This is the story about how I bought BMW's most love-it-or-hate-it sports car, drove it a thousand miles home, and almost gave up on the project before I even got started.
No thought provoking comments from me, Josh. Just want to say that you've become my favorite RU-vidr and I enjoy every video. Your Zen-like approach as you balance being a Car Guy with being a responsible Family Guy is calming to me as I do battle with my own car projects. Thanks for the work you do to provide us all with an outstanding channel to watch!
Fellow M Coupe Owner here. Great video! I look forward to watching you work on it. I would recommend the Randy Frobes rear subframe reinforcement kit. I also upgraded to TC Kline coilovers and they are perfect for this car for both street and track use.
came for the wide rear, stayed for the well thought out script. Will say, as a pro detailer, the 4 buckets gave me a giggle I'm 7 mins in, great video so far!
I'm sad to see that gorgeous Corvette just standing there, with all the work and frustration that it went in it. But at the same time I'm happy to see that you bought another fine car. Can't wait for the future videos, and to see the great change of this BMW. And I hope Goldie will get better soon.
To have some real fun in the coupe while keeping factory level reliability, consider an S54 swap. It is a well documented swap, can be done with OE parts, mates to your current transmission and gives you 330hp out of the box. Well proven on the track too and the engine can be easily refreshed with it out of the car to address it's weakpoints. If sending the S52 on serious track duty, you should tack weld or wire nut the oil pump disc. The S52 has an issue with harmonics which rattles the oil pump nut off the sprocket.
Nice write up Josh. Such a shame the US didn't get the 320bhp S50B32 engine, like we got in Europe. I owned a Z4M for a numbers of years, great car, but have gone the opposite way and replaced it with a Corvette C6.
Looking forward to seeing upcoming videos on the M Coupe!! I loved watching your tell your story and I related to it so much, in the aspect of getting the car and even the motivation to keep momentum on the project. Much love from a 00' M Coupe from Southern California
When I saw this video, it startled me.... I was afraid the Z06 was probably gone and the this would be the new project car... very happy to see Goldie still in the background and not dismissed from the future plans. Being a Z06 owner, I'm invested emotionally in you & that car... I'll watch & enjoy the M project but I am waiting for the next video detailing the comeback road for project GT3 Killer.... Godspeed...
Since I‘ve been mulling (and therefore consuming a lot of videos) about a E36 track car, the algorithm brought me to your channel. Absolutely adore it, what great content to watch on an iPad while eating sugary cereal. Subscribed in an instant. Keep it up. All the best from Germany.
Josh, what a fantastically put together video. The beginning segment is well written and authentically funny. Congrats on the new project! Let me know when you're tired of it and want to sell for half of what it's worth.
This video was like therapy for me. I wont say that I've regained traction in my decade and a half old C6Z06 project to "take care of my heads", but the elephant saying is stewing in my mind. Again, your humor kept me focused. Thanks for the great vid!
Love these cars, awesome project. I am sure you already know this but trunk floor/subframe attachment points need reinforcing, especially if taking to the track. These cars don't need a lot else for track work. Coilovers, camber plates, rear camber arm. I really liked the TC Kline single adjustable coilovers I had on my e36 m3. Also, please get rid of the chrome fender grilles!
These have e30 rear suspension geometry there is no rear camber arm it’s much more invasive to change the rear but really not needed. Just bushing replacements for dual purpose car.
A very well done video, thanks for that! You are correct about the armrest. It is a product of an aftermarket accessory company called LeatherZ. They make various Z3 accessories and the Mark2 Armrest is one of them. It uses an alternate Z3 center console plastic insert from BMW, with the leather covered hinged top created by LeatherZ. So you are right, that was not the original center console. The original console does not have the coin slots, for example. I hate those useless things! As you may have guessed by now, I have the Mark2 Armrest in my M-Coupe. What do I need coins in my center console for anyway? The armrest works out OK for me though. If you get tired of the coin holders, you might still be able to order the original console part from BMW. Enjoy the M-Coupe!
I blew two engines in my early car ownership as a result of low oil levels; my negligence. That did build character and made me a meticulous car owner. Many years later I'm an E36 M3 and M Coupe owner. It took me 10 years to get the E36 repaired/upgraded to my liking. I have been slowly working on the M Coupe and so far have done the following in 3 years. Installed OEM alarm, changed all fluids, upgraded radio, upgraded clutch hose and replaced slave cylinder and tinted the windows. Still have to do a paint correction and refresh the cooling system. I look forward to slowly and persistently working on it. BTW no need to go with OEM parts. Rein, Victor Reinz, Febi and INA are great parts. Always stay away from URO parts. All the best with the build.
@@JoshVanVeld Oh yeah. The E36 is a sedan and is a daily driver. Useful for grocery runs, errands, hauling kids, etc. the M Coupe is my weekend car. It’s only two seats but so much fun with its light weight and revvy and torquey engine. Both have ultra reliable S52 engines (just keep a close eye on the oil level) and awesome aftermarket support.
Again, love the videos. It seems our car fondness are parallel. I have always adored the M-Coupe as well as the C6 ZO6. Your stable is enviable. One thing I find myself saying almost once per video of yours is, when is Josh going to get a parts washer. For the seat stuff and all of your Corvette parts, a parts washer or ultrasonic cleaner seems like it would make your life a little easier. And who doesn't love clean parts!
I recently bought a 3.0 coupe as my first project car, and my first BMW too. Not based all that far away from you in SC. Just replaced the seat bushings myself this past weekend. Looking forward to following along on your journey!
Very nice episode, good story telling and camera work, also educational information. Looking the M Coupe, I'm wondering, why previous owner has changed M Coupe side vents to "shark grills"? I love the "shark grills" on my Coupe, but I wouldn't change them, if I had M Coupe.
The smiles per mile ratio these older bmws offer is real. Note at AMP that s52 will likely show oil starve in t1 depending on how hard you attack that corner even on street tires.
Good to know! When I first started going there I didn't realize how abusive AMP can be to cars, but now I'm keenly aware. Once you're capable of sending it hard it's really difficult to back off to protect the car.
The remedies for s52 oil starvation are not ideal. You can baffle the pan or run the s54 dual pick up from e46. Costs aside are relatively invasive I choose to l drive around it for now by lifting early and moderate braking force. Everywhere else around the track I have zero issues. Using a stack pressure gauge off the oil distribution block for pressure readings.
Two years ago I flew to Georgia and purchased a 2001 BMW Z3 Roadster. Not a M Roadster, but the 3.0L Inline 6 M54B30 engine. Makes roughly 228hp I think and similar torque. I drove it about 800 miles back home myself and funny enough, my cruise control quit during the trip (it worked initially) and whenever I touched the volume knob, it would just turn the radio all the way up and I couldn't control it, so I just left the radio off for the journey lol. So far the car has been an absolute blast and has proved itself to have 90's Toyota levels of reliability. I don't regret buying it one bit. Just wish it had less miles. When I got it, it already had 129,000 miles. I want to drive it every damn day, but I don't want to put too many miles on. So I reluctantly put it away for about 6 months every year and bring it out during the summer months as a weekend car. Edit: My Z3 has the same seat issue. I never got around to fixing it, but I realized that with the seat all the way back in its track, it doesn't move around. So I just put the seat all the way back lol.
Great video! Yeah, good luck with resisting the urge to build another track car! Having tracked both mine, and my dad's Z51 C6, I can say that the M-Coupe "feels" better on track. Really a wonderfully balanced package. Sure, the Vette turns in faster times, and is a wonderfully balanced car in its own right... but the Coupe feels so good. Best advice I can give is to buy an old, beat up M-Roadster (with the S52) and wring ITS neck, every track day!
Thanks! Now that I've got the monkey off my back with getting the new project off the ground I'll be able to tear into the Z06 and make some progress there.
Great car and great video! Looking forward to see it being developed. I vote you keep it as a well-modded street car with occasional track duty. Keep that ZO6 as a track beast.
Okay, I was not expecting this. But Im glad you got this car. Definitely a fun car. I had e36 m3 with the S52 and thats a good motor. I also owned a Z3 and I know of the issues they come with. You already adressed one "dumb" issue. This will be a fun series. Im sure reinforcing the subframe is on your to-do list. Lets go Josh!
I forgot to mention that the E30 based semi trailing arm suspension in the rear of the M Coupe is an absolute blast to experience. They rotate so nicely and controllably under deceleration in corners.
It’s no wonder your channel is growing so fast. Your car choice is superb and your story telling is inspiring. I hope my channel is half as good as yours someday.
I definitely have some symphony for you about 3 months ago the motor on my Honda Pilot blew due to engine starvation. I moped around the issue as this was the only true issue I've had with the car for over 6 years and it was the worst. I had been contemplating getting a C5/C6 corvette for the base 2-3 years and finally decided it was time to get one. I even replaced the motor in my honda and got myself an 08' C6 base with 50k and I have never been happier. This is my first sports car as well so maybe I'm just on a runners high right now but I feel like I made the right choice and I spent all day today watching your series on the vette only to find out it has come to an abrupt end. I honestly teared up for you because I know exactly how it feels but I know you made the right choice here. Also I'm hoping to go to Atlanta Motorsport Park sometime soon since I live around here so I hope to you out there!
Damn it all, I have all kinds of cool channels to watch, but I needed to know if the voice-over guy had other things I liked. Yep, I own a BMW 650I and there was a strange looking BMW on his darn clickbait thumbnails. It's like the voice-over guy knows what I would be curious about. I can't do this all night, or I'll miss out on being able to comment first on the channels I usually watch. Why does the voice-over guy only have 6k subs, he seems like a nice guy?
This is crazy but this exact car appears to be my Fathers original M Coupe. The car i learned to drive manual in, car I took to prom, the car responsible for my insane love for cars. Not what i expected to see this morning.
I’ve always loved those M coupes! Sorry about the Z06, had an ‘08 just like it but the motor worried me to death , traded it in on a 2012 GS convertible 6 speed. Good ole LS3, less worrisome.
Brother the videos are sick. Just got caught up on them. Sorry to hear about the Vette buddy. Hopefully you get bring the M Coupe up to WV and we'll go rip around the mountains
Josh, when you want to add power, I think you can get a refreshed Euro spec cylinder head and cams so you can bump up the power to around 320HP at the crank. It will be fairly quick, and you won't have to worry about boost creating problems on the track.
The euro head does not fit any US block. Even if it did, the euro engine is dual VANOS and you would not be able to run it on the stock engine management system. And the euro engine management system is not OBD2 compliant so it would not be able to pass emissions.
Add a Pcar to the 3rd stall. Maybe a Cayman! Dood, you're worse than me. When I got my C6, first thing was a wash, then any dumb sickers and superflous mods had to come off - crap like your center console thing.. Then, chase down every noise and address it - of which there are many and this continues.. Then chasing down a evap code. Then, all the standard maintenance stuff: plugs, wires, oil, filters, serpentine, pulleys and tensioner, etc. Now in to suspension and brakes. Next, fluids and tires. Then we'll take it to the track and see what breaks. Gotta be a gear head and like it, to take any of these project cars on! Good vids!
I randomly just saw one of these for the first time driving by my house the other day, I doubt I'll forget that. Such a special car, glad to see you get one and I hope you enjoy the clown shoe!
Nice! I feel like the first time I was aware of them was from one of the original Gumball 3000 rally videos. Never sat in one before I bought it, but I think it's going to be a great little car.
@@JoshVanVeld I hope it is! Got a weird soft spot for them, super interesting cars I'm looking forward to see what happens with yours man. Also, I hope the Vette isn't too damaged that hurt to see
Fellow C6Z owner here that had the LS7 fail due to an oil issue 🙋🏼♂️. I feel you pain brother!!!! Love the channel and that you still at it; but I have to ask what is the plan with the Z06. I know how expensive the fix is but know it’s worth it. I did the Aviaid in tank sump and tank baffle to prevent any issue in the future. Looking forward seeing what the future holds for the Z!
My neighbor has one. He calls it the dick magnet because only dudes are interested and come and talk to him about it. M Coupes are great. Looking forward to this one. When you want another BMW project, I got a E91 wagon ready for a LS swap for you ;)
Here's another saying I'd like to place here, one of my favorites from Steve McQueen. "Racing is life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting." It's been used since the 1970's and Porsche has been using this wisdom to help accelerate their line of cars. Very sad about Goldie still, any update as to what you're going to do for the old girl? Also, those M3 Coupes are both beautiful and ugly at the same time, sort of the Jeckel and Hide car from BMW, should be pretty fun on track and you'll make everyone take that second look at your car flying around the track.
No real progress on Goldie but as you can see in the video she's back in the garage and I'll be digging in shortly to find out how bad the damage is and hopefully figure out next steps.
I’m 3 seconds into the video and I’m over here stoked!!! Keep telling myself I’m a domestic/corvette guy, as I currently own 2 BMW’s and no corvettes 🤣🤣 Super stoked for you and the ugliness of one of my all time favorite BMW’s, well at least top 5 😅
@@JoshVanVeld sorry missed the notification. Off the top of the head: -OG 8 series -e90 M3 manual Sedan even though it’s a pig -1980s 635csi -1M -M6GC manual just because rarer and just cool to see such a huge sedan with a carbon roof *****bucket list unrealistic bonus pick X5 LM concept. I’m 36, if that makes a difference in choices lol *edited
Always wanted one of those. Super fun cars to drive. I would definitely get rid of the chrome gills but that’s just me. Some people go for that sort of thing lol.
Haha man those chrome gills absolutely ruin the look for me. No offense to people who like chrome. Didn't mention it in this video but they will be the first thing to go once I figure out where to get the replacements painted.
Big fan of the yellow vette but I'm as much of a fan of the beemer clown shoe. There's a yellow one in my neighborhood (right outside of Austin, too) I've been hoping for a for sale sign to be slapped on.
Great episode! How is the room inside? I'm huge and *just* fit in the C6 Z06, how is the M Coupe? Been dreaming having it, or the normal Z3 Coupe, as a 3rd car.... Hoping it's the same, and not even an inch worse..... Good luck with the LS7! Regards from Germany
Unfortunately head room isn't as good as I was hoping. Pretty similar to the stock seats in the Z06 although I think there's less leg room. Aftermarket seat would probably help...
@@JoshVanVeld Really appreciate. Yes, my Z has stock everything and I fit just fine, but 'm fat and I have quite long legs. So maybe a smaller wheel would be better. Because aftermarket seats are really a no-no or very hard to make legal over here....
@@vladmares8128 I see. Yes a smaller wheel would likely help. There is no adjustment to the wheel in the M Coupe like there is in the Z, so I find it gets in the way of my knees a bit.
@@JoshVanVeld Awsome, thanks for the heads-up. Tilting wheel on my E36 and C6 Z06 helped. Exactly my problem, the knees keeping the wheel from turning. Thanks a lot for your help. Best of luck, and looking forward to the next vids! Vlad
Hey Josh, I happened to have raced against a modified version of this BMW M car (rear mounted turbo setup). The time slip is in the description. The BMW was going much faster even though I was quicker to the finish line. GL on your build!! Jeep SRT8 vs BMW Z3M - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eviTUr6Vewg.html
I have owned 2 1999 Z3’s (2.8) and 2 C6 Z06 (2006, 2008). Both are great cars. The Z is not a MX5, it is a more classy of a car. By the way I have owned 4 MX5s (92,95, 99, and 01.) So I don’t agree with your statements. I have tracked all of these vehicles when I lived in GA, TX, and KS. Good luck with your projects.
How is the Z3 M coupe weird? Sure, I suppose most people get the roadster, but I've seen the M coupe tons of times and it's definitely the better version of the Z3. I've wanted one since high school when they came out
Fully agree. I even bought one I like them so much! Still think they’re weird, by which I mean different from almost everything else you see. I wish there were a lot more weird cars on the road!
I know. That was a huge part of my decision paralysis. Knowing I need to make progress on the Vette but having a whole project car sitting in the garage that I couldn't drive because of the radiator fan. Now that I've got this one kicked off the Vette investigation is next. Might be able to dig into it today.
You mind messaging me the hotel you stayed at in NOLA and the room number so I know not to book it just in case you did pee in the bath tub? Haha!!! Good luck on the build!!
I bought it before I blew the Corvette's motor. I figured I'd need something to work on while the Corvette project started to wind down. Obviously it didn't work out that way 😅 At least now I have something fun to drive while the Corvette is missing an egine!
Great way of putting it! I think the M Roadster looks far better than the base Z3 but I’m just not a big fan of convertibles and was never really into the retro craze in the early 2000s that resulted in such gems as the Chevy SSR and the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
@@JoshVanVeld agreed. I love that my lovely lady wanted a manual mustang gt but hate it's also a convertible, lol. I give allowances for roadsters but I'm generally too big for them anyway. Only other cars that should be convertible are classic boats like impalas.
