Highlights

One registered keeper from new with 28 years of ownership
Only 26,208 documented miles from new
Unmodified, retaining factory-standard specification throughout
Mostly annual servicing from new generally by the same specialist
Servicing and other work September 2025 at 26,146 miles totalling £2,862
New genuine BMW hood fitted in 2025 at a cost of £4,219
Suspension overhaul in 2023 costing nearly £2,000
MOT valid to June 2027
4 Brand new tyres fitted June 2026

The Appeal

Classic enthusiasts seem to be gravitating to more modern two-seaters like the Z3, and for good reason. These well-built, reliable cars deliver comfort and durability that perhaps older cars lack, but without sacrificing character. That is particularly true of the Z3, with its sharknose styling and E36 running gear.

Few of the surviving Z3s are likely as tempting as this one, because it is an exceptionally low-mileage car that has remained with its single keeper from new. The condition is, as you might expect from that introduction, the silver metallic paintwork and attractive red leather appearing not to have succumbed to the usual issues of a 28-year-old car.

The service history explains this, indicating the owner’s fastidious approach to maintenance irrespective of mileage. We’re told the car has been serviced most years, and generally by the same specialist. The last visit was in September 2025, when close to £3,000 was spent on servicing and related work, as evidenced by the invoices. Other recent investments include a new BMW roof that cost £4,219 in parts and fitting. The suspension was overhauled in 2023 at a cost of nearly £2,000.

Equipped with the economical 1.9L engine, 5spd box and a current MOT, this is a proper find for roadster enthusiasts and just in time for summer.

The vendor says:

“Full service history. My garage says it is like a new car! Factory standard,

“It goes like it is new. Great acceleration and just a lot of fun. Very sad to let it go, but now a little too old, me, not the car.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 30th April 1998 in the United Kingdom
Single registered keeper from new
Serviced almost every year since new we are told
Large history file of maintenance often by the same specialist Chelsea Autoworx
Last serviced on 4th September 2025 at 26,146 miles at cost of £2,862
Invoices for servicing and other work shown in photos
Reluctant sale due to owner's age
Factory handbook and wallet
V5C
2 keys
Factory fitted with optional electric roof and BMW Business CD player
MOT valid to 7th June 2026 with advisories to note

The Condition

Very well kept factory standard and unmodified car
Silver paintwork presents very well with few signs of age or use
Bodywork also well kept including edge of panels, lower wings and arches
Underside as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
Fitted with factory alloy wheels in very good condition
Vredestein tyres fitted with advisories to note on MOT
The vendor informs us the car is in excellent overall condition
Slight marks on the mirrors advised by seller
The vendor reports the underside is very clean
Red leather interior in very good order for age and mileage
BMW Business radio fitted but CD player does not work
We are told that all other features reported to be in working order
Slight mark on the offside of the driver's seat
New genuine black fabric BMW hood fitted in 2025 at a cost of £4,219

The Mechanics

1,895cc four-cylinder engine
Five-speed manual transmission
New suspension fitted in May 2023 at a cost of £1,758
The vendor reports the car drives like new
Well maintained with recent major service and overhaul in September 2025
No mechanical advisories on current MOT

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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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