Highlights

Early four-cylinder example
Delightful Atlanta Blue Metallic
Electronically-assisted folding roof - a rare option

The Appeal

The first mass-produced Z-car from BMW, the Z3 was based upon the E36 3-Series platform, and was the first BMW to be produced in its entirety outside of Germany, instead being build in Southern California.

This particular Z3 is a pre-2000, four-cylinder model (identified by the single-exit exhaust) with an interesting factory specification, including the desirable electrically-assisted roof, which was a £600 option at the time of purchase, not to mention the upgraded Harman Kardonn sound system.

History and Paperwork

This Z3 has quite the healthy abundance of paperwork - including 2 leather booklets full of BMW paperwork and service history, as well as a folder full of invoices and receipts for any maintenance work that has been carried out over the last number of years
Leather book pack with stamped service record - most recent service at 70,656 miles in September 2020 and 4 green bars showing on the service indicator.
V5 Registered Keepers document
Purchased to form part of a large car collection, now sadly being reduced due to lack of indoor storage.

The Interior

Good overall condition
The centre console still showcases all of the text and symbols brightly with no signs of fading across the control buttons which is nice to see.
The Buttons all still function as they should, as does the electronically assisted folding roof - a very sought after option which cost around £600 at the time of original purchase.
Another sought after bit of tech is the optional Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system, a seriously worthwhile addition, especially to those who are looking to spend a lot of time enjoying this car.
The seats are in good condition, with no signs of any rips, tears or damage visible other than the odd crease or light scuff, commensurate for the vehicle’s age
The folding soft-top mechanism appears to be in working order
In the rear, the tool kit is largely complete

The Exterior

Fantastic ‘Atlanta Blue Metallic’ bodywork in very good overall condition
No signs of any accident damage, impacts or large marks that we could see, save for a scuff on the driver’s door, show in the gallery below
There are, naturally, a few small marks, blemishes and imperfections as you’d expect on a car of this age, along with a few older marks that have been previously touched-in
The nearside lower fog light lens is slightly cracked
All four wheels are in excellent condition.

The Mechanicals

1.9-litre, four-cylinder engine in good health
The car starts, runs and showed no sign of any issues during our photo shoot
The current MoT certificate is dated 06 July 2024, details can be found on the .Gov website

Summary

These four-cylinder Z3s are far more fun than their on-paper figures may suggest, with a lightweight body, slick gearbox and rev-happy inline-four providing plenty of driving fun, especially in the summer evenings with the roof down and the wind in your hair.

This example boasts a strong factory specification in arguably one of the best colours for the pre-LCi Z3s.

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.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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