1999 BMW Z3M Roadster

Please note that the photographs were provided by the seller

Highlights

• Smart example of one of the rarest M Cars

• 321bhp, 0-60 in 5.1 seconds

• Desirable Estoril Blue

• Two-tone interior

• Recent brake rebuild and upgrade

 Overview

Think of BMW M Cars and you’ll invariably think of fast saloons or coupes, such as the M3 or M5. 

But 28 years ago, something a bit different came out of BMW’s M-Division. A secret skunkworks project developed by M-Sport engineers as BMW had pooh-poohed the idea of an M-version of the new Z3 sports car. 

M-Sport, though, thought different and shoehorned the 3.2-litre six from the E36 M3 under the bonnet ‘between jobs’. All 321bhp of it. The BMW board didn’t want to like it, but they did – and the Z3M was born.

The chassis was comprehensively reworked by M-Sport engineers – it needed to be with the extra power – and inherited stiffer suspension, a wider rear track and a limited-slip diff.

Flared wheel arches, quad exhaust pipes and unique alloy wheels added some external zest, while inside, the cabin is adorned with special M-badged dials, sports seats, and leather trim. It’s a great looking car, subtle for an M Car, but those who know will know…

Its true appeal, though, lies in the powertrain and the delightfully analogue nature of it. Like the contemporary M3, the Z3M doesn’t rely on forced induction or electronic jiggery pokery to extract the depth of its abilities. The naturally aspirated straight-six is one of M Division’s finest achievements, and in the Z3M you’re up close to it. Drop the roof and it sounds incredible. 

This one is particularly desirable, finished in the much sought-after colour scheme of Estoril Blue with a two-tone black and blue interior and some subtle performance improvements, including a BMW 8 Series brake conversion and upgrade and a series of H&R suspension modifications. 

History and documentation

• First registered in the UK 19 March 1999 

• Supplied new by Kibworth BMW of Reading

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor

• MOT until 4 August 2026 – no advisories

• Two keys

• Original BMW book pack

• Some invoices

• Service book fully stamped as follows: 1999 @ 15 miles (PDI), 1999 @ 1,673 miles (main dealer), 1999 @ 7,475 miles (main dealer), 2001 @ 14,980 miles (main dealer), 2001 @ 22,438 miles (main dealer), 2002 @ 31,324 miles (main dealer), 2003 @ 35,396 miles (main dealer), 2005 @ 46,833 miles (specialist), 2014 @ 50,650 miles (independent), 2014 @ 52,003 miles (independent), 2015 @ 52,886 miles (independent), 2017 @ 53,908 miles (independent), 2018 @ 54,570 miles (independent), 2019 @ 55,996 miles (independent), 2021 @ 56,772 miles (independent), 2022 @ 57,831 miles (independent), 2023 @ 58,959 miles (independent), 2024 @ 62,522 miles (independent) 

Interior 

• Two-tone electrically adjustable leather seats 

• Some minor wear to driver’s side seat bolster but no holes or damage

• Carpets and roof lining in excellent condition

• Minor scuffs and wear to door cards

• Tailored floor mats

•  Heated seats

• Cruise control

• Air conditioning

• M-Sport leather gear knob and handbrake grip

•  M-Sport leather-bound steering wheel

• Clarion CD with Bluetooth connectivity

•  Electric roof

•  Blue M-Sport centre console

•  One small crack above air con switch on centre console 

Exterior

• Original Estoril Blue paintwork in very good overall order

• Some minor corrosion to the very leading edge of outer sills (common to most Z3s); The outer sills are covers and are easily replaced. 

• Factory hardtop included

• Minor stone chips on bonnet

• Factory five-sdpoke 17-inch alloys in great order with no kerb marks

• Good Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round

• Underside appears sound with no evidence of structural corrosion

• Good hood with recent new rear window 

Mechanical

• 3.2-litre naturally aspirated straight-six

• Five-speed manual transmssion

• 321bhp

• 0-60mph in 5.1 secs

• BMW 8 series brake conversion with larger front brake callipers and discs

• Full brake system rebuild

• Bilstein B8 shock absorbers

• H&R springs

• H&R front and rear anti-roll bars

• H&R front and rear drop links

• Ground Control camber plates

• Earls braided clutch line 

• Roose Motorsport coolant hose kit

• Reported by the vendor to drive very well and with no known faults

Summary

There’s a huge amount to like about this car, not least the Estoril Blue paint work, reserved for BMW’s M and sports models, and a fantastic choice for the Z3’s shark-nosed looks and swooping profile. It’s in fabulous condition with no major marks or damage, and with a comprehensive history file that shows a lifetime of love and care.

 Now’s a great time to buy a Z3M, too – they languished for a while in the shadow of better-known M Cars, but prices are on the up as more and more collectors cotton on to the car’s vast appeal.

 To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Reading, Berkshire.