2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe (S54)

Highlights 

• Usable and engaging analogue sports car

• Rare, limited production model

• 325bhp S54 engine with improved VANOS

• Manual gearbox

• Good service history

• Low mileage

• Interior in good condition

Overview

It's hard to believe that BMW's sporty little Z3 began life way back in 1995. That's a whole 30 years ago last time we checked but the car has aged so well that its inherent qualities belie its age. Originally powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines, larger six-cylinder variants were introduced a year after launch but its the big power lumps found in the Z3 M roadsters and coupes that are the pick of the bunch.

For most of us, 316bhp would be plenty but BMW disagreed and in 2001 the S50 in the original M was replaced by the more powerful S54 – that's the same engine as the E46 M3 but in a car that weighed significantly less. Throw in a five speed manual gearbox and its party time.

With the fixed roof coupe version earning the rather unfortunate sobriquet of the “clown shoe” due to its divisive design we actually reckon the Z3's styling is spot on and it still cuts quite the dash today. BMW was an entirely different animal back in the early 2000s though and when it came time to commission a coupe version of the Z3 roadster, design chief Berkhard Goeschel wasn't going to take no for an answer despite initial pushback from the top brass and so utilised as much of the roadster DNA as possible to get the green light for production.

And boy are we glad he did because today the Z3 M coupe remains a truly entertaining and engaging pocket rocket, devoid of any pesky driver aids, making it an utterly joyous car to pilot. 0-60mph is achieved in about 5 seconds and the car will top out at the usual BMW-limited 155mph so it's plenty fast enough for most speed freaks, even now.

This particular 2001 low mileage model comes with the aforementioned improved S54 motor (with stronger VANOS) and has clearly been cherished by the vendor who has owned the car for 20 years. With a well documented history, including full service history up to 2011 and then subsequently looked after by a reputable local garage, the car is reportedly mechanically sound and presents in decent, usable condition.

History and documentation

• 2001 model year

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor

• First registered on 30 Jun 2001

• Three former keepers

• In current ownership since 19 Sep 2006

• Original book pack and wallet

• Two keys

• Original service book showing service stamps at the following intervals: 2001 @ 1,354 miles (running-in check, main dealer), 2001 @ 2,112 miles (oil service, main dealer), 2003 @ 12,252 miles (inspection I, main dealer), 2004 @ 12,721 miles (oil service,brake fluid, main dealer), 2006 @ 23,474 miles (inspection II,bodywork check, main dealer), 2006 @ 28,426 miles (brake fluid,coolant, main dealer), 2007 @ 37,700 miles (oil service, main dealer), 2008 @ 48,245 miles (brake fluid, main dealer), 2009 @ 52,497 miles (inspection I, main dealer), 2010 @ 62,755 miles (brake fluid, main dealer), 2014 @ 66,008 miles (oil service,inspection I,brake fluid)

• Numerous invoices for servicing and maintenance

• The dash cluster was changed in March 2003 at 12,745 (see note at start of log book) so mileage shown on the clock is + 12,745 

• Three major garage visits to Gloucestershire German Car specialist (PSC Autocentre) - £1,900 for gearbox and clutch (2014), £1,855 for various works (2015) and £1,200 for yaw rate sensor (2018) 

• Vendor reports that maintenance has been responsive to faults and MOTs and the car has covered only 5,000 miles in the last ten years 

• MOT until March 31st 2026

• ULEZ compliant

• 71,575 indicated miles, which equates to 84,320 in total

Interior

• The original contrasting red and black leather interior presents very well overall

• Wholly original aside from an upgraded aftermarket Alpine stereo head unit (original supplied)

• Usual light wear to high traffic areas commensurate with the car's age

• Carpets appear clean and dry

• Door cards are in good shape 

• Dashboard remains intact

• No apparent issues with any dead pixels on the dash display

• BMW bag and selection of BMW cleaning products included

• Boot space is clean and tidy and the original six disc CD changer is present and correct

• Engine bay is a little dirty with a few small spots of surface rust but everything appears to be visually in order

Exterior

• The bodywork presents generally well overall

• There are a few minor dents and scratches but no major damage to speak of

• The seller notes that there are several scratches on the bodywork which aren't all clearly visible in the photos, including for example one across the front of the bonnet and one on the rear quarter

• Panel gaps all appear to be uniform

• Vendor reports no accidents in their 20 year ownership

• No evidence of any major corrosion although there is some slight rust to the offside front lower wheel arch 

• Glasswork is generally good but there is some fogging to the offside front headlight lens and the nearside front bumper indicator plastic is slightly damaged

• The BMW roundel on the bonnet is slightly discoloured

• The original 17” alloy wheels appear straight but all four have marks to varying degrees with the nearside front being the most severely degraded  

• All tyres are Goodyear  Eagle F1 models

• Underneath looks to be in good condition and free from any damage or repair work with only some light surface rust on some of the suspension components to note

Mechanical

• 325bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.1 secs

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Vendor reports a new battery has been fitted 

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car sounds amazing and goes like lightening and the condition is as you would expect from a car of this age and mileage

Summary

A bit of an oddball, granted, but that's part of the Z3 M Coupe's charm. Rare and exciting this particular example may not be concours but what it definitely is, is an inherently usable sports car that retains its innate ability to thrill at the faintest dab of the right foot. Well-maintained and with low miles it could be used as is or improved over time and possibly brought back to showroom condition relatively easily should you wish.

 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 Edinburgh, Scotland.