1997 BMW Z3 2.8i Widebody
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****** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT (C) insurance write off in 04/2013 ******
Highlights
- Desirable widebody shell
- Great condition
- 2.8L straight-six
- Timeless styling
- Long MOT
The Appeal
First introduced in 1995, the Z3 was BMW’s well-received contender for the roadster and coupe market.
Based upon the E36 chassis, the Z3 became the first mass-produced Z series BMW and would be made available in numerous forms. One of the more desirable forms, of course, is this widebody Z3 roadster, which features the signature wider stance and some of BMW’s finest styling.
Based upon the E36 chassis, the Z3 became the first mass-produced Z series BMW and would be made available in numerous forms. One of the more desirable forms, of course, is this widebody Z3 roadster, which features the signature wider stance and some of BMW’s finest styling.
A controversial feature in the James Bond movie franchise aided the popularity of the vehicle, which sold exceptionally well throughout its production run. Nowadays, solid examples of these roadsters are few and far between, with straight-six equipped examples being quite desirable.
This particular example is in great condition for its age and presents buyers with the chance to own a stylish, appreciating future classic.
The History and Paperwork
- Previous MOT certificates
- Long MOT until Feb 2023
- V5C new keepers slip present
This Z3 comes with a small selection of paperwork which includes previous MOT certificates, the original book pack, and the new keeper’s slip for the V5C document.
Although the paperwork for this car is rather brief, the car is in full working order, which suggests a suitable level of prior maintenance and servicing.
Back in 2013, the car unfortunately had its convertible hood slashed and was later replaced in the same year. Due to the costs associated with the replacement the insurance company deemed it necessary to write it off however, we can report that the hood is functioning as it should.
Although the paperwork for this car is rather brief, the car is in full working order, which suggests a suitable level of prior maintenance and servicing.
Back in 2013, the car unfortunately had its convertible hood slashed and was later replaced in the same year. Due to the costs associated with the replacement the insurance company deemed it necessary to write it off however, we can report that the hood is functioning as it should.
The Interior
- Great condition
- Electric folding soft top
- Heated seats
- 3-spoke leather steering wheel
The interior of this BMW Z3 is in great condition for the age of the vehicle. Both seats show signs of wear in keeping with the vehicle’s mileage, but remain incredibly comfortable and hardly detract from the driving experience.
Although rather subjective to personal taste, the tan coloured interior offers a tremendous level of contrast against the blue paintwork and suits BMW’s luxury touches throughout the car.
Although rather subjective to personal taste, the tan coloured interior offers a tremendous level of contrast against the blue paintwork and suits BMW’s luxury touches throughout the car.
Both door cards, trim pieces, and carpeting throughout the car are in a similar condition, showing only minor signs of age that could no doubt be restored without much difficulty or cost. T
he leather steering wheel and gear knob follow suit but are certainly in keeping with the mileage covered. Inside the tidy boot space, you’ll find the battery, original toolkit and an original jack.
he leather steering wheel and gear knob follow suit but are certainly in keeping with the mileage covered. Inside the tidy boot space, you’ll find the battery, original toolkit and an original jack.
Being a convertible, it should come as no surprise that the electric folding roof is the car’s main party piece.
Although perhaps a little slower than you may be used to with modern cars, the folding mechanism operates without fault, transforming this roadster for top-down driving in the sunshine.
Although perhaps a little slower than you may be used to with modern cars, the folding mechanism operates without fault, transforming this roadster for top-down driving in the sunshine.
The Exterior
- Atlanta Blue Metallic paintwork
- Signature widebody styling
- Excellent condition
- Five-spoke alloy wheels
- Gorgeous body lines
The Z3 is one of those cars that reminds you how likely it is to be a future classic just at first glance.
The signature wide curves suit the sporty nature of the roadster perfectly and give this vehicle a truly classy, and timeless appearance. Finished in metallic Atlanta Blue paintwork, this Z3 looks absolutely fantastic, especially on a summer’s day.
The signature wide curves suit the sporty nature of the roadster perfectly and give this vehicle a truly classy, and timeless appearance. Finished in metallic Atlanta Blue paintwork, this Z3 looks absolutely fantastic, especially on a summer’s day.
The paintwork itself is in fair condition for the vehicle’s age, with only minor scratches and dents noticeable upon closer inspection. Despite these easily rectifiable defects, the car’s paint captures the sunlight beautifully and is perhaps the colour best suited to the Z3’s styling.
In keeping with the rest of the car, the five-spoke alloy wheels are also in great condition, albeit missing a centre cap on the front right wheel. All exterior trim pieces, badges and lights follow suit, showing only minor signs of age.
Overall, this is a truly beautiful car. As the images reflect, the Atlanta Blue paintwork sparkles in the sunshine and does justice to the wider body styling of the car.
With just a few minor defects, this example is sure to fill you with pride upon each glance.
With just a few minor defects, this example is sure to fill you with pride upon each glance.
The Mechanics
- 2.8L M52B28 engine
- Manual gearbox
- Drives and performs without fault
- Starts up first time
- Fantastic sound
Buyers will be pleased to know that this stylish Z3 fires up right away with a turn of the key, and happily idles awaiting your next direction.
With no known electrical or mechanical faults, the vehicle drives superbly, emitting a subtle yet tasteful note from the characterful straight-six engine as you row through the gears.
With no known electrical or mechanical faults, the vehicle drives superbly, emitting a subtle yet tasteful note from the characterful straight-six engine as you row through the gears.
As the spotless engine bay will reflect, the car has likely been well maintained in its past life, and now performs exactly as intended, regardless of the mileage.
With a valid MOT until February 2023, this Z3 is sure to provide the lucky new owner with many enjoyable top-down miles.
With a valid MOT until February 2023, this Z3 is sure to provide the lucky new owner with many enjoyable top-down miles.
Summary
The Z3 widebody roadster is one of the most beautiful BMW vehicles ever produced and still stands out on the roads even to this day. Fitted with the 2.8L engine, this example is an enjoyable contender in the soon to be classic roadster market.
The car not only performs without fault but looks absolutely superb with minimal signs of age.
With more sunny weather just around the corner, what better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a top-down straight-six Z3?
With more sunny weather just around the corner, what better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a top-down straight-six Z3?
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1997
- Make BMW
- Model Z3 2.8i Widebody
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 112,710 Miles
- Engine size 2793
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Barnard Castle
- Location Northumberland
- Country United Kingdom
35
bids
- an•••• £3,300 21/06/22
- al•••• £3,200 21/06/22
- al•••• £3,100 21/06/22
- Pi•••• £3,000 21/06/22
- al•••• £2,900 21/06/22
- al•••• £2,800 21/06/22
- Pi•••• £2,700 21/06/22
- al•••• £2,600 21/06/22
- Pi•••• £2,500 18/06/22
- an•••• £2,499 18/06/22
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