1990 BMW Z1

KEY FACTS

• The unusual Z1 is a rare modern classic, featuring dramatic electric doors that ‘drop’ into the sills; and this is an excellent, usable example of the 1990s roadster.
• Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre straight-six engine, producing 168bhp, which is delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
• The car’s bold design was complemented by multi-link rear suspension, recyclable thermoplastic and GRP body panels, a flat undertray, and a roll bar integrated into the windscreen surround.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The car is finished in Top Red with a replacement black roof over the original ‘Camouflage’ grey and green leather interior.
• It rides on the Z1-specific 16-inch alloy wheels, which were replaced in April 2021.
• The standard specification includes electrically operated windows and doors; with the latter even able to be lowered for driving.
• A Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB radio has been fitted, which is in-keeping with the style of the vehicle, but brings modern conveniences such as Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB receiver, and USB/SD slots.
• A stainless-steel G-Power dual-exit exhaust has also been installed, which passes the TÜV testing process.
• The car is accompanied by numerous invoices, service history, and previous TÜV certificates, as well as the warning triangle and tool kit.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage.
• The original Top Red paintwork is in excellent condition overall, with a handful of minor stone chips to the front end of the car. The exterior trims are in good order, though there is a very small chip in a reversing light.
• The black convertible roof is understood to have been replaced in 2012, and is in great shape, with no rips or tears. The rear windscreen is clear, with no obvious fogging, creasing or damage.
• The original Camouflage leather interior is reported to be in good condition, showing some fading to the seat surfaces, as is common with this model. While there is some minor creasing to the leather, there is no damage to the seats. Some scuffing is visible on the driver’s side door sill, plus a couple of small imperfections to the leading edge of the instrument binnacle. 
• The car’s most recent roadworthiness test, the TÜV, was in November 2020 at 70,977 kilometres, when it passed with no reported advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car is fresh from its most recent service in August 2021 at 71,515 kilometres, when Car Lechner carried out a major service, which included replacement of the timing belt, water pump, auxiliary V-belt, engine oil and oil filter, sealing rings, oil drain plug, vacuum hoses and coolant.
• Prior to this, Car Lechner carried out the TÜV and inspected the car in November 2020 at 70,977 kilometres, and in October 2018 at 70,169 kilometres.
• There are invoices supplied with the vehicle, and a written and signed declaration from the previous owners detailing completed maintenance work.

Dates and mileage (known services):

• Aug 2021 – 71,515 kilometres
• Nov 2020 – 70,977 kilometres
• Oct 2018 – 70,169 kilometres
• Feb 2015 – 68,106 kilometres
• Jul 2013 – 66,244 kilometres
• Sep 2011 – 63,634 kilometres
• May 2010 – 58,182 kilometres
• Aug 2007 – 52,494 kilometres
• May 2005 – 46,080 kilometres

SUMMARY

The BMW Z1 was the first of the compact, modern roadsters from the Bavarian marque, and sported an innovative design that still draws crowds three decades on. With a smooth and powerful straight-six engine, involving manual gearbox and impressive handling, this compact sports car delivers true driving pleasure. It benefits from recent mechanical attention and low mileage, and is ready to relish on the new owner’s favourite roads.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.