In Brief:

• A well kept example of the increasingly desirable Z3M
• Finished in Estoril Blue Metallic over Black and Blue leather, with a Dark Blue soft top
• Owned by The Vendor for the last 8 years
• Comes with a tremendous history file including photographs of work undertaken in 2021
• Understood to be one of just 87 examples supplied to the UK

Auctioneer's Notes:

A beautifully well-kept example of the increasingly desirable BMW Z3M Roadster, finished in arguably the best and most iconic colour combination of Estoril Blue Metallic over Black and Blue leather, with a Dark Blue soft top. This example is also accompanied by its matching factory hardtop, further enhancing its usability and appeal. Owned by The Vendor for the last eight years, this Z3M is understood to be one of just 87 examples imported into the UK, from a total Z3M production run of 15,322 cars. It is particularly desirable as a later S54-engined example, paired with the 5-speed manual gearbox as standard for the model.

Maintenance & Condition:

This example benefits from a number of desirable factory and later additions, including its matching hardtop, headlamp washers, Kenwood Bluetooth phone and audio head unit, side airbags, DSC traction control, and refurbished wheels finished in the correct Shadow Chrome colour. The car is accompanied by a very healthy history file, with invoices for servicing, parts and maintenance amounting to over £10,000. Notably, the file includes a photographic record of work undertaken in 2021, documenting sill repairs, body refurbishment and a full respray, helping to present the car in the smart condition seen today.

History:

Included with the car is the original BMW bookpack, containing the Owner’s Manual, Radio Operating Instruction booklet, Dealer Warranty Handbook, BMW Accident Management booklet, European Service Directory and the BMW Service Booklet. 

The service booklet records 9 stamps and 2 handwritten entries for services completed between 2001 at 1,201 miles and 2016 at 103,558 miles. The wider history file also contains MOT certificates, invoices for servicing and maintenance, and a magazine feature relating to the Z3M.

The Model:

The M versions of the BMW Z3 were introduced in 1997 in both Roadster and Coupé form, bringing serious M Division performance to BMW’s compact two-seat sports car platform. European cars were initially powered by the S50 straight-six engine, while North American examples used the S52, before both markets switched to the later S54 engine in 2001. The Z3M was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission and received a number of significant upgrades over the standard Z3, including a limited-slip differential, wider rear track and larger brakes shared with the E36 M3. Visually, the M Roadster was distinguished by its unique bumpers, aerodynamic mirrors, revised side gills, quad exhausts, bespoke Style 40 “Roadstar” alloy wheels and M-specific interior detailing, including additional centre console gauges and unique M sports seats. Unlike the wider Z3 range, the M Roadster and M Coupé did not receive the cosmetic facelift changes introduced to standard models in 2000, retaining their original, muscular styling throughout production.

Sale Insight:

A highly desirable, later S54-powered Z3M Roadster in the iconic Estoril Blue colour scheme, complete with matching factory hardtop and a substantial history file. With long-term vendor ownership, notable recent bodywork, desirable factory options and increasing collector interest in analogue M cars, this example represents a very appealing opportunity to acquire one of BMW’s most characterful modern classics.

Estimate:
£9,000 - £11,000