Highlights
• Unusual green leather interior
• Low mileage
• Optional electric roof fitted
• First generation pre-facelift model
The Appeal
First launched in 1995, the Z3 roadster was based on the E36 3-series platform with semi-trailing rear arm suspension and was the first mass-produced Z series car, being built at the Greer plant in South Carolina in the USA.
The Z3 is also renowned for being in the James Bond film GoldenEye in 1995 where the 1.9-litre version was driven by Pierce Brosnan along the Caribbean coastline. Wouldn’t you have loved to have been behind the wheel?
This particular example is the pre-facelift model and features the more powerful 138bhp version of the 1.9-litre engine (the M44) mated up to a five-speed manual Getrag 250 gearbox and has been fitted with a more modern set of M-Sport 135 17-inch wheels.
And the good news is you’ll not a Bond-level bank balance to have this one on your drive.
And the good news is you’ll not a Bond-level bank balance to have this one on your drive.
The History and Paperwork
• MoT until June 2023
• Comprehensive service history stamps
The current owner is a huge BMW fan (owning three other examples of the marque) and only recently acquired this Z3 having bought it from Solihull-based independent BMW specialist Noel Butler at Autokraft.
He has had all his cars serviced with Noel and has always hankered after a sporty Z-series car. Sadly health issues now means that he’s unable to drive a manual.
He has had all his cars serviced with Noel and has always hankered after a sporty Z-series car. Sadly health issues now means that he’s unable to drive a manual.
The car’s previous owner was in Wales, while the service history stamped in the service book are as follows:
09.04.98 – Prophets Garage, Solihull – PDI inspection
23.03.00 – Howarth of Rochdale – Oil service, 6,592 miles
01.03.02 – Howarth of Rochdale – Oil service, brake fluid, coolant, 12,124 miles
27.05.03 – Rydale BMW, Cardiff – Oil service, 18,300 miles
2004 – Rydale BMW, Cardiff – Inspection 2, brake fluid, 22,977 miles
20.10.05 – Gerry Doverman, Hereford – Inspection 2, 27,032 miles
16.06.06 – Gerry Doverman, Hereford – Oil service, 30,292 miles
02.07.07 – Steve Robins, Whitchurch – Oil service, Inspection 1, 36,094 miles
2008 – Steve Robins, Whitchurch – Oil service, spark plugs, 39,686 miles
08.07.09 – Oil service, brake fluid, 44,097 miles
05.08.10 – Oil service, 47,509 miles
03.11.11 – Oil service, brake fluid, 49,180 miles
20.03.12 – Inspection 1, 53,425 miles
15.08.13 – Cotswold BMW – Oil service, 56,432 miles
20.08.14 – Cotswold BMW – Inspection 2, spark plugs, brake fluid 56,432 miles
05.08.15 – Oil service, air filter, pads, 63,608 miles
08.05.16 – Oil service, 65,511 miles
12.04.17 – Oil service, brake fluid, 67,610 miles
The car has a current MoT valid until 19 June 2023.
The Interior
• Funky green leather seats and door cards
• Optional electric roof
• Three-spoke M-branded steering wheel
Traditionally BMW interiors on silver cars tend to be paired with a rather sombre black leather interior and this can be a little dark, especially when the hood is raised.
Happily on this Z3 the original buyer ticked the ‘Moss Green’ leather option and both the driver and passenger seats are trimmed in dark green leather with textured green centre panels matching the door cards.
It’s a funky colourway that works well. While the drivers seat bolster shows minor evidence of wear, it’s untorn and just needs a little leather cleaner to make it perfect.
Happily on this Z3 the original buyer ticked the ‘Moss Green’ leather option and both the driver and passenger seats are trimmed in dark green leather with textured green centre panels matching the door cards.
It’s a funky colourway that works well. While the drivers seat bolster shows minor evidence of wear, it’s untorn and just needs a little leather cleaner to make it perfect.
The original purchaser also ticked the option for an electric roof and this moves smoothly down at the touch of a button once the windscreen latches are released.
A three-spoked black leather M-sport badged steering wheel allows you to hustle the sportscar through the bends, with a chromed gear knob selecting the five gears. The pedals are equipped with smart AC Schnitzer branded pedal covers.
Electric windows and mirrors are fitted, together with an aftermarket Kenwood KDC-6060R CD radio offering 40W x 4 of power to the speakers (which are in the original grilles).
As with all BMWs, the seats are comfortable and supportive and there are lots of handy storage cubby holes – including a couple of locking glove boxes between the two seats.
The Exterior
• Only covered 72,168 miles
• Upgraded alloys
• Tinted tail-lights
The exterior of this Artic Silver BMW is generally in good order for its age with only a few minor paint blemishes detracting from its appearance.
There’s a little paint fading below the fuel filler cap and a few signs of minor rust around the nearside rear quarter. The edges of the sills have been treated in the past and would benefit from some minor cosmetic tidying. Around the BMW badge on the bonnet are a few micro blisters.
There’s a little paint fading below the fuel filler cap and a few signs of minor rust around the nearside rear quarter. The edges of the sills have been treated in the past and would benefit from some minor cosmetic tidying. Around the BMW badge on the bonnet are a few micro blisters.
But this is nit-picking on a 24-year old car and the rest of the bodywork is glossy and straight with a deep sheen to it.
The fabric roof is leak free and in good condition, though the trim around the rear window is slightly detached at the upper edge, while the window is slightly faded (but doesn’t need changing).
The fabric roof is leak free and in good condition, though the trim around the rear window is slightly detached at the upper edge, while the window is slightly faded (but doesn’t need changing).
We’re not sure if the black-painted grille is the original colour, while the tail-lights have been upgraded to subtle smoked lenses and the BMW E46 M-sport style alloy wheels have replaced the original five-spoked wheels. All the tyres are Pirelli P Zero 215/45 ZR17 and dated week 9, 2015, and appear to have ample tread.
The Mechanics
• Low mileage
• Lots of service stamps
The current owner tells us that he’s not aware of any issues with the car and it started on the button every time for the photoshoot.
The 1.9-litre engine fitted to this particular car is not the weedy 118bhp unit, but the sportier 138bhp model and with only 72,168 miles on it, it’s barely run in for a BMW. It idled smoothly and evenly.
The electric roof worked without issue, as did the electric windows.
The 1.9-litre engine fitted to this particular car is not the weedy 118bhp unit, but the sportier 138bhp model and with only 72,168 miles on it, it’s barely run in for a BMW. It idled smoothly and evenly.
The electric roof worked without issue, as did the electric windows.
Summary
The current owner is sad to see this Z3 go, having been forced to sell it due to health issues. He points out that it’s a proper sports car and drives superbly.
Thanks to having the more powerful 138bhp version of the 1.9-litre engine it should be a delight to twirl the steering wheel along your favourite road with top down.
Thanks to having the more powerful 138bhp version of the 1.9-litre engine it should be a delight to twirl the steering wheel along your favourite road with top down.
The Moss Green leather interior is unusual, while the upgraded alloys and tail-lights give it a smart appearance and the Arctic Silver paintwork still looks great.
With only 72,168 miles on the clock and a fresh MoT this car is already to be enjoyed by the next owner.
With only 72,168 miles on the clock and a fresh MoT this car is already to be enjoyed by the next owner.
Just pack your 007 gadgets, pick up your favourite Bond girl and head to your nearest Caribbean coastal road!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
