdated. am i misunderstanding your site?
Thank you and God bless,
Chris

Hi, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to ask one questions. You have some previous listings for a 2001 coupe vin#WBSCN93491LK60181. If you look this up in one of the listing you wrote that the rod bearings were replaced and the sub-frame was reinforced. I was just wondering how do you know this, the reason I ask is because I plan on buying this car. thanks for your time

Hi Karen,
If your car is still available in NY. I am very interested. Please let me know
@Karen Whitford

http://listings.mcoupebuyersguide.com/listing.aspx?ListingID=15

My husband and I bought this car in May 2010. Your post mentions that a buyer contacted you about the seller, that might have been my husband. The seller was in fact a bit of a pain to deal with. And the car’s not nearly as clean as his ad would lead a person to believe. However, I have “my” Coupe now, finally, after 5 years of searching for one. And it’s in pretty darn good shape. Heck, I’m happy. I just found your site after searching for more info about Dorkfest 2011, which we’re considering attending. Looks like a great site!

Just found this site. I’m in the market for an M coupe and am amazed at the detail and research you’ve provided here. Awesome website! Keep up the good work and the updates coming!

Well, I’d like an s54 with minor or minor modifications… I think. Color and rarity aren’t wildly important to me. The blue $27,900 example looks good to me. I don’t care about the door as long as it was replaced properly. But I’d like to spend time to get to know the cars more before I jump into a purchase. I want to do this right, without it becoming too much of an obsession. Five years!? 🙂

If I haven’t found one in a year and a half, I may start getting desperate. But in the mean time I’m patiently looking for the right one. Your website has found itself bookmarked to my homepage.

Hi Jon,

Just thought I’d thank you for your assistance in my own Coupe purchase.

At the end of July I bought a 1999 black on black M C for sale in Wisconsin. The car had been in a “badger bimmer” competition in the spring and is in outstanding condition.

In the first few weeks I changed the battery, installed daytime running lights (required in Canada) and fixed a long-standing problem with the keyless entry. I also got quite frustrated with the clutch pedal which moves around a lot, and with the clutch stop which doesn’t stop anything… That’s my current project.

Let me know if I can donate anything to the mcoupebuyersguide to help you out!

Thanks,

Calvin

Hi! I just now found your website and I am thrilled! I want a Z3 MCoupe SO bad! My preference is for dark gray over solid black…. it’s so nice to find such a great resource on the web! Thank you!!

Will you be adding a Roadster section or would you consider listing my 2001 Laguna Seca Blue M Roadster with on 27k on it?

hey, thats my 1999 m3 coupe which did not sell on craigslist…..how do I list with you?
Chris

i like to know if all the bmw z3 m coupe where made in the usa and if they are all with nord american specification
and can be imported any where they are with a left hand drive
i thank you for you site
have a beautiful day
ALAIN