The BMW Z3 is a rapidly up and coming modern classic, with good, rot-free examples keeny sought-after by enthusiasts of the marque.
After all, it was a hugely important car for the Bavarian marque. 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.
Today, it’s a great choice of modern classic open-top tourer and offers great value, while the fact it’s based on the ‘E36’ 3-Series platform also means it’s a rewarding car to drive. This makes it something cool and different that you can still use every day.
This is the economical but lively 1.9i model, with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. It also has the rare and desirable crocodile skin leather option, sought-after by Z3 fans.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Supplied new by Godfrey Hall BMW in Shrewsbury in May 2001
Owned by current owner since 2013
Service book stamped up 57,890 miles in 2019 – 14 stamps in total
Most services at main dealers or marque specialists
Original handbooks and service wallet
Three sets of keys plus master key
UK V5C
MOT to May 2023
Old MOTs
Folder full of services and receipts
Private sale
THE INTERIOR
Beige Oregon leather with crocodile skin inserts
Matching inserts to door cards
Excellent dashboard
Good beige carpets and trim
BMW dealer floor mats
Original tool kit
Chrome finish M-Sport gear knob
Electric windows
Small cracks to plastic on gear surround
Minor wear to driver’s side seat bolster
Original BMW Business Radio-cassette
Very smart overall presentation
Original toolkit
THE EXTERIOR
Stunning Siena Red
Five-spoke factory alloys
Undamaged and very well-kept roof
Roof and screens kept under cover at all times
Appears solid underneath with no corrosion advisories to MOT history
No visible corrosion externally
Original dealer number plates
New Landsail tyres all round
THE MECHANICS
1.9-litre four-cylinder
136bhp
Five-speed manual transmission
Reported to drive very well with no declared faults
No warning lights on dash
Recently serviced
Extensive engine refurbishment in 2019 with new cylinder head
New water pump in 2021
Well-maintained by current owner
SUMMARY
Good Z3s are getting fewer and further between, which makes an example as good as this one well worth seeking out. It is really well-presented, in one of the best colours for a Z3 and the interior is something else.
Being the 1.9i, it should also prove relatively inexpensive to insure for younger enthusiasts. It’s a great modern classic and a wise investment opportunity.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
