When did the market for these get crazy stupid?
 

I still remember looking at those when ordering the m3. They had several on the lot that they couldn't sell - but I guess that's usually the story for the weird niche stuff that turns into collectibles.

S54 Z3 M Coupes have always been nutso. That just has the Enthusiast Auto tax on top of that.

they have been crazy for awhile especially ones with the s54

I have always like them because they are so ugly only pretty much enthusiast drive them. :D

This is headed in the same direction.

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-bmw-m-coupe-2/

Weirdly similar except for mileage.

There's something strangely appealing about a car that has 100hp more than its chassis and suspension can really use.

A 987S has a little less peak power and slightly more torque and it feels like it could easily handle 100hp more without issue.

The funny thing is on both the hard-top and convertible Z3Ms, the S52 is about 1/2 the price of the S54.

I've spent many a day trolling ads for a 2000 S52 MZ3 vert. I can't see it as my primary car though and the Z3 build quality is suppose to be just awe full.

I think the z3 build quality is on-par with the e36 - which is to say plastic parts rot and break, window regulators fail, etc, but the drivetrain & mechanicals are pretty stout and easy to work on. My parents have a z.3 2,8 (1998 I think) that has maybe 20k miles and never needed anything. It has always run great when they've taken it out after sitting for weeks at a time.

Thats because the supply of S54 cars is tiny, and because the S54 is massively better.