Highlights
- £6,000 worth of factory extras
- Recently serviced
- Lots of fun to drive
- New soft top in 2020
- Lots of paperwork
The Appeal
If you like the idea of cheap, reliable, top-down motoring then the Z3 is the car for you.
In a small package, you get a lot of poke and sporty styling that puts it head and shoulders above other modern classic convertibles.
In a small package, you get a lot of poke and sporty styling that puts it head and shoulders above other modern classic convertibles.
This example has been well looked after, but it is the first owner we have to thank for this fine specimen. It looks as if they went down the options list and ticked every box.
It is now your chance to get behind the wheel of this little pocket rocket.
It is now your chance to get behind the wheel of this little pocket rocket.
The History and Paperwork
- First hitting the UK roads in March of 1999 this Z3 has gone on to have a very happy life
- From the factory, this car came with a lot of interesting toys
- The options include items such as air conditioning, 17” round spoke alloys, electric hood, leather upholstery, heated seats, and other toys that we will touch on as we go through
- Interestingly there is also a boot lid spoiler and wind deflector that are believed to be dealer fitted OEM parts
- Within the vast stack of paperwork, you’ll find the usual owner’s manuals and other BMW literature, but there is also every MOT present from 2002
- There is also a large bundle of paper from Sytner BMW Sheffield, these all appear to be for regular maintenance
- In recent times a few important jobs have been carried out these include, an exhaust replacement in July 2014 at 80,430 miles
- A new soft top hood was replaced in February 2020
- Finally, a new battery fitted in March 2021
- It is now your chance to hop in and make many happy motoring memories
- Zac, as he has been christened, has bought the current owner a lot of joy
The Interior
- Heated leather seats
- Air conditioning
- Upgraded radio system
- Enjoy top down motoring
A driving experience can be made or broken by the car's cabin, luckily for you, the interior of this Z3 is well equipped and in great condition. It is just itching for you to get in and go for a long drive with the top down as the sun is setting in the distance.
As we have previously mentioned, the first owner specced this car well. This is first apparent with the twin black leather seats fitted in this sports car. Both of these seats are heated, and even height adjustable which should mean you can sit right on the floor to further enhance the driving experience.
The seats are shown with minor signs of use, there is the expected wear around the driver's bolster where the leather creases, but it doesn’t appear to have split.
The seats are shown with minor signs of use, there is the expected wear around the driver's bolster where the leather creases, but it doesn’t appear to have split.
Having a convertible almost gives you two cars in one. You can experience the coupe like drive with the roof up and even drive it in the winter, but when the sun comes out you can press a button and feel the wind in your hair. It is this little button that makes this Z3 far more enticing than a normal sports coupe.
The interior condition of the roof is very good as it was replaced in 2020.
The interior condition of the roof is very good as it was replaced in 2020.
The current owner has swapped out the original BMW Business cassette head unit in favour of a more modern Pioneer SPH-10BT setup. This helps drag the interior into the 2020s and means you can drive along listening to your music or podcasts.
As the car is nearly 25 years old you may expect that some areas of the interior have experienced some wear over the years. To begin with, there are two remote locking fobs, but these may need re-programming to work, the central locking does still work on the keys, however.
There are a couple of areas on the driver’s seat that could do with some work too. The seat belter retainer needs replacing, a new one will come with the sale, you just have to fit it.
The seat runner also requires some replacement bushes, the OEM ones are known for wearing easily.
There are a couple of areas on the driver’s seat that could do with some work too. The seat belter retainer needs replacing, a new one will come with the sale, you just have to fit it.
The seat runner also requires some replacement bushes, the OEM ones are known for wearing easily.
Once you have sorted these small niggles then you will have a wonderful interior where you can experience some of the best driving roads the world has to offer.
Throughout your ownership you’ll form a bond with this car and the interior will be your command centre for all of that fun.
Throughout your ownership you’ll form a bond with this car and the interior will be your command centre for all of that fun.
The Exterior
- OEM 17” alloys
- Believed to be an OEM rear lip
- Wide haunches
- Well designed
If you haven’t already fallen in love with this car then perhaps you need to flick back to the exterior shots, because doesn’t a Z3 of this age look purposeful?
Its wide front arches and gills along the side make for a great looking car that has aged gracefully.
Its wide front arches and gills along the side make for a great looking car that has aged gracefully.
Finished in a lovely metallic silver Zac the Z3 looks great from all angles. Having spent some of his life in London there are a few minor blemishes around the body, but no areas that will require dent pulling or smart repairs.
It is said that there is a slight ripple in the bonnet, but as it's finished in silver this can be hard to spot at times.
It is said that there is a slight ripple in the bonnet, but as it's finished in silver this can be hard to spot at times.
Having been on the UK roads for 23 years you can expect some areas of slight corrosion, these can be found around the base of the wing mirrors, and some surface corrosion on the sills and rear arch.
All of these areas were confirmed to be non-structural spots by the last MOT, so you shouldn’t need to worry about costly welding just yet.
All of these areas were confirmed to be non-structural spots by the last MOT, so you shouldn’t need to worry about costly welding just yet.
Overall, the exterior is presented in good condition. As with all of us, Zac has started to show some wear as he approaches his ¼ century.
There are however a lot of positives, like the OEM alloys, rear lip spoiler, and new fabric hood.
So, this example should sit very neatly on your driveway.
There are however a lot of positives, like the OEM alloys, rear lip spoiler, and new fabric hood.
So, this example should sit very neatly on your driveway.
The Mechanics
- Zesty M44 engine
- Capable automatic gearbox
- Good service history
- New exhaust 10,000 miles ago
- New battery recently fitted
Under Zac’s long and characteristic clamshell bonnet you will find an M44 petrol engine.
For those not up to date with their BMW engine codes, it’s a 1.9l inline 4. This engine has been well cared for over the years, this can be evidenced through the car's service history, there is a slight gap, but it has been recently serviced and had an inspection for everyone’s peace of mind.
For those not up to date with their BMW engine codes, it’s a 1.9l inline 4. This engine has been well cared for over the years, this can be evidenced through the car's service history, there is a slight gap, but it has been recently serviced and had an inspection for everyone’s peace of mind.
The M44 engine is then mated to a capable four-speed automatic gearbox. The current owner has mentioned that this is probably better to live with than you may first think. In sport mode, it will hold on to the gear and downshift nicely under braking.
If you wish to save a bit of fuel then you can put it back in economy mode.
If you wish to save a bit of fuel then you can put it back in economy mode.
As soon as you get out on the road with this wonderful 90s sports car, you will not want to get out. For the day to day drives the automatic gearbox will be a dream to live with, and when you decide to push on, it will come alive.
This is a great way to get into a modern classic sports car without breaking the bank.
Don’t miss out on this example.
Don’t miss out on this example.
Summary
With so many expensive factory options it is no surprise that Zac the Z3 has been well cared for throughout his life.
The baton now falls to you to look after this great example.
The baton now falls to you to look after this great example.
As soon as you get behind the wheel you will know that you made the right choice, and as traditional combustion engine sports cars give way to soulless electric vehicles, you will be happy that you got the chance to experience this car.
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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.
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