Description
It’s the late 1990s, and you’re looking to buy a fast, 2-seater convertible sportscar, but you don’t want something antiquated, and you want something that is legitimately potent. Something that can genuinely keep up with the big boys.
Look no further, than the Z3M Coupe. What BMW’s M-Division did was something quite simple, they took all the development work of the E36 M3 and M3 Evolution, put it in a tumble dryer and shrunk it. Shoehorning the M3 suspension and drivetrain into the Z3’s body required the addition of huge wide arches and a whole host of M-styling.
Externally, like all great M-Cars, it is just a Z3, for those who aren’t in the know, it could cruise past completely under the radar. Those who know though, really know and this particular car has an added 90s BMW spec that helps set it apart, its colour.
This Z3M roadster is finished in Estoril Blue, a shade that is now almost entirely associated with BMW performance cars. It’s a great colour, the bright shade and metallic flake complement the Z3M’s flamboyant arches. The Style 40 deep-dish alloys are finished in bright sparkling silver and are wrapped in a set of Michelin tyres. The paintwork is in excellent condition, with the odd age-related mark which is to be expected. This being the Z3M Roadster it is fitted with a black-fabric convertible roof which is in great condition too.
Inside, you’re greeted with more 90s goodness, the interior is a glorious two-tone black and blue, a theme that continues to the dashboard and centre console. The steering wheel is a leather M-sport item which completes the experience.
The gauge cluster is typical of BMWs of the era, clear and easy to read. Uncomplicated yet beautiful at the same time, the odometer reads just over 61, 000 miles. Everything inside works as it should, all the switch gears and auxiliary gauges are present and correct.
Under the bonnet is an S50B32 engine, sourced from the M3 Evolution, it's a strong engine, breathing through six individual throttle bodies it produces around 320BHP. Power is sent via a 6-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. The engine bay is clean, tidy and free from any signs of previous damage or repairs.
The engine runs well, no doubt in part due to the recent Inspection II service but also the extensive service records that are provided with the car, they include;
11/ 1998 - PDI - 10 miles - BMW Main Dealer
12/ 1998 - Service - 1, 140 miles - BMW Main Dealer
03/ 2001 - Service - 13, 940 miles - BMW Main Dealer
10/ 2002 - Service - 21, 835 - BMW Main Dealer
12/ 2004 - Service - 29, 072 - BMW Main Dealer
04/ 2009 - Service - 46, 292 - Specialist
09/ 2010 - Service - 46, 996 - Specialist
05/ 2011 - Service - 47, 850 - Specialist
05/ 2012 - Service - 51, 974 - Specialist
08/ 2013 - Service - 54, 639 - Specialist
03/ 2014 - Service - 54, 984 - Specialist
12/ 2020 - Service - 60, 110 - BMW Main Dealer
04/ 2022 - Inspection II Service - 60, 685 - BMW Main Dealer
11/ 2022 - Service - 60, 835 - Specialist
10/ 2023 - Inspection II Service - Specialist
This Z3M Roadster is an opportunity to buy a comparatively low-mileage example of a true-modern classic, finished in a colour that has become synonymous with performance BMWs, beloved by enthusiasts and average joes alike.
Get the roof down, and listen to those individual throttle bodies sing. It could be yours…
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
