BMW M Coupe

The BMW M Coupe, nicknamed the "Shoe", "Clown Shoe", "Boot", "Shooting Brake" or "Bread Van" by enthusiasts, is a high-performance automobile produced by BMW from 1998 to 2002.

The car is based on the BMW Z3M Roadster. The semi-trailing arm rear suspension was not modified from the M Roadster. The coupe is 2.7 times stiffer than its convertible counterpart, resulting in superior handling.

M Coupes built between 1999 and 2000 are fitted with two different engines, depending on the destination market. The same engines were used as powered the 1996 to 1999 BMW M3.

The US models were fitted with the S52, a 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 Nm (236 ft·lbf) 3.2 litre inline 6 cylinder engine.

European models were fitted with the S50, a 321 hp (236 kW) and 350 Nm (260 ft·lbf) 3.2 litre inline 6 cylinder engine.

From October 2001, the M Coupe reappeared worldwide with the new 3.2 litre S54 engine from the E46 M3. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW when it was fitted to the E46 M3: in M Coupe form it produced 325 hp (242kW) and 354 Nm (261 lbf.ft) of torque.

The M Coupe was never loved by the market place and production was limited.

+ European left hand drive S50 engine: 2,178 built from 04/98 through 06/2000
+ European right hand drive S50 engine: 821 built from 08/98 through 06/2000
+ North America S52 engine: 2,180 built from 07/98 through 06/2000
+ European left hand drive S54 engine: 281 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002
+ European right hand drive S54 engine: 168 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002
+ North America S54 engine: 690 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002

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