2000 BMW Z3 *Sold £4,600*

Description

• One previous owner
• Our vendor has owned since it was two months old
• Comprehensive service history
• Very well cared for
• 2.8 litre 24v straight six engine
• Very well cared for
• Great all-round condition
• Brand new MOT to April 2025

The BMW Z3 Roadster. An uninhibited and rewarding sports car, delivering an unforgettable drive. Justifiably, many commentators went so far as to call Z3 “one of the best handling cars in the world”.

Our vendor tells us, “This has never let me down in all the time I’ve owned it, always starts up first time. Really sad to be selling but I’ve purchased something more practical to better suit my lifestyle now”.

We expect a queue of bidders for this Z3.

Background

When BMW cleverly placed a Z3 model in the blockbuster Bond film, Golden Eye, it became the must-have sports car of the 90s. It was no surprise really; stylish, brilliantly built and offering great performance, it was the perfect roadster.

Now the agile soft-top is a classic, in fact its appeal is arguably greater than ever.

History and paperwork

• First registered 16 May 2000
• Our vendor has owned it since 7 June 2000
• Comprehensive service history – mainly BMW Dealers
• Service history, mainly BMW with last few carried out at an independent garage
• The Z3 was originally ordered by a business exec in Scotland
• At the last minute he did not take delivery.
• The individual who had arranged the purchase of the Z3 for this businessman took delivery instead
• Approx six weeks later he sold it because his wife became pregnant
• Our vendor Carol took up ownership
• It has always been garaged and we’re told “has lived a life of luxury being treated to servicing/maintenance that very few Z3’s of this era will have had for their entire life”

Inside

It’s easy to see why the BMW Z3 is so adored. There is a beautiful simplicity and functionality of the Roadster’s retro-themed interior.

Directly in front of you is an uncluttered dashboard featuring all the vital gauges you need. BMW also clad all the important touch points in splendid leather or soft-touch plastics.

The colour-coded blue and black leather interior is striking. The vibrant combos were a signature element of the Z3 Roadster that have lasted very well.

• Blue/black leather interior
• Both seats in good condition
• Seats are electrically adjustable and heated
• These are the optional Recaro seats
• Charcoal coloured carpets with matching mats
• BMW Sport steering wheel
• BMW Sport gear knob
• Unusual Navy-Blue Mohair powered soft top
• Air conditioning
• Electric windows working properly
• Original BMW CD/Radio
• Clean boot with grey carpet, no stains
• Toolkit, spare wheel and warning triangle
• Wind deflector

Outside

In the classic and stunning Estoril Blue, this BMW Z3 looks superb.

In 2000 a worthwhile facelift saw wider rear wheel arches, plus redesigned taillights and a relocated centre brake light.

• Wrap around bumper
• Lightly tinted lens
• 17” BMW five spoke alloy wheels
• The distinctive ‘shark gill’ vents along the side
• Colour coded door mirrors
• Those characteristic kidney shaped front grilles mark the Z3 out as undeniably BMW
• The subtle twin tailpipes distinguish this Z3 as the six-cylinder model

Mechanicals

In 1997 the 190bhp 2.8 litre 24v straight six was launched and the Z3 finally got performance to match its looks. In 2000 BMW upped their game again with several improvements.

• Comprehensive service history
• Five speed ZF transmission
• Six-cylinder M25TUB28 engine
• 190bhp
• 210 ftlb of torque
• Automatic stability control (ASC)
• Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

The 2.8 litre engine was fitted with BMW’s VANOS system of variable valve timing. At lower engine revs this improves idling quality and full consumption. At high engine speeds, the valves are opened later delivering more power higher up the range. The second gen “Double VANOS” system was fitted in 2000. The continuously variable adjustment, linked to engine speed and throttle opening, takes driving the later Z3s to another level.

With the tried and tested front engine, rear wheel drive set-up pioneered by BMW and the advances in engine technology fitted to the Z3 it probably was “the ultimate driving machine”.

Our view

The BMW Z3 brims with character and charm. Rev the straight-six and you’ll be rewarded by amazing performance matched with a dramatic soundtrack. It’s all delightfully old-school, right down to the five-speed manual transmission

Z3s have quite correctly earned a great reputation for performance, panache, durability and reliability.

Now add in the ownership, care and condition this Z3 has had, and you know it is an incredible and exciting classic. These are still to have their day in terms of value. That will be soon.

Form an orderly queue for this one, please. No pushing at the back.