1999 BMW Z3

BMW E36/8 Z3M Coupe (S50) – high grade

A very high grade, low mileage example of what is certainly one of the most exciting cars to come from BMW M, during arguably BMW’s greatest era. Dressed in Cosmos Black with dashing two tone red/black leather, this well cared for Z3M Coupe has covered a mere 46500 miles since new and with a comprehensive service history. Includes the desirable Harmon Kardon hi-fi.

Whilst the term ‘modern classic’ seems to apply nowadays to almost anything over ten years old with wheels, nobody can deny the status of the BMW M coupe (or Z3M coupe). BMW made only 986 of these stunning cars of which 821 were the S50 version. Born out of an unofficial, unapproved project from a select team within BMW’s ///M division, these stunning cars look every bit as outrageous today as they did on launch. With that huge rear end, filled out with massive tyres and dressed with shouty quad exhaust pipes, the M coupe lays out its stall from the off. This is basically a lighter, naughtier, faster version of its M3 stablemate, but please beware – this is not a car for the faint-hearted.

This version is the S50 powered car, so comes with the 3.2 litre straight six from the E36 M3. In an M coupe you sit more or less directly over the back wheels, so every bit of feedback is transmitted direct from the tarmac to your behind. This makes for an intuitive ride – and one that true driving enthusiasts will certainly enjoy. The snug cabin is pure classic sports car, the centre console and dash beautifully designed with its plethora of dials and gauges, giving you the immediate sense that you’re driving something really special. Then it throws you a curve-ball. It’s a compact two seater – but with a hatch-back boot and load area, large enough for a Labrador or set of golf clubs. Or, better still, a weekend’s worth of luggage for that spur-of -the-moment road trip.

The design was obviously so good that Ferrari appear to have made an exact, scaled-up copy in their FF model, but without the raw, stripped back feel of the BMW M coupe. Stripped back it may be, but the Z still comes with plenty of spec: cruise control, air con, electric seats, decent stereo – and comfy enough seats to keep your one passenger happy for the duration. Where will you take your Z? And who gets to be the lucky co-pilot?

Our technical team have carried out a detailed inspection of this lovely machine, and are impressed with the results, giving it the very clear thumbs up. Dan has driven the car and gives it full marks – ‘it pulls very well, feels really planted and stable on the road, and appears to have avoided the usual Z issues that can become apparent with age and use. Cool interior in great condition. I would own this car’.

For more information on this excellent coupe, or to book a viewing (by appointment only please) contact our showroom team