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1999 BMW Z3 M ROADSTER

This BMW Z3 M Roadster is a powerful open-top sports car with hugely enjoyable performance, which is presented in very good order. Under the bonnet is the 316bhp 3.2-litre S50 straight-six that loves to rev, with rear-wheel drive via a five-speed ZF manual transmission. The odometer shows 118,000 miles from new.

Completed at the factory in November 1998, this is an original right-hand-drive UK specification car, but was initially delivered within continental Europe. It is assumed that the first owner lived overseas temporarily, and its running-in service was completed at BMW Brussels, before it was re-registered in the UK in July 1999. The current owner acquired the car two years ago, and has covered some 6,000 miles on the road.

Its bodywork is in good condition throughout, with no signs of any damage or unsightly scrapes. The front end has the typical stone chips and road rash in the Cosmos Black paint that you would expect from a car of this age and mileage, and there are some minor spots of bubbling. The offside headlight lens also appears to be slightly hazy. It is fitted with a black soft top, which still raises and lowers as it should, and fits well over the frame. The car rides on the original set of 17-inch ‘Style 40’ five-spoke alloy wheels, which have a few scuffs and scrapes around the rims. Its stance has been modified slightly with Eibach wheel spacers.

Inside it is equipped with heated sport seats trimmed in black Nappa leather. There is visible wear to the driver’s side bolster, but only very modest marks elsewhere. Generally, the leather is in impressive condition given the mileage. The carpets are slightly worn and would benefit from replacement in the future, and the 12-volt lighter is missing. Its centre console has been modified with a red panel and an aftermarket gear knob, but the original BMW Business radio is still present.

One of this car’s previous owners is reported to have worked as an engineer with the VANOS timing system, and as such he upgraded the engine with modifications to mitigate potential VANOS failures. It features upgraded o-rings, seals and backlash modifications, as well as an M specification viscous fan coupling. The ignition was remapped by Performance Torque, and it is also equipped with a Pro-Speed catalytic converter and resonator, and an Eisenmann exhaust system. A strut brace has also been installed between the front top mounts.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in July 2017 at 108,125 miles, consisting of an oil service carried out by BMW specialist Allen PMW in Worcestershire. Prior to this, it had an Inspection 1 service in November 2016 at 97,674 miles, and another oil service in June 2016 at 90,503 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 20 May 2020 at 117,998 miles. Two advisories were noted, which was the tester drawing attention to some slight corrosion on the lower front power steering hose and the fuel pipe. During the same garage visit, the front anti-roll bar links were replaced.

The wheels are fitted with Avon ZV5 tyres in size 225/45 R17 at the front and 245/40 R17 at the rear. They were fitted as a fresh set four years ago, and remain in excellent condition with around 6mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying this Z3 M Roadster is the original book pack, including owner’s manual and the stamped guarantee and maintenance record. The original tonneau cover for the hood mechanism is also present, along with an aftermarket air deflector.

Writing about the BMW Z3 M Roadster in a retrospective feature for Classic and Sports Car magazine, motoring writer Chris Chilton said it is “the kind of car that makes you want to persevere and put the effort in,” adding, “there’s a raw, TVR-like excitement to the way the BMW goes that just encourages you to drive it harder and longer”.

This BMW Z3 M Roadster is a mechanically sound example with a few discreet upgrades, which is great fun to drive with the top down on a sunny day. There are a few small areas that would benefit from cosmetic improvement, and a thorough detail and machine polish would certainly make a notable difference. Overall, this is an eminently usable example of an exciting sports car, which the next owner can just take out and enjoy.

Please note: the cherished registration ‘M3 CUJ’ is also included in the sale, and will remain on the car.

Summary of service history: