Highlights

Desirable facelift wide body Sport model with 3.0-litre engine
Rare Sapphire Black metallic with red leather interior combination
In current ownership for over 10 years
Low mileage of 85,000 and FSH to July 2025
Recently serviced with new front tyres, battery and cooling system components
MOT valid to July 2026

The Appeal

The Z3 was built to compete with the MX5, but really, it was always a successor to the brilliant Austin-Healey 3000. Equipped, as here, with the rare, torquey 231bhp 3L it offers the same mix of classic looks and straight six performance.

With a healthy 40bhp premium over the more common 2.8L car, the 3L really is the Z3 you want if a M car is beyond your budget. This one mixes understated Sapphire Black with a more striking red leather cabin. It sits on a smart set of factory alloys and is in really good condition.

The vendor acquired it in 2015 and has helped keep the mileage well below average for the year. Alongside the sparing use, there is a thick history file that shows regular servicing up to July 2025. Other recent work includes two front tyres, a new quality battery and attention to the cooling system.

With a lengthy MOT to July 2026, this potent Z3 is a rare find and a chance to get in some autumn open-top runs.

The vendor says:

“Fantastic example coming from long term mature ownership of over 10 years, dry stored summer use car. A desirable facelift wide body Sport model in a rare combination of Sapphire Black metallic with red leather. 85k miles with FSH, ULEZ compliant.

“This particular car is the last of a small BMW collection being sold on behalf of its owner, a retired furniture restorer.

“To sum up, a very nice example boasting the most desirable drivetrain package and a superb colour scheme, difficult to find a good one now and safely depreciation proof if kept in the current condition.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st August 2001
Current keeper since May 2015
Full service history with stamped service book as shown
Last service at 83,975 miles in June 2023
Further service advised in July 2025 by seller
MOT valid to 23rd July 2026 with single minor advisory
All handbooks including service book present
Extensive collection of invoices and receipts for parts and servicing
HPI and Carcheck clear we are told
Part of a small BMW collection being sold on behalf of its retired owner
ULEZ compliant according to seller
1 key
V5C
Dry stored when not in use
Seller describes current keeper as a ‘mature owner’

The Condition

Straight bodywork and well kept Sapphire Black metallic paintwork
Vendor states that car has no evidence of the usual Z3 rust issues
Arches, sills and common Z3 rust-prone areas all present well
Has been carefully rust-proofed during current ownership
Due to age and mileage buyers should be realistic about exterior condition
No structural advisories for underside on current MOT
Fabric hood in good condition with a recently replaced plastic screen
MV1 wheels in good condition with vendor stating there is no kerbing damage
Fitted with matching Rovelo tyres with front tyres recently replaced
Red leather interior in very good condition with even high traffic areas presenting well
Air conditioning may require re-gassing as it has not been used in recent years
Clean carpets in cabin with overmats and clean boot carpet as shown
Retains its BMW Business radio/CD player
Red trim to console in good order and same for door cards and switchgear

The vendor says:

“Excellent straight bodywork with none of the usual Z3 rust issues and a lovely uniform paint finish. The fabric hood is in good condition and has recently had a replacement plastic screen fitted, and it functions perfectly. The interior is fantastic and has worn its age and miles exceptionally well, also a sure sign of a well-cared-for car. The MV1 wheels are also in good condition with no kerbing and suit the car well. As mentioned, the arches, sills and common Z3 rust-prone areas are all excellent on this one (see photos). It has also been carefully rust-proofed during its current 10-year ownership to help preserve it for the future.”

The Mechanics

M54 3.0-litre engine producing 231bhp
ZF 5-speed manual transmission
Stamped service book to June 2023 at 84,000 miles
Further service in July 2025 advised by seller
Work included spark plugs, Yuasa battery, thermostat, drive belts, oil and filter
Cooling system recently flushed
Braking system in good order we are told
Factory fitted limited slip differential
The vendor states it drives and performs very well with no known faults
No modifications from standard specification we are told
Single advisory on MOT addressed bby seller below

The vendor says:

“If you’ve not driven a manual 3 litre Z3 before you’re in for a pleasant surprise, with an extra 40bhp over the previous 2.8 version they have a lot more in common with the M cars of the era than you may think. 231bhp, a 0-60 of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. Combine that with a quick steering rack, a limited-slip diff, a ZF 5-speed manual gearbox and a brilliant RWD chassis, and they are an impressive package. Among the last of the driver-focused BMWs with the mechanical feedback that is so sadly lacking in newer models.

“It drives and performs very well, has just been serviced with replacement spark plugs, Yuasa battery, thermostat and cooling system flush, drive belts, oil and filter, all using genuine BMW or high-quality OEM spec parts. New front tyres just fitted with the rears having lots of life left and the braking system all in good order.

“It has just been MOT'd for a year and has an excellent MOT history (the one advisory for an oil leak is slightly exaggerated, just a visible sweat which is normal for a BMW of this age)

“Last serviced in July 2025 including, engine oil and filter, spark plugs, thermostat and cooling system service.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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