2002 BMW Z3M (E368) Coup S54 - 21,870 Miles For Sale by Auction

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW as well as the first new BMW model to be assembled in the United States. It was introduced as a 1996 model-year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie Goldeneye. While the film was number one at the box office, sales of the car peaked and over 15, 000 orders had been placed by the time the car was launched.
The Z3 was designed by Joji Nagashima of the BMW design team and was developed from the E36 3-Series platform and consequently is often referred to as the E36/ 7 (Roadster) or E36/ 8 (Coupé). When launched, only the 1. 9-litre, straight-four engine was offered, but its 138bhp proved a bit short of breath. A 2. 2-litre engine producing 168bhp was made available for the more enthusiastic driver whilst in 1997 a powerful six-cylinder 2. 8-litre unit producing 190bhp was an option and ultimately, in 1998, the S50 3. 2-litre Z3M topped the range. In October 2001, the M Coupé reappeared with the new 3. 2-litre S54 B32 engine from the E46 M3, producing 321bhp at 7, 400rpm and 258lb/ ft and it transformed the Z3M. On paper, the difference is a mere 4bhp, but in the real world it feels like at least 40bhp! The free-revving characteristics remained, but with the power instantly available throughout the range - smoother, torquier, more responsive – in other words, the drivers' choice and the model the enthusiasts hanker for.
The car presented here is a 2002 Z3M Coupé (S54) and is reportedly one of less than ten S54 examples produced in arguably the best and rarest BMW colour of Imola Rot (Imola Red), with an all-black leather interior. But the colours aren’t the only reason this car is very special. This bright example is wonderfully original, in totally standard guise, has covered just 21, 700 warranted miles from new and comes with a fully stamped up and full BMW main dealer service history including a major service and inspection by BMW to prepare the car for sale.
The car was purchased by our vendor’s late father when it was just a couple of years old and has remained in the family ever since as the pride and joy, being transferred into our vendor’s name as part of the estate. The logbook shows two former keepers but two of the owners are the father and son. Supplied with its original and complete book-pack plus invoices for maintenance/ upkeep, this is the most complete 'Z3M package' one can find. The car presents in exceptionally good condition having been detailed, cherished and maintained to within an inch of its life.
These modern classic BMWs are finally receiving the appreciation they truly deserve, both culturally and financially, as it exemplifies what can be argued was the golden era of M-cars, the sweet spot of the late 1990s to early 2000s. A high-revving engine, dynamic chassis, stunning ‘clownshoe’ styling and on offer for the first time in 20 years. Not to be missed.