The Z3 introduced two firsts for BMW. It was the first of the company’s cars to be styled by radical designer Chris Bangle and was the first BMW to be built in the USA, at the new Spartanburg factory in North Carolina.
It was also a massively appealing entry to the sports car market – less hardcore but more practical than a Mazda MX-5 or MGF, and with beautiful BMW build quality and exceptional powertrains. Unlike those rivals, it was also available with a range of six-cylinder engines in addition to the most commonly found 1.9-litre four. They were offered in 2.2, 2.5, 2.8 and 3.0-litre capacity, all with super-smooth performance.
Today, the Z3 is a great choice of modern classic open-top tourer and offers terrific value, while the fact it’s based on the ‘E36’ 3-Series platform also means it’s a rewarding car to drive, as well as an easy one to maintain. This example is a 2.8-litre six and is especially desirable thanks to its super-rare Violet Red colour scheme and Sand Beige ‘Oregon’ leather. It comes with an almost full MOT, valid to January 2025.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT January 2025
Full service history – serviced by BMW and latterly independent specialists with a greater frequency than determined by BMW itself
Original book pack, manuals and wallet
Service book
Original Rossiters BMW main dealer number plates
Genuine low-mileage car
The Condition
Ultra-rare Violet Red with black hood
Original factory alloys in very good overall condition
Wide body model
Very good overall condition with smart paint finish
Exhibits a handful of minor marks and stone chips but nothing of any real note
Vendor reports that although the paint is very good a clay bar or machine polish would really give it a lift to remove swirl marks and imperfections, although it still presents very well indeed
No dents or known previous accident damage
Appears solid underneath with no evident corrosion issues – no corrosion advisories for MOT
Electric roof appears to be leak-free, in very good order and working as it should
Sand Beige flecked leather “Oregon” trim
Matching flecked-effect door cards and carpets
Chrome Pack interior with bright highlights on vents, handles and gear lever
Some very minor bolster wear to driver’s seat
Original BMW stereo with six-CD changer unit
All switches, buttons and controls operate as intended
New windscreen
Generally excellent overall order for a 25-year-old unrestored car
The Mechanics
2.8-litre straight six
Five-speed manual
190bhp
0-60mph in 6.9 seconds
Factory limited slip diff
New battery
Recent service and described by vendor as in great working order, terrific to drive with no known faults or mechanical issues
One MOT advisory for a split ball-joint rubber cover
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1999 BMW Z3 2.8
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