The modern incarnation of BMW brings to mind luxury sedans, but the company’s history has been peppered with sporty roadsters. The first was a serious competition car made in the 1930s known as the “Crease Roadster“. The coupe version won the Mille Miglia in 1940. The fabulous 507, which nearly ruined BMW thanks to very high manufacturing costs and a niche market, may have been the most elegant car ever produced by the company. Of course, we’ve seen many a BMW convertible, most of which resemble a sedan with the top cut off. But in the mid 1990s, BMW strayed from its established line of business to respond to the public’s desire for a true sports car, bringing forth the Z3. This example, listed here on eBay, is a 2000 Z3M with 29,345 miles on the clock, looking every bit as coddled as its roster of owners could muster. Bidding has reached $20,100, reseeve not met, and the car is located in Macon, Georgia.
The Z3 shifted specifications frequently from its introduction in 1996 to the end of production in 2002, so if you’re a buyer, it pays to study up on the various versions. This later car is equipped with the S52 3.2 liter in-line six rated at 240 hp. Only the S54 – with its internal modifications and higher compression ratio – dishes up more power, and is likewise more likely to become collectible. The M specification includes a host of other performance features, from a limited slip differential to a wider track and a suspension built to handle aggressive driving. A five-speed manual gearbox brings power to the rear wheels. The seller lists a number of preventive mechanical repairs undertaken, including new drive belts.
The car is optioned with a factory hard top and a storage dolly, cruise control, heated seats, and its factory radio has been reinstalled. The power cloth top is said to work flawlessly, and a leather tonneau cover accompanies the sale. Drilled pedals and supportive seats are reminders of the M-car’s performance imperative.
Estoril Blue over Black is a top-notch color scheme on this desirable Z3 version. The car is underbid for now, though the seller’s price musings (included in the listing) are a mite aggressive. This Dakar Yellow S52 Z3 sold for $23,750 a few months ago, and though the mileage is twice that of our subject car, the condition is exemplary. What would you pay for a low-mileage Z3?
I like these cars and this is a great example of one. Clean lines, lots of engine, a suspension designed to keep it on the road.
Had one, “Dakar Yellow”. 1998. Plastic engine stuff starting to fail … thermostat housing, water pump neck, hose bibs, etc. Fun car.
I had a 99 Z3M in black with black interior. It was a peppy car and fun to drive. I sold it about ten years ago for $10k. Mine had 55k miles. It seems they have appreciated quite a bit since then.
I had a 97 and it was one of the best, most responsive cars I have ever owned. I didn’t see any photos of the rear subframe or rear axle mounting points, however. These things are somewhat notorious for ripping out the trunk floor spot welds & rear subframe mounts with all that power. Lots of web sites documenting all this and it can be reinforced to handle it all…Once addressed, these cars should last for years of fun
Same thing I came here to say. The issues are well known, and so are the solutions.
I still love driving my 2001 Z3 2.5i Roadster with 255k miles even though it has only 184-hp! It is soooo much fun on country roads and open track days! Buy it and you won’t regret it!!
I had a 2000 M roadster Dakar Yellow we called yellow one of the most fun cars I’ve owned and I’ve owned many!
One of the few cars that could match the Mazda Miata and in a few categories surpass it. I’m cheap so maybe I find a better deal or maybe I won’t. These cars are are rising in collectability.
Interesting that you say that. I’ve owned 7 Miatas and just traded my 2003 911 for 2025 one. The most fun and least problem cars I’ve owned.
I would gladly have bought a Z3 m if they had optionned it with the smg transmission like the M series variant , they were awesome with those steering wheel buttons , i loved my 2003 M , i settled for a 2000 2,8 z3 , auto , love it but lacks the power of the 3,2 that the M has . The roofs always leaks so its always covered