BMW Z8: Spotted

Time to get in before Z8 values really climb? Too late!

It's hard to avoid quite significant shock when first glancing at current BMW Z8 values. What seemed to be £120K cars - still a heck of a lot - not so long ago are now for sale at nearly £180,000. A hundred and eighty grand! All this time we've been obsessing over the M3 CSL's climb towards ever larger numbers and E30s at £100K because they're the traditionally excellent BMW sports saloons. Meanwhile the Z8, not especially well received at launch, has rather quietly become a very valuable car. Remember, it was £80,000 back in 2000 when an M5 was £60K.

Just look at that behind

Why is it now so in demand? The looks must be a significant contributing figure. As a modern reinterpretation of the traditional roadster it was, and remains, a superb piece of design. Furthermore, think of how the combination of modern architecture with classic design is now more popular than ever - backdated 911s being the most obvious example. Without wishing the Z8 a disservice, it almost appears like a more refined Wiesmann in concept; retro looks with plentiful speed and a rather cool image too. They even both have BMW engines...

Harris wrote a Tell Me I'm Wrong on the Z8 a few years ago when they were at more sensible money. Probably about £100K then.

As Harris pointed out, what has become key to the Z8's appreciation is that those flaws that bugged owners and journalists when new become less important as the years pass. And BMW has form here. At the time the CSL's minimal performance gain for £18K on top of a regular M3 met with some disapproval; now as it ages the limited edition status and looks have ensured values are climbing. Similarly with the Z8, anyone buying it at £100K+ to cruise around in now doesn't care about excessive understeer or the fact an M5 is more fun. It will look fantastic inside and out, presumably make a great noise and there's little chance of seeing another. As always that final point can be of huge importance.

Retro styling for the win

Half of the LHD-only Z8s were initially sold to America and you can only assume that number has risen with the passing years. This particular car is one of three for sale on PH currently, each comfortably in excess of £150K. This car is in the timelessly classy silver with red leather combo and the mileage is predictably enough very low at 10,207.

Whether the Z8 will continue to appreciate remains to be seen, but BMW appears to be setting out its template for future sports cars with the i8 and so another car like the Z8 must be unlikely. And to these eyes it is more desirable than it's ever been, even if it has taken 15 years to become truly covetable. Problem is though, retro roadster with a modern base has been done again since then - could you really walk past an Alfa 8C Spider to buy a Z8?

BMW Z8
Engine: 4,941cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power (hp): 400@6,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 369@3,800rpm
MPG: 19.5mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 349g/km
First registered: 2002
Recorded mileage: 10,207
Price new: £80,000
Yours for: £178,778