1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 Manual

Highlights 

• Engaging and well put together modern classic sports car

• Manual gearbox

• Excellent service history

• Low mileage

• In good condition throughout

• Well-maintained

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

Realising that the BMW Z3 is now more than 30 years old is a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. Not because of anything to do with the car itself. Not at all. The Z3 remains an excellent two-seater sports car that still feels exciting three decades on. The problem lies in how old that makes us feel. But then the perfect antidote to such woes would be a blast in the very car that has us all misty-eyed for a bygone age.   

Marketed as a more sophisticated offering alongside the likes of Mazda's venerable MX-5 and the MGF, the Z3 turned out to be more than just advertising hyperbole. Much more. Available in both coupe and convertible roadster formats and offered with a choice of either four or six-cylinder engines, the Z3 looked every bit the consummate sportster, taking design cues from the achingly pretty 507 convertible from the 1950s. And it's the roadster that arguably makes the most sense, especially as we step into warmer weather.

This particularly low-mileage Roadster has covered just 46K from new and as such presents in great shape overall, especially inside. Fitted with the 1.9-litre four-pot, it's an engine that suits the car well and all 138 horses can be fully exploited without fear of reprisal, making for an exciting and engaging experience when pushing on, especially when mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, as is the case here.

Complete with decent service history and a long, advisory-free MOT the car is reportedly fully functional and driving well with no mechanical issues so if you're after a tidy, fun little sports car for the summer, or if you're looking to take your first steps into modern classic car ownership, then you could do a lot worse than this cheeky little Z3.

History and documentation

• 1998 model year

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor

• First registered on 14 Apr 1998

• Three former registered keepers

• In current ownership since 16 Jul 2018

• Original book pack and wallet

• Two sets of keys

• Original service book showing service stamps at the following intervals: pre delivery check (1998 – main dealer), oil and filter+brake fluid at 5,453 miles (2000 – main dealer), inspection I+coolant at 7,561 miles (2001 – main dealer), oil service+brake fluid+coolant at 12,788 miles (2004 – main dealer), inspection II+brake fluid+coolant at 18,150 miles (2007 – main dealer), brake fluid+coolant at 21,786 miles (2010 – main dealer), oil service+brake fluid at 38,456 miles (2016 – specialist), inspection II+brake fluid at 40,508 miles (2019 – specialist), oil service+brake fluid at 42,873 miles (2021), oil service at 44,144 miles (2023), oil service+inspection I at 45,173 miles (2024)

• Various invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• HPI clear 

• Advisory-free MOT until 23 Feb 2027

• 46,388 indicated miles

Interior

• In very good condition throughout

• Wholly original with no signs of any damage

• Some light wear and tear to high traffic areas commensurate with age and mileage

• All leather electric seats with no splits

• Carpets and mats remain in good shape

• Door cards present well

• Standard fit radio and cassette player

• Dash is intact and the display looks good with no apparent pixel issues

• Wind deflector present and correct

• Passenger side kick panel carries some light degradation

• Boot space is clean and tidy and the original six disc CD changer is present and works although the vendor reports that it has a habit of blowing fuses

• Complete unused spare wheel and ancillaries plus full original BMW tool kit

Exterior

• In great condition overall with the vendor reporting no known problems or previous fixes

• No apparent scratches, damage or dents to note

• All shut lines are uniform

• The Arctic Silver Metallic paintwork is in fine order across all panels

• No signs of any major corrosion but there is a small area of very light surface rust showing on the nearside front lower wheel arch where it meets the sill

• The seal on the electric hood rear has come away in places but the vendor informs us that it is watertight

• Windows and light lenses look to be in good shape with no damage

• The 15” wheels are all in good condition with no evidence of any kerb damage but there are a couple of small areas of paint bubbling around the tyre valves to mention

• Tyres are a mix of Kumho Solus KH17s on the front and Landsail LS388 models on the rear, with the rears being new in April 2025

• Vendor reports that the car is only used in dry weather and covered when not in use and is clean underneath as far as they can tell

Mechanical

• 138bhp, 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine

• Engine bay presents well overall with some light oxidisation to the cylinder head and intake manifold

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 8.2 secs

• 127mph top speed

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car always starts first time (but it is necessary to keep the battery topped up if used sparingly) has a nice tick over, warms up quickly and has a nice growl as you put your foot down

Summary

Well built, beautifully balanced and a hoot to drive, the Z3 remains a cracking little sports car and the 1.9 cars have plenty of applicable performance despite what the mouthy speed freaks might tell you. With excellent service history and especially low miles this particular car has clearly been cherished and well-maintained and presents as an inherently fun and usable roadster.

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 York, North Yorkshire.