2001 BMW Z3 M COUPE - S54 ENGINE

KEY FACTS

• A fantastic example of the rare modern classic sports car, presented in very good overall condition following a recent light restoration.
• Under the sweeping bonnet is the 338bhp 3.2-litre ‘S54’ straight-six, which drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
• In total, only 168 right-hand drive S54-powered Z3 M Coupes were produced, with 123 reserved for the UK market.
• The vendor acquired the car at 119,000 miles, and has since had it refurbished cosmetically and mechanically to a high standard.
• There are just two prior keepers on the V5C.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Z3 M Coupe is finished in the demure hue of Black Sapphire Metallic with black and grey leather upholstery.
• Factory equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control, air conditioning, heated seats and an electric sunroof.
• It is also equipped with the Harmon Kardon sound system.
• The car rides on the correct set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, which are finished in Shadow Chrome and are in very good shape having been refurbished by Lepsons – including new centre caps and M stickers.
• This M Coupe will be accompanied by its original handbook and stamped service book, contained in the correct leather document wallet.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage. The side sills were replaced with genuine BMW items as early signs of corrosion were present on the original pair. There is some minor surface corrosion on the A-pillar which would in the long term require sanding back and repainting. Under the sunroof there is some light surface rust; some minor attention to restore this would be required in due course.
• The paintwork was fully resprayed as part of the refurbishment, and is now in excellent overall condition, with a smooth and glossy appearance around the car.
• During the sill replacement, any surface rust visible on the underbody was removed, surfaces cleaned, and then powder-coated in black and undersealed for future proofing. The boot floor was also repainted. We inspected for common cracking, and nothing was found. A sign of a well looked after car.
• The vendor notes that there is some minor surface rust on some of the steel components in the engine bay, which the buyer may wish to replace in due course.
• Inside, the cabin presents very well, with some minor wear and light scratches to the trim and upholstery in line with the car’s age and use, but no major discolouration and no damage.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 26 April 2021 at 120,117 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with advisories for a coolant leak, a minor oil leak, and corrosion on both the offside and nearside front brake pipes. The minor oil leak is very slight so no action has been taken, but the other items have been rectified, with the radiator since replaced along with new brake pipes.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This M Coupe’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in May 2021 at 120,121 miles by Webber Motor Services, who changed the engine oil and brake fluid, as well as fitting a new radiator and brake pipes.
• As part of its refurbishment, Knights Garage carried out a full service, replacing the fuel filter, as well as the bearing shells and ARP bolts to strengthen the bottom end. A used clutch with half the mileage was swapped in, as well as younger, low-mileage suspension and new rear top mounts. All bushings to the underside were also renewed and the underside wax oiled for rust prevention.
• All of the gearbox detents were replaced, along with the gearbox oil and differential oil. Changing the gearbox detents is often overlooked but a very common issue with M Coupe. Once this serviceable task is completed, the gear change is back to being slick again.
• New rear brake discs and pads were installed, and the calliper pistons and seals were replaced before the housings were powder-coated in silver.
• Prior to this, an oil change and general mechanical inspection were carried out in October 2017 at 119,901 miles. Reassuringly, the service book shows 14 stamps spanning 19 years.
• The VANOS was updated in 2014 and works effectively and quietly.

Dates and mileage:

• 10/01/2002 - PDI
• 11/08/2002 - 1,200 miles (running-in)
• 01/08/2003 - 12,914 miles (Oil service)
• 05/12/2005 - 21,369 miles (Inspection I)
• 12/06/2007 - 29,238 miles (Oil service)
• 21/11/2007 - 42,678 miles (Inspection II)
• 23/06/2008 - 56,128 miles (Oil service)
• 05/06/2009 - 67,248 miles (Inspection I)
• 25/03/2010 - 80,603 miles (Oil service)
• 03/02/2011 - 93,406 miles (Inspection II)
• 06/02/2012 - 96,616 miles (Oil service)
• 06/09/2013 - 104,821 miles (Inspection II)
• 02/02/2017 - 119,243 miles (Oil service, bearing shells, ARP bolts)
• 18/10/2017 - 119,901 miles (Oil service)
• 20/05/2021 - 120,121 miles (Oil service, radiator, brake pipes)

SUMMARY

This 2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe is a rare modern classic sports car, which is made all the more appealing thanks to its 3.2-litre S54 straight-six. Benefitting from a recent refurbishment, lesser-seen performance coupe will make a smart addition to any collection of Munich’s finest, and is ready to impress its next owner with the powerful naturally aspirated engine and involving chassis.

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.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.