1997 BMW Z3 2.8 Widebody
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Photos provided by the vendor
Highlights
- Highly collectible, Rare 1997 optional Wide Body 2.8i
- Great condition
- 2.8-litre straight-six
APPEAL
At its launch, BMW created a sure-fire hit with the Z3 two-seater roadster. The only mild criticism to be heard at the time was it felt somewhat underpowered. It wasn’t long before BMW corrected this, using the same engine as the BMW 328i, it launched the Z3 2.8 litre, generating a meaningful 193bhp, 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.
A range of other engines were also launched but this 2.8 is certainly one of the more sought after, with its creamy smooth engine and punchy performance, there was many a pleasurable mile to be had in one of these, whether cornering around country roads or eating up lengthy stretches of motorway.
A reluctant sale by its current owner, this one looks fantastic in its Montreal blue paintwork and recently replaced blue hood. It’s also has the rarer wide body, and looks particularly handsome in its M Sport wheels, roof up or down.
HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered in 1997
- Maintenance book shows stamps up to 64,00 miles (some main dealer)
- From 2011 to 2021 the car was driven quite lightly, averaging 1,000 miles or less per year
- Purchased by current owner in March 2022 as a daily driver
- Full post-purchase inspection carried out by TWG Motorsports in Peterborough
- V5c present
- Several MOT certificates and historical receipts
- Toolkit, jack and brace
- Original owner’s handbooks and service book
- 2 keys
- MOT expires 15/01/2024
INTERIOR
- The interior presents exceptionally well and really is in fine shape for a car of its age
- Oregon Black leather seats in very good condition – some small creases and wear commensurate with age and mileage
- M-Sport gear knob
- Leather steering wheel
- Door cards all good
- Carpets and mats all in excellent condition
- Roof mechanism reportedly in perfect order
- Electric windows
- Wind deflector
- Aftermarket Pioneer stereo with minidisc player
- All gauges and dials work
- Clean and tidy engine bay
EXTERIOR
- Montreal Blue Metallic paintwork in very good condition with a nice deep shine to it
- Bodywork appears free from dents
- Some minor scratches appear on a few of the panels, most noticeably the boot lid
- Few small stone chips to the bonnet and front wings some of which have been touched up
- Two small patches of rust bubbling to near side of the bonnet as illustrated in the photos
- New roof fitted within last 5 years. Hood fabric in excellent condition, even coloured with no signs of sun fading
- Good tyres all round
- M Sport 10-spoke alloy wheels appear to be in excellent condition
- Both sills replaced in 2021
MECHANICS
- 2793cc straight-six petrol engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Minor service / oil change in January 2023
- New viscous fan coupling fitted in 2022
- New front suspension anti-roll bar links fitted in 2022
- New catalytic converter fitted in 2023
- Both front end track rods replaced in 2021
- Clutch is reportedly tight with a low bite and handbrake is firm as it should be
- Solid and responsive brakes
- Small surface rust on underside but nothing structural or problematic
- Starts on the button and settles nicely to idle
- All electrics reported to function correctly
- The vendor advises that the car is in excellent mechanical shape. The engine pulls hard and it handles impeccably
SUMMARY
A well cared for, increasingly collectable and highly usable roadster that is enormous fun to drive and has the all-important power up front to provide the kind of driving experience that BMW has become known for.
Behind the Z3M and the Z3M Coupes which have increased massively in value over the past few years, these rare late 1997 2.8 models with the original wide body option before it became standard sit in a highly collectible spot and are already appreciating in value.
The blue roof and black leather interior make it a classic colour combination too, and with Spring just around the corner, possibly too good an opportunity to let pass.
The blue roof and black leather interior make it a classic colour combination too, and with Spring just around the corner, possibly too good an opportunity to let pass.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1997
- Make BMW
- Model Z3 2.8 Widebody
- Colour Montreal Blue
- Odometer 107,023 Miles
- Engine size 2793
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Langham
- Location Leicestershire
- Country United Kingdom
16
bids
- El•••• £4,400 17/02/23
- ke•••• £4,300 17/02/23
- El•••• £4,200 17/02/23
- ch•••• £4,100 17/02/23
- ke•••• £4,000 16/02/23
- ni•••• £3,900 16/02/23
- ke•••• £3,800 13/02/23
- Be•••• £3,500 13/02/23
- jo•••• £3,100 12/02/23
- Be•••• £3,000 12/02/23
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