1999 BMW Z3 M Coupe

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● Beautifully maintained example of the rare cult classic

● 321hp straight six enhanced by a Gruppe M induction kit and upgraded exhaust

● New engine under warranty at 41k miles

● All usual Z3 M problems areas addressed

● Available from long term ownership

● Ready to be enjoyed

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Originally conceived as a skunkworks project by BMW’s M division, the Z3 M came packed with everything a petrolhead could wish for; screaming 6-cylinder engine, near perfect weight distribution and of course, rear wheel drive. Things really came alive however when M division boss Berkhard Goeschel decided there needed to be a coupe version.

While the soft top certainly had its fans, there was no getting past the fact that adding structural strength would make a really good car an even greater one. Thus, the addition of a roof to the Z3 platform made the coupe 2.6 times stiffer than the Z3 roadster. Utilising the same underpinnings as the roadster - including the screaming 3.2-litre S50 engine from the E36 M3 - they cooked up an after-hours special that, while not classically beautiful, has an aggressive charm all of its own and delivered a memorable driving experience.

Although it appealed to hardcore M fans, it failed to connect with the wider public which limited sales, making them a rare groove today. In fact, going by the internet, less than a thousand were sold in the UK and out of the 2,858 examples sold worldwide allegedly only 422 were in Imola Red, and out of those only 183 specified with Black Nappa interior. Debates rage online about the relative merits of the S50 and S54 engines that were installed for the European market but, with the addition of the well-respected carbon Gruppe M intake and a tuneful Hayward and Scott stainless steel exhaust, this example will surely banish any such thoughts once you’re behind the wheel.

Fully resprayed following a minor bump in 2010, it presents very well and, with a replacement engine and comprehensive maintenance to the other oily bits, the car has a younger makeup than the headline age and mileage suggest.

Indeed, the comprehensive records show that the car has received a huge amount of love and attention over the years - to the tune of over £12,000 in the past 5 - which means that it not only looks good but is also in great shape for its next owner to savour the driving experience which, after all, is what the M division set out to achieve when it went to work on the Z3.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● Registered new 8 April 1999

● Acquired by the current owner in 2014 from an M Coupe Club member (and other previous owners were said to be members of the club, too)

● While the car currently sits on 128,000 miles the car was the recipient of a replacement engine under BMW warranty at 41,914 miles

● The car comes with the original document pack, including the service book

● The stamps in the service book show the following services at BMW main dealers: Pre-Delivery Inspection Apr 1999, Sep 1999 @ 8,218 miles, Jan 2001 @19,741 miles, Apr 2002 @ 29,300 miles, date not recorded @ 35,282 miles, Nov 2003 @ 46,705 miles, Oct 2004 @ 49,815 miles, Aug 2005 @ 54,297 miles, Sep 2006 @ 66,686 miles, Aug 2007 @ 69,503 miles, July 2008 @ 77,372 miles, Aug 2011 @ 92,789 miles

● There are stamps for services at independent workshops as follows: Feb 2009 @ 83,193 miles, Oct 2009 @ 88,609 miles, Nov 2010 @ 91,556 miles, Jun 2017 @ 114,217 miles, July 2018 @ 118,917 miles, Aug 2019 @ 123,394 miles

● There is also a complete and detailed record of work carried out with a folder full of receipts, invoices and MOT certificates

● It has been looked after by either BMW or known specialists Redish Motorsport and SG Motorsport Services

● The car had a minor bump in 2010 which, although it only required a repair to the edge of the bonnet, a new headlight and a bumper, resulted in the insurance company declaring it a Cat D

● As part of the repair, the owner took the opportunity to give the car a full glass-out respray

● In July 2018 it was treated to an extensive set of work at a total cost of over £7,000 including an air con condenser, new coolant radiator, new engine mounts, new drive belts, front ARB bushes, wishbone arm rear bushes, fuel filter, rear ARB bushes and links, windscreen washer pump, conrod bearings and shells replacement (preventative), front shock absorbers, top mounts, plates, Eibach suspension springs, rocker cover gasket, gearbox and diff oil, Inspection II service, post-conrod bearing shell replacement oil change following a 500 mile bedding in process, front and rear brake discs and pads and the aforementioned Gruppe M carbon fibre induction kit

● In 2019, all four brake callipers were refurbished, the headlight lenses polished, and the door membrane and various smaller parts replaced at a total cost of around £1,900

● 2022 saw further expenditure with a new ECU and various air conditioning parts replaced in 2022 at a cost of over £2,200

● Last serviced on 10 Mar 2023 @ 127,608 miles

● The MOT is valid until 10 Mar 2024

● V5 present in the owner’s name

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The snug cabin features black leather M sports seats which present very well for the age and mileage of the car

● The dashboard is a model of clarity, characteristic of BMW’s of the era

● A generous specification includes all the standard Z3 M options and heated seats, a tilting glass sunroof and Harmon Kardon sound system

● The previous owner fitted a rare and sought-after CD43 unit with an aux in which looks the part and provides a useful update

● In the boot, the luggage cover is present, and the tool kit is complete

● In all, it looks to be comfortable and very usable

● Comes complete with two working keys

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Imola red suits the distinctive design well and the rare M Coupe mud flaps give it a more mature look

● Having been resprayed in 2010, it bears a few minor blemishes but in general the paintwork remains in very good condition for its age and mileage

● The wheels all look to be in very good shape and wear premium tyres all round with plenty of tread, Goodyears on the rear and Michelins at the front

● The car is also provided with some rare extras: a tailored car cover and genuine BMW roof bars

● In summary, it’s in lovely condition and is sure to make its next owner proud

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● The S50 321hp 3.2-litre straight six engine drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential

● A Gruppe M induction kit turns up the volume knob on the intake side of things while a Hayward and Scott stainless system enhances the exhaust noise, with both likely adding a little to the quoted power figure. The owner has informed that both modifications enhance the wondrous straight-six wail without raising decibels to an uncomfortable level.

● The small collection of upgrades is completed by a set of Eibach springs

● Following the replacement engine there is plenty of evidence that the car has been maintained regardless of cost and the owner tells us that it’s both reliable and very usable.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

By installing the M3’s powertrain in a quirky body design, BMW produced a little hot rod coupe that has become very much an appreciating cult classic. Coming from long term ownership and offered to market due to the arrival of a Lotus Emira, this example has been very well looked after and can be enjoyed to the full.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Brinkworth, Wiltshire.