How the Legendary BMW M Coupe Was Designed in Secret

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  • Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
  • When the 1998-2002 clown shoe BMW Z3 M Coupe was first presented to management (the first prototype of the Z3 Coupe, rather), the executive was at a loss for words. He just stood there. That probably wasn’t a good thing.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 290

  • @patrickkelley9887
    @patrickkelley9887 5 років тому +186

    I absolutely love the way it looks

    • @isaacsrandomvideos667
      @isaacsrandomvideos667 5 років тому +1

      Patrick Kelley I quess same here

    • @MrXeleris1
      @MrXeleris1 5 років тому +4

      Same here. People often say that some cars look like nothing else on the road, but with this car, that is especially the case. It’s truly one of a kind

    • @campkira
      @campkira 5 років тому +1

      ua-cam.com/video/2BSQQcLIOjY/v-deo.html
      new z4 was better

    • @huzcer
      @huzcer 4 роки тому +1

      in the all-time cool BMW list. Z4 is cool also but the m coupe beats it in terms of cool factor.

  • @officerockstar
    @officerockstar 5 років тому +75

    This has always been my favorite BMW. I love it and wish they still made it.

  • @francescop1
    @francescop1 5 років тому +62

    this is exacly how i imagined someone who works for Jalopnik would dress like

    • @MrDmac423
      @MrDmac423 5 років тому +2

      Lol. Jalopniks team meetings consist of sipping on fappucionos on their bean bags and reading car window stickers so they can talk about them in the videos

    • @nerminc.1713
      @nerminc.1713 5 років тому

      I don't think he's wearing enough collars.

  • @stripiervirus2863
    @stripiervirus2863 5 років тому +29

    Forgive me if I’m wrong but that’s one of the best looking rear ends on a car

    • @anidiotinaracingcar4874
      @anidiotinaracingcar4874 5 років тому +4

      It's 1962 250 GTO good looking.

    • @stripiervirus2863
      @stripiervirus2863 5 років тому +1

      An idiot in a racing car as expensive as those cars are, there’s bound be good looking rear ends in the car as well

    • @anidiotinaracingcar4874
      @anidiotinaracingcar4874 5 років тому +1

      That makes the bimmer an utter bargain ;-)

    • @jackc7943
      @jackc7943 4 роки тому +1

      I am on my 2nd Z3 coupe. First being a z3 3.0 coupe second being a 99 m coupe (Boston green). I bought them for driving experience but the looks have grown on me and I now think it may be the best looking BMW ever.

    • @franciscocabrerabrito5945
      @franciscocabrerabrito5945 4 роки тому

      @@jackc7943 you're totally right. The reviewer after defining it as an ugly car, creamy engine and "kind of a simple stuff" in the rear suspension while reading notes...to THIS...this limited timeless masterpiece...is in my top worst reviewers after shmee and vehicle virgins🤣

  • @Iceeeen
    @Iceeeen 5 років тому +42

    I think the z3 coupe rear is one of the best designs ever for a sportscar ever. It really is quite a beautiful rearend. The front however is a bit messed uo with or without the M package.
    I never seen the point of a car without ant luggage capacity. The z3 coupe is a powerful RWD 3 door hatchback. The best of both worlds
    Also its mostly Americans that call it ugly, the same guys that think you need a big truck or SUV to haul a small trailer

    • @paulcarmi8130
      @paulcarmi8130 5 років тому

      I like this car but big trucks are still cool

    • @jackc7943
      @jackc7943 4 роки тому

      To generalize Americans that way is kind of stupid. America may not get all the cool euro cars when first released but American's actually own cool cars unlike most Europeans who drive little Fiats and Renaults.

  • @Frikzter
    @Frikzter 5 років тому +21

    He never shifted gear. My irritation might be unreasonable, but I love how these beemers shift, it's one of their defining characteristics!

    • @hanslubas
      @hanslubas 4 роки тому

      Unfortunately, I don't blame him because he'd want to stay in the 3000 to 7800RPM Range in this car, and the annoying long gearing doesn't help. Most of the time you'd end up in 2nd.

    • @395PRS
      @395PRS 4 роки тому +1

      He doesn't know how to shift. Thats why.

  • @global6000
    @global6000 5 років тому +28

    It is not ugly!!!!!!!!!! One of the most beautiful cars made ever! Ever heard of shooting brake term???

  • @dppopov
    @dppopov 5 років тому +8

    As an Alfa Romeo and BMW fanboy I like most of their cars but my personal opinion is that this is THE BEST LOOKING BMW EVER MADE!

    • @DominusOminous
      @DominusOminous 5 років тому +1

      Man, I love it like mad too, but that's a big statement in the face of so freakin' many iconic designs. The Shoe is it's own notch in the legend and lore stick though, no doubt.

    • @dppopov
      @dppopov 5 років тому

      DominusOminous It is unusual, low, wide, very simple and most importantly - it does NOT have the Hofmeister kink... And on top - it is a very practical two seater. I cannot imagine a better BMW

  • @weetikissa
    @weetikissa 5 років тому +12

    This car will be worth 10x the money in ten years. A bit of an odd ball in its day but definitely a future classic.

  • @JoseMaria-tj1ev
    @JoseMaria-tj1ev 5 років тому +75

    There is nothing ugly about that car :)
    Prove me wrong

    • @strohhalm1326
      @strohhalm1326 5 років тому

      It's a hatchback

    • @ItsMikeArre
      @ItsMikeArre 5 років тому +2

      The wheels are ugly fight me

    • @bitchyeah6431
      @bitchyeah6431 5 років тому +1

      From the rear i almost mistaken it for a viper. Except its a hatchback

    • @isaacsrandomvideos667
      @isaacsrandomvideos667 5 років тому +2

      It’s not a coupe it’s a hatch..... but still cool *SOMEHOW*

    • @motormusique
      @motormusique 5 років тому +3

      The front of this car is the most handsome BMW has ever made any car

  • @xristo702
    @xristo702 5 років тому +1

    It usually isn't a looker on screen or in photos, but at gas stations and parking lots, etc. you'll find a LOT of admirers.
    I've had cops pull me over for bullshit reasons just to ask about it,
    guys in 350z's saluting me when they pass by,
    had a city bus driver in the middle of his route open his window to tell me how much he loved it,
    a woman left the till at a small town gas station to take a closer look at it
    50% chance you have to explain what the car is at every traffic light etc....
    If you love attention (I'm uncomfortable with it) its a great car to get for not so crazy money.

  • @meanvecktor1900
    @meanvecktor1900 5 років тому +1

    This is one of my favorite BMW, is a jewel to have, Sightings of one of these magnificent vehicles is even rarer. I’m definitely buying one soon

  • @HFV_Junkyardin
    @HFV_Junkyardin 5 років тому +10

    I wish there was more cars built like this. Fun, sporty, RWD cars with a decent cargo area.

    • @chazzftw9313
      @chazzftw9313 5 років тому

      I’d say the M140i but it’s just not the same.

  • @Hmmm313
    @Hmmm313 5 років тому +6

    Epic looking. Awesome car.

  • @RadRidesByCru
    @RadRidesByCru 5 років тому +4

    When a guy who works as an automotive journalist, statments like "McPherson struts are 60's technology" should be grounds for termination.

  • @SquareoftheyearFM
    @SquareoftheyearFM 5 років тому +33

    Great car not so keen on the video, sorry guys.

  • @ricky1022
    @ricky1022 5 років тому +28

    Only 4cyl roadsters had a narrower rear fenders, 6cyl non-m roadsters had the same rear width bodies as M coupes and roadsters. I daily a 1999 shu but have had Z roadsters and nonM coupes in the past

    • @tl56kmair
      @tl56kmair 5 років тому

      ricky1022 I daily a 96 roadster and love it, not sure how I feel about these things

    • @LeeGHThomas
      @LeeGHThomas 5 років тому

      idk if it was just a meme but iirc bmw produced less non m coupes than they did Ms so technically they’re more rare

    • @jamesreckling6697
      @jamesreckling6697 4 роки тому

      I was going to post this. Facelift was 99 so everything post 99 has this feature.

  • @Urgento22
    @Urgento22 5 років тому +24

    I never thought this car was ugly. In fact, I think the soft-top version of this car is ugly!

  • @tomokokishi3066
    @tomokokishi3066 5 років тому +16

    BMW should remake this with the current Z4.

    • @timmietz
      @timmietz 5 років тому +1

      The Supra is assembled in Germany. I like the my 2008 Z4 M Coupe a lot more than the Supra though.

  • @donmatthews2635
    @donmatthews2635 5 років тому +5

    I understand that some license is taken to make videos interesting but, I'm pretty sure the engineers set out to make a shooting brake version of the Z3. They didn't have a wacky idea about putting a box on the back of a Z3. It also doesn't look cheap or ugly to my eye.

  • @cdrbmw
    @cdrbmw 4 роки тому

    This is one of the most beautiful cars ever made!! How dare you call this ugly?
    The CEO of BMW’s M devision has this car as his all time favorite M car.

  • @autobahn8345
    @autobahn8345 5 років тому +3

    Beauty is subjective thing. I like how this car looks a lot.

  • @Kobayashi360
    @Kobayashi360 5 років тому +15

    And then BMW went on to produce several of the actually-ugliest cars of all time including the 3 and 5 series Gran Turismo and now the X7.

  • @NicksStuff
    @NicksStuff 5 років тому +5

    Come on, the styling is epic!

  • @ege5804
    @ege5804 2 роки тому

    This is the most beautiful BMW along with the M5 E39. They surely knew how to produce magnificence.

  • @395PRS
    @395PRS 4 роки тому

    I NEVER thought it was ugly! I always thought it was awesome! In 97 or 98 my Brother bought a 2.8 white with black top Z3. I, also living in Va Bch at the time drove to Charlottesville for an interview and driving through town, passing the BMW dealership Charlottesville and saw 3 to 5 of those in the front on the embankment! I want to roll time back!

  • @DriversSide
    @DriversSide 5 років тому +8

    The rear of these cars looks incredible!!

  • @gliblyaware
    @gliblyaware Рік тому

    Maybe I'm weird, but one of the best looking cars in moto-history.

  • @110341
    @110341 5 років тому +4

    Always wanted one. Now I want it even more. Damn!

  • @chrisogrady28
    @chrisogrady28 5 років тому +1

    I love the 2 seat shooting brake look, my first car was the old 1 series 3 door mainly because of how similar it looked to the Z3 Coupe.

  • @falcongamer58
    @falcongamer58 5 років тому +10

    Mini Ferrari FF
    Mini Ferrari FF
    Mini Ferrari FF

  • @lordvader3538
    @lordvader3538 5 років тому +1

    Learned to drive stick when I was like 13 on my moms z3 1.9
    Was such a fun little car, didn’t understand at the time how handling inspired it really was.

  • @elgringiototote
    @elgringiototote 5 років тому +1

    I have always loved the way it looks. ALWAYS. I don't even get how so many people can see that a Ferrari FF looks good, yet this doesn't. The shooting break formula produces great looking cars!

    • @elgringiototote
      @elgringiototote 5 років тому

      Daver G Zagato + shooting break = a cream dream every time!

  • @millenovecento.
    @millenovecento. 5 років тому

    This is a very rare BMW Z3 coupè evergreen. Simply amazing.

  • @the_hippykiller22
    @the_hippykiller22 5 років тому

    This car is so beautiful I don't see why you call it ugly. I've drooled on it my whole life.

  • @viszlaymark
    @viszlaymark 5 років тому +7

    It is beautiful, can be a shooting break, much better looking, than the roadster! Iconic!!!! shame on u

  • @michaelgreco4813
    @michaelgreco4813 5 років тому +5

    new supra with z4 body panels and the new s58 with a manual would be a nice successor to this car and the z4M coupe

  • @ChevyBM
    @ChevyBM 5 років тому

    That blue color is stunning :O I love the Z3 Coupe

  • @utshwala
    @utshwala 5 років тому

    This is a great history and review of the M Coupe. Thank you.

  • @MichaelMakesMistakes
    @MichaelMakesMistakes 5 років тому +31

    Z8 at 10:13! Can we expect a video on it soon?

    • @Jalopnik
      @Jalopnik  5 років тому +15

      Stay tuned in a few weeks ;)

    • @110341
      @110341 5 років тому +2

      Well spotted!

    • @tl56kmair
      @tl56kmair 5 років тому

      If wishes were fishes, I’ve only seen one z8 in my life and that one belonged to the dealership owner

    • @thehauke7981
      @thehauke7981 5 років тому

      Gorgeous!

  • @joeglenn7323
    @joeglenn7323 5 років тому +1

    "Only 678 M Coupes with this engine and this spec sent to America". Bad news, BMW did "send" any to America. You were at the BMW Performance center across the street from BMW's Spartanburg SC plant, the largest BMW plant in the World, and the one and only location for the manufacture of the Z3 including the Coupe and M Coupe.

  • @deangardner7139
    @deangardner7139 5 років тому +2

    Best looking car of all time

  • @bajer111
    @bajer111 5 років тому +1

    This car looks like the late 90's, just before 9/11 when everything turned serious. Love it.

  • @JAKEWJONES
    @JAKEWJONES 5 місяців тому

    My 1999 Z3 Coupe has the wide fenders of the M version. It is also silver like the car in this video, but my fenders are much wider. I am wondering if people like the license plate location inside the bumper, of the regular coupe, or do they like the license plate inside of the hatch on the M better?

  • @dexterjsullen
    @dexterjsullen 5 років тому +1

    *ITS VERY PRACTICAL*

  • @atanacioperez8992
    @atanacioperez8992 5 років тому +12

    Wtf what u mean it isn't beautiful

  • @aussie2uGA
    @aussie2uGA 5 років тому

    When I bought my E39 M5 and took delivery in Spartangburg, they gave us these ///M coupes and roadsters to drive up to The Biltmore in. The roof really added strength the to coupe, it was already stiff as a roadster. Great autocross car. Fun times!

    • @rafibalouzian9951
      @rafibalouzian9951 11 місяців тому +1

      I also Bought 2001 e39 M5 and went to the factory for 3 days of track driving. The last day selected mustard 2001 M coupe for the SC to NC drive. I got hooked and bought a 1999 for my 16 year old son and he still drives it with 163,000 miles. Eisenmann race exhaust, Ground control race suspension all around, cold air intake, shark injector remap, Randy Forbes subframe reinforcement, polyurethane bushings, short shifter, Dinan sway bars, strut brace, 18 inch Alpina Style bryton wheels. It is pure analog driving sensation!

  • @IslandTreefilms
    @IslandTreefilms 5 років тому +1

    I Dont know Why But i Really like the design, and one of my two dreamcars. A Really clean E36 M3 coupe and this would be all i need🙂

  • @motormusique
    @motormusique 5 років тому

    I love Raphael he makes me smile with his presenting style

  • @motormusique
    @motormusique 5 років тому +1

    I loved this car and the M Roadster back in the day. BMW perfected its face on these cars. Is there any BMW with a more handsome front?

  • @davidviner4932
    @davidviner4932 5 років тому

    Brilliant video

  • @grappaduraone
    @grappaduraone 5 років тому +3

    YES! 10 min+ ...lovely. Now where's my lighter?

  • @waitwuttt
    @waitwuttt 5 років тому +1

    the styling grew on me a lot i love shooting brake/hatch back type cars

  • @noredcr
    @noredcr 5 років тому +2

    i love these. we need a brz in a clown shoe version!

  • @towlie911
    @towlie911 5 років тому +1

    It’s basically a rwd hot hatch. If a company produced a cheap rwd hatchback they’d probably make lots of money..

  • @timbarito5586
    @timbarito5586 5 років тому +9

    Wym its ugly?! Its so sexy

  • @sudmuck
    @sudmuck 5 років тому

    It's a shooting brake & its beautiful.

  • @petchris01
    @petchris01 5 років тому

    Raphael Orlove - clarification the M Coupé is not ugly. It’s awkward looking. It also has plenty of room in the back the roadster lacks. Great for a two person getaway weekend car. I’ve also used my ‘02 S54 for the occasional Costco run. With the enclosed rear which acts like a big sound chamber, the exhaust sound is intoxicatingly enhanced over the Roadster. You can feel the stiffness compared to the Roadster when driving through canyon carvers. The interior was executed that way on purpose to elicit the classic dash & gauges of past sports cars. That’s a Euro-spec S54 you’re driving. Cheers

  • @Alex-wb2yw
    @Alex-wb2yw 5 років тому

    I never thought of these cars as "ugly". Definitely unique looking, but never ugly.

  • @ringbimmer
    @ringbimmer 5 років тому +1

    Such a cool car, want one! Testdriven the 2.8, that was exciting :)

  • @Stinkymens
    @Stinkymens 5 років тому

    Super interesting video

  • @andycapo9you
    @andycapo9you 5 років тому

    I absolutely love this shoe!😍

  • @jjmcoupebmw6557
    @jjmcoupebmw6557 5 років тому

    Another week or two and I'll be taking mine out!!!! If only the snow would stop here in toronto.

  • @andrewjordan7874
    @andrewjordan7874 5 років тому

    Am I the only one that actually likes the look of the car? It might just be because I love wagons and hatches, but if this was made in 2020 I would want it

  • @mattdirks7896
    @mattdirks7896 Рік тому

    Okay but can the little RWD hatchback make a comeback? It's perfect.

  • @angi733
    @angi733 5 років тому

    Good Shout Squire.

  • @JonBushell
    @JonBushell 5 років тому +2

    Zeee 3 and trunk. Gotta love em.

    • @strohhalm1326
      @strohhalm1326 5 років тому

      In reality it's pronounced "Tset Drei" and "Kofferraum"

  • @netrioter
    @netrioter 4 роки тому

    You would adore a 73 BMW 2002Tii.120 hp of 16 valve hell

  • @curtislovrak5390
    @curtislovrak5390 5 років тому +1

    It’s sad it didn’t get the 6 speed and 8k redline like the e46, even though the engines were identical. These were also exempt from the rod bearing service action.

  • @vincentrdelinares6732
    @vincentrdelinares6732 5 років тому +1

    Z3M is a E36ti with a m3e46 engine. Rear subframe is a better e30 subframe. This thing is a fusion of 3 generations of 3 series and i think it’s great looking. Looks like a Little shooting break

    • @joonastammeslehto6887
      @joonastammeslehto6887 5 років тому

      I think it looks like e46 coupe front and e46 wagon rear put together

  • @Ezzy1989
    @Ezzy1989 5 років тому +1

    I somehow like it as well, as with the other commenters here. Kinda like the e87 1 series (which i happen to own). Many hate how this car (and the 1er) looks like. Somehow it looks squat and purposeful!

  • @carlosanderson4479
    @carlosanderson4479 5 років тому +1

    I'd like a non-M Z3. Either that or an E30.

  • @SmallBlogV8
    @SmallBlogV8 5 років тому +1

    This is more of a shooting brake than anything current that's branded as such (Ferrari GTC/4 aside). It's not conventionally pretty at the back, but even so it's just _cool_ somehow.

  • @bradcomis1066
    @bradcomis1066 5 років тому

    One of the top 3 coolest BMWs of all time. I wish they weren’t so damned expensive now.

  • @killermed95
    @killermed95 5 років тому

    I've always loved that car.

  • @EvanMoon
    @EvanMoon 5 років тому

    “You bought a very good sports car and I’m sorry that it’s practical and that makes it unique.”

  • @skullettrump3424
    @skullettrump3424 5 років тому

    Homie sounded so zesty saying "So Creeeeammmmmmyyyyy"

  • @NGAAutoTV
    @NGAAutoTV 5 років тому

    Awesome! I recognize the track and skid pad as the BMW Performance Center. Attended BMW M school there twice now.
    Great documentary as well!

  • @shauncampbell969
    @shauncampbell969 5 років тому

    Glazed Doughnuts, lol Shaun of NYC

  • @mustafadogramac6076
    @mustafadogramac6076 5 років тому +4

    it isn't ugly.

  • @ms90sbabyy
    @ms90sbabyy 5 років тому

    I really never knew these were that special when I was in high school they were old enough the people that bought them new passed them down- I bet there were 3 people that had them...never really thought about it

  • @Danis8Pastry
    @Danis8Pastry 5 років тому

    The problem is they called it a "Coupe" when really it's a "Shooting Brake".

  • @ShiggledeeGuy
    @ShiggledeeGuy 5 років тому

    What a crazy car!

  • @alexschlawiner2540
    @alexschlawiner2540 3 роки тому

    That’s the best paint on a car ever

  • @damon123jones
    @damon123jones 5 років тому

    coolest looking bmv

  • @ConsciousRobot
    @ConsciousRobot 5 років тому +3

    Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I honestly don't think it's all that ugly.

  • @stevehardman960
    @stevehardman960 3 роки тому

    Fantastic video I have a z3m soft top with 23k on clock now looking for a coupe in blue finding it very hard to find in mint condition with less than 25k on the clock its out there just need to find it 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

  • @ChristopheZ
    @ChristopheZ 5 років тому +3

    there is a yellow one in my neighorhood...and I live in a small FL town!!! :)

    • @timmietz
      @timmietz 5 років тому

      Is it a 2001 or 2002? If it is - I am interested in buying it. I am in Jax. Let me know!

    • @technique275
      @technique275 5 років тому

      @@timmietz Dakar Yellow was only in production from 99-00 therefore it had the S52 engine. Phoenix Yellow ( Metallic) was introduced when the engine was changed to the S54 until end of production. Only one S54 exists in Dakar Yellow & that was a special order & is still original family owned.

  • @JavierCR25
    @JavierCR25 5 років тому +1

    Ugly??? This thing is gorgeous!!

  • @britshell
    @britshell 5 років тому

    There is one of these cars near me, I wish they still made it.

  • @danielturcios7218
    @danielturcios7218 5 років тому

    Wow they are so rare. I’m so lucky I got to see one on the freeway😩

  • @aristosplayer1573
    @aristosplayer1573 4 роки тому

    I i don't even like bmws and I still freak out about this beauty.

  • @JAYD3EChannel
    @JAYD3EChannel 5 років тому

    Ls blue with the s54 😁 where the pre 2001 had the s52 without the individual throttle bodies so this unlike the s52 powered //m coupes it was ultra rare.

  • @doccyber
    @doccyber 5 років тому +2

    No way BMW would sign off on a car like this today.

  • @Guy-mx4fb
    @Guy-mx4fb 2 роки тому

    Z8 is the best looking BMW, followed by the 850i, the 02 M3, that crazy rally car from the 80s , and after all those i think this one

  • @siemprebmw3284
    @siemprebmw3284 5 років тому +1

    Engine is called the s54 ............ lol. your killing the clutch mate .

  • @VolksDragon
    @VolksDragon 5 років тому +1

    I have no idea why people say this car is ugly.

  • @secpac58chichi
    @secpac58chichi 5 років тому

    First I love the show - as a part time NYC resident with a 1996 perfect condition LR Disco parked on the street I get it - 2nd I owned the Z3 coupe bought a 2001 silver with auto from BMW dealer when I lived in LA - the car had about 2,900 miles and I paid $22,500 - drove it for 3 glorious years until an Illegal Alien (excuse me Migrant) with no DL or insurance blew thru a redlight and t-boned me - the car was a right off - not a nick on it - well anyway if you want to find my LR head on down to the Lower East side - not a lot of great old cars but if you troll under the WBB sure you can find something - cheers !

    • @secpac58chichi
      @secpac58chichi 5 років тому

      Little factoid I forgot - when I went to check out the Z3 at the dealership - there was a silver 2001 MCoupe next to it they would sell me for the same price with a few thousand more miles - but it was a stick and I commuted in the car and that was a deal breaker - stupid on my part

  • @vr43000gtkid
    @vr43000gtkid 5 років тому

    Worlds most awesome hot hatch

  • @netrioter
    @netrioter 4 роки тому

    The shoe...is godlike..even in 246 hp. It screams