1999 BMW Z3 – Classified of the Week
July 12, 2022
When the Mazda MX-5 sprang onto the scene in 1989 it kicked open the doors and then promptly laid the paving slabs for a slew of affordable, lightweight, two-seater sports cars to follow in its wake. Cars that handled well and that had enough get up and go to satiate all but the most die hard of speed freaks. It was a trend setter and one that cars like the Porsche Boxster, MG F and BMW Z3 have a lot to thank for.
And that’s exactly what we have for your viewing pleasure with today’s Classified of the Week: a 1999 BMW Z3 convertible. We like to think we’re all inclusive here at Car & Classic, we cater to everyone, from the high rollers to the not so deep of pocket. It’s part of what makes us Europe’s number one classic cars site. Not only do we showcase the more exotic metal but we also like to feature affordable classics, and seeing as summer has well and truly arrived, now is the time to spend a little money and have a little fun with this inexpensive but lively little roadster.
Debuting in 1996 the BMW Z3 was a stylish, well built sports car that replicated everything that made the MX-5 such a great car to drive. That is predictable and balanced rear wheel-drive handling and revvy engines that provided a whole host of thrills, even at entry level spec. The Z3 follows the same template as the Mazda in that it’s a front-engined, rear wheel-drive go-kart that is reliable with excellent build quality whilst being an unadulterated hoot to drive.
Almost 30 years on from when that first Z3 rolled out of the factory it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find decent used examples. Cars that haven’t been thrashed to within an inch of their lives or that have succumbed to rot. Cars with convertible roofs that don’t leak and cars that haven’t been to the moon and back in terms of mileage. And that’s why we’re highlighting this particular model.
Featuring BMW’s 1.9-litre four pot it’s a more economical alternative to the much thirstier six-cylinder engines and that can only be a good thing in today’s market where a tank of fuel can be cause for re-mortgaging your house. Some will argue that performance is lacking and while this is somewhat true when compared to those bigger, 2.8-litre motors the 140bhp in the 1.9 is still plenty for anyone to have an absolute blast. It still means 0-60 in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 125mph, which in a lightweight, two-seater with a manual gearbox is more than enough to put a smile on your face.
The car seems to be in great shape overall and although it has suffered from rusty sills in the past both have been professionally replaced this year and so corrosion is a non issue and the dark grey metallic bodywork presents well. It appears to be a cherished car with decent service history and low miles that is only being moved on due to those pesky London ULEZ charges.
The black leather interior looks good and the car has recently been fitted with a new roof which is a massive plus. It also comes complete with a tonneau cover for those shades on, roof down moments. The cooling system can play up on these cars but a new radiator has been installed in 2019 and the car comes with a healthy folder of receipts for past work with a service having just been carried out. Not only that but there is a full year’s MOT on the car having just passed its test this month.
This BMW Z3 convertible looks healthy and appears to be in fantastic condition throughout. With less than 90K on the clock and a generous and honest history it should provide many more years of fun and reliable motoring. And let’s not forget James Bond drove one in Goldeneye – if it’s good enough for 007 then it’s good enough for us.
