***Images supplied by vendor***
Highlights
- Low mileage example
- Garage kept in current ownership
- Factory-fitted limited slip differential
The Appeal
The Z3 is a popular 2-seater roadster, based off of the E36 3 Series, and the very first mass produced Z car from BMW, and the first to be solely manufactured outside of Germany - instead they were made in South California.
To this day, the Z3 remains a relevant and important part of the roadster family - and can still compete with some of the heavy hitters in the current market in terms of performance and fun.
To this day, the Z3 remains a relevant and important part of the roadster family - and can still compete with some of the heavy hitters in the current market in terms of performance and fun.
This particular car has been cherished endlessly by the current owner, who saw it fit to treat the vehicle to a complete body respray at no spared expense and fix all of the usual problem rust areas, making sure this car is in top form for any new custodian.
Truly, a well presented example of the well loved roadster from the German marque.
Truly, a well presented example of the well loved roadster from the German marque.
The History and Paperwork
- Build date 22nd January 1999
- Registered in 1999
- MOT valid until May 2023
- Matching number example
- Current owner purchased in 2020
- Complete body respray professionally done in September 2020 costing £3000
- Rust spots repaired using genuine BMW panels
- Only driven in summer months, approx 400 miles since restored
- Plethora of invoices provided
- Lots of MOT record present
The Interior
- Black leather interior
- Bucket sport seats
- M-Sport steering wheel
- M-Sport gear shifter
- Chrome roadster kick plates
- Aftermarket head unit
- Floor mats present in good shape
Simplistic, driver focused and comfortable. A Z3 is undoubtedly a nice place to be, with soft leather sports seats, a leather steering wheel, comfortable driving position and a clear view all around (with the roof down of course).
This Z3 is a good example of that, well maintained in classic black leather.
This Z3 is a good example of that, well maintained in classic black leather.
Stepping into the vehicle and sitting in the driver's seat, you immediately notice how low slung and close to the ground you are - all part of the roadster experience - the sport seats retain great support and the leather is supple.
There does appear to be some wear marks on the drivers side right bolster however this is a highly tactile area and is somewhat unavoidable, aside from this both seats appear to be in great shape, all stitching is intact with no real damage aside from what’s already been mentioned.
There does appear to be some wear marks on the drivers side right bolster however this is a highly tactile area and is somewhat unavoidable, aside from this both seats appear to be in great shape, all stitching is intact with no real damage aside from what’s already been mentioned.
Directly ahead of you sits the M-Sport leather wrapped steering wheel presented in good condition with no rips or tears, just the normal sheen from used leather. Behind this, the gauge cluster sits free of any unwanted and unwelcome warning signs, all of the gauges functioning as they should as well as the digital display at the bottom of the speedometer.
Moving to the centre console, your hand naturally falls over the M-Sport gear shifter thanks to the well placed driving position, and just above sits an aftermarket head unit alongside the heater controls which all function as they should.
Throughout the charming roadster, the carpets remain in good condition with no worn holes and little signs of any colour fade.
Throughout the charming roadster, the carpets remain in good condition with no worn holes and little signs of any colour fade.
Overall, the interior of this Z3 is well kept, and its evident that over the years it has been cared for and pampered - especially in recent years from the current custodian.
The Exterior
- Recent full body respray at the cost of £3000
- Gorgeous Montreal Blau
- All common rust areas professionally sorted with genuine BMW panels
- BMW Style 66 M3 wheels in lovely condition
- Zunsport front grill
- Chrome side vents
- Functional semi-automatic retractable soft top
- Well kept brightwork around the kidney grills
- Electric hood to be added as a feature
Finished in a beautiful Montreal Blau, which was recently refreshed from a full body respray at the expense of £3000 in September of 2020, is in fantastic order as you would imagine!
Flaws here are somewhat non-existent. Also around 400 miles ago, the current owner had the common rust areas of the car sorted and replaced with genuine BMW panels to the highest of standards, and has only used the vehicle in the summer months - otherwise the car is stored in the garage.
Flaws here are somewhat non-existent. Also around 400 miles ago, the current owner had the common rust areas of the car sorted and replaced with genuine BMW panels to the highest of standards, and has only used the vehicle in the summer months - otherwise the car is stored in the garage.
To the front of the car, we’re presented with a Zun Sport lower grill which compliments the car nicely, and the original BMW kidney grills remain in place with well kept brightwork.
The headlights appear to be in good shape too, with no signs of any cracks, damage or water ingress. As you’d expect then, this lovely roadster doesn’t have any flaws to report up here!
The headlights appear to be in good shape too, with no signs of any cracks, damage or water ingress. As you’d expect then, this lovely roadster doesn’t have any flaws to report up here!
Moving around to the side, the beautiful BMW Style 66 alloys come into view and present themselves in beautiful bright silver paintwork and showing no signs of any curb marks or corrosion. Even the wheel nuts themselves remain remarkably bright and polished!
All of the panels here seem straight and true with factory fitment panel gaps throughout, and just up front behind the front wheels, chrome side vents are fitted and retain great brightwork.
All of the panels here seem straight and true with factory fitment panel gaps throughout, and just up front behind the front wheels, chrome side vents are fitted and retain great brightwork.
Scooting around to the rear, the story continues, paintwork in fantastic condition as you would expect and the BMW badge remains in the factory placement, the ‘Z3’ badge has been removed giving a much more uniform look across the tailgate.
Rear lights are clear and in great condition and the exhaust tips appear well presented and polished - there certainly is nothing poor to report here either!
Rear lights are clear and in great condition and the exhaust tips appear well presented and polished - there certainly is nothing poor to report here either!
Overall, this Z3 is very well sorted. Thanks to a recent full respray, this gorgeous roadster has been given a new lease of life and it really is a lovely sight to behold.
The Mechanics
- 2.8L inline 6-cylinder
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Rare factory fitted limited slip differential
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Tyres have plenty of meat left
- Great mechanical order
BMW 6 cylinders are some of the greatest inline 6’s to grace the automotive world, there’s no denying that.
Fitted with one of the best engines for the Z3, this 2.8L powerhouse fires up at the turn of a key and idles healthily without any sign of struggle.
Fitted with one of the best engines for the Z3, this 2.8L powerhouse fires up at the turn of a key and idles healthily without any sign of struggle.
The owner reports that the car is well mechanically sorted and that the roadster retains its great performance, with fantastic acceleration and strong braking force.
The 5-speed manual transmission provides smooth and confident shifting through all gears, too! Also thanks to the factory fitted LSD, which is very sought after, you can really lean on this car in the bends and it rewards you with tremendous amounts of grip.
The 5-speed manual transmission provides smooth and confident shifting through all gears, too! Also thanks to the factory fitted LSD, which is very sought after, you can really lean on this car in the bends and it rewards you with tremendous amounts of grip.
These cars are an absolute bundle of joy, especially when fitted with that amazing LSD.
Popular for a reason, you won’t find a better car for the money!
Popular for a reason, you won’t find a better car for the money!
Summary
Well presented and unmolested examples of these Z3’s are getting more and more difficult to get a hold of.
This characteristic little roadster is ripe and ready to put a smile on your face, outfitted with one of the best engines they were available with, and having fantastically engineered underpinnings, you’ll struggle to have more fun for less.
Notice to bidders
This characteristic little roadster is ripe and ready to put a smile on your face, outfitted with one of the best engines they were available with, and having fantastically engineered underpinnings, you’ll struggle to have more fun for less.
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.
