Ep 10. Send In The Clown Shoe

In this episode of Wheeler Dealers, titled Send In The Clown Shoe, host Mike Brewer and master mechanic Ant Anstead take on the challenge of restoring a classic BMW M Coupe, also known as the Clown Shoe. The BMW M Coupe was a limited production sports car that was only produced from 1998 to 2002, and has become a highly sought after collector's item.

The car that Mike and Ant have chosen to restore is a 2001 model that has seen better days. The exterior is covered in scratches and dents while the interior is worn and tattered. The BMW M Coupe was notorious for its difficult handling, so Ant will need to make some crucial upgrades to make it a more enjoyable ride.

The first step in the restoration process is to strip the car down to its chassis so that Ant can get a better look at what he's working with. Mike and Ant discover that the car has been in several accidents over the years and has undergone several botched repairs. The damage is not only cosmetic, but structural as well, making the restoration process even more challenging.

Once they have a better idea of the extent of the damage, Mike and Ant set to work on repairing the car. They replace the front subframe and the entire cooling system, along with the fuel pump and some of the electrical components. The car is also fitted with a brand new set of wheels and tires.

With the mechanical components of the car addressed, Ant turns his attention to the handling. The BMW M Coupe was notorious for being a difficult car to drive, with a reputation for oversteering and a lack of grip. Ant decides to fit the car with some high-performance suspension components, upgrading the shocks, springs, and anti-roll bars. He also installs a limited-slip differential to help improve the car's traction.

The interior of the car is also given a complete overhaul. The worn-out seats are replaced with a set of new, sportier seats, and the entire interior is reupholstered in black leather. The old radio is also replaced with a modern aftermarket unit, complete with satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

Once the restoration is complete, Mike takes the newly restored BMW M Coupe out for a spin. He remarks on how much easier the car is to drive, with far better handling and more power than the original car. The interior is also far more comfortable, making it a more enjoyable car to drive.

Overall, this episode of Wheeler Dealers is a great showcase of the skill and expertise of Mike and Ant, as they take on the daunting task of restoring a classic BMW M Coupe. The process is not without its challenges, but their hard work and dedication pay off in the end, as they are able to breathe new life into a car that was once considered difficult to drive and hard to love.