Introduction – from Autocar 22 March 2022 (edited)
When the word ‘skunkworks’ is attached to a car, you know you’re in for something special. It usually means an engineering passion project too unorthodox for mainstream backing. And that’s the case with this Cult Hero, the BMW Z3 M. It’s an unbridled, rewarding and rare sports car that delivers an unforgettable drive.
Developed in secret by BMW’s M division – because the BMW higher-ups didn’t crave such a car – the Z3 M was eventually given the green light and introduced as a roadster in 1997 and a coupé in 1998. When production ended in 2002, BMW had made 15,322 roadsters and just 1112 coupés. That makes the coupé one of the lowest-volume production BMWs ever made and something of a unicorn.
From launch in Europe, both body styles got the 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine from the E36-generation M3. Known as the S50, this engine produced 317bhp, enabling a 0-60mph time of 5.0sec.
So there’s a wild six-cylinder engine up front, but how does the Z3 M handle? Well, wild is applicable here as well. In typical BMW fashion, it’s rear-wheel drive and, despite its limited-slip differential, likes to wag its tail. Pre-facelift cars have no electronic safety aids, so it’s up to you to tame each and every one of its horses. Which is actually a blast to do.
That’s because this car brims with character and charm when you drive it. Rev to the redline and you’ll be rewarded by strong performance and a dramatic soundtrack. It’s all delightfully old- school, right down to the five-speed manual transmission. Bear in mind, though, that the cockpit feels notably snug for taller people.
Not everyone likes the way the Z3 M looks, either. Some love it and others loathe it, the coupé attracting the nickname ‘clown shoe’. In fact, the model wasn’t a smash hit initially, although perceptions are changing and used prices are now on the rise.
Why? Well, apart from the fact that it is a skunkworks sports car that’s only getting scarcer, it’s from a time when BMW’s M division was still cementing itself in the performance car scene with the first M3s and M5s. It was creating cars using powerful naturally aspirated engines with personalities and sounds that aren’t quite present in the M cars of today. Drive the analogue Z3 M and the current Z4 M50i back to back and you’ll notice the difference. As such, the Z3 M is seen as increasingly special slice of automobilia.
But whichever example you pick – whether it’s a cheaper S50 roadster or a more expensive S54 coupé – you’ll be getting a truly outstanding driver’s car. If the standard Z3 was designed as a more sophisticated alternative to the Mazda MX-5, then the Z3 M is an MX-5 on steroids !
Description
Presented in iconic Estoril Blue, now a fairly common sight, but in the late 90’s and early 00’s Estoril Blue was reserved for M-Cars only, this Z3 M Roaster is a delight in both its condition and history.
Residing with the most recent custodian for almost 10 years and sharing garage space with an impressive classic car collection, it has been lightly used but meticulously cared for during this time and looks almost as fresh now as it did when it was new – 22 years ago (can’t quite believe its even possible to have already come of age !).
Serviced according to its dashboard display when becoming due, but sometimes more often, any additional work required was always carried out so the car could be enjoyed when it was ‘the chosen one’ for particular trips and events.
The bonnet and front bumper were repainted last year, along with the wing mirrors so the car looks very fresh and defies its mileage, the wheels were refurbished in 2020 with new centre caps and are shod with Michelin Tyres. The interior looks fresh and clean with only minor wear on the very edge of the drivers seat bolster to note.
The tonneau cover and wind deflector are present and correct as are the handbooks and original service book in its leather wallet along with all 4 original keys – two full remote control keys, a valet key and a wallet key.
It remains completely standard with the exception of an Etec front strut brace and a Simota Carbon Fibre air induction kit as can be seen in the photographs. The original Air Box remains with the car.
An Inspection One service has recently been completed including brake fluid, a new sump gasket, a new battery and replacement of the coil packs, this example is ready to be enjoyed.
The history file includes every MOT certificate back to the first one in 2003 including related paperwork, the majority of its service, parts and repair invoices, plus other related road tax, sale and purchase paperwork over the years. One thing to note, although probably not relevant now, is that the running in service section of the service book has not been completed.
Specification
Estoril Blue Metallic
Black and Estoril Blue 2-Tone Leather Sports Seats
Black Hood
Air Conditioning
Heated, Electric Seats
BMW Business RDS Radio/CD
Smoker Package
M-Sports Steering Wheel
White Indicator Lenses
Passenger Airbag
Service History
Supplied new by Fawdington BMW Newcastle, 25 May 2000
Inspection I Service by Fawdington BMW, 15 August 2001 @ 14,623 Miles
Oil Service & Brake Fluid by Castle BMW York, 26 April 2005 @ 26,067 Miles
MOT, 22 May 2006 @ 28,226 Miles
MOT, 22 May 2007 @ 30,047 Miles
MOT, 23 April 2008 @ 30,905 Miles
Inspection II Service by Hammerton BMW Specialists, 24 April 2008 @ 30,947 Miles
MOT, 9 May 2009 @ 34,575 Miles
Oil Service by Atlas Auto Services, 14 May 2009 @ 34,650 Miles
Valve Clearances set by Atlas Auto Services, 13 November 2009 @ 36,574 Miles
Oil Service, Final Drive Oil, Brake Fluid and New Clutch Hydraulic Hose by Autohaus Diagnostics, 17 March 2010 @ 37,036 Miles
MOT, 8 May 2010 @ 37,556 Miles
MOT, 7 May 2011 @ 40,143 Miles
Oil Service by Autohaus Diagnostics, 18 May 2011 @ 40,255 Miles
MOT, 4 May 2012, 42,657 Miles
MOT, 21 May 2013, 44,418 Miles
MOT, 13 May 2014 @ 45,204 Miles
MOT, 29 May 2015 @ 47,076 Miles
MOT, 1 June 2016 @ 48,140 Miles
Inspection II Service, Spark Plugs, Diff Oil and Brake Fluid by Hughes Brothers BMW Specialists, 3 June 2016 @ 48,153 Miles
A/C Condensor, Front & Rear Discs & Pads, OSR ABS Sensor replaced by Cavendish Porsche, 15 June 2016 @ 48,140 Miles
MOT, 18 May 2017 @ 49,084 Miles
MOT, 10 May 2018 @ 50,064 Miles
MOT, 15 May 2019 @ 51,129 Miles
Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Aux Belt & Rollers, Water pump & Gasket, Thermostat & Coolant by Hughes Brothers, 31 May 2019 @ 51,226 Miles
MOT, 28 May 2020 @ 51,788 Miles
MOT, 14 June 2021 @ 52,232 Miles
Inspection I Service, Brake Fluid, Battery by Hughes Brothers, 26 April 2022 @ 52,364 Miles
MOT, 26 May 2022 @ 52,408 Miles
Sump Gasket & Rear Number Plate Lamp by Hughes Brothers, 26 May 2022 @ 52,408 Miles
Ignition Coils replaced by Hughes Brothers, 6 June 2022 @ 52,419 Miles
6 Owners