Price: SOLD
Mileage: 57,900 Miles
Engine: 6-Cylinder M54B30 Engine
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Exterior color: Atlanta Blue Metallic Exterior (306)
Interior: Beige Oregon Leather Interior (R5SN)
Additional features:
Sport Mode and Steptronic Shifting
Multi-Function M-Sport Steering Wheel
Beige Power Soft Top
Alpine CDE-HD149BT Stereo w/ Bluetooth
Harmon Kardon HiFi Sound System
Cruise Control
Fog Lights
Cup Holder
On-Board Computer
Limited-Slip Differential
Keyless Entry
100% Stock
2-Piece Style 42 17-inch Wheels
Car Cover
Soft Top Cover
Owners Manuals
The BMW Z3 roadster made its public debut in 1995 in the Bond film GoldenEye with the young and dashing Pierce Brosnan behind the wheel. The scene with 007 and Natalya (Izabella Scorupco), her hair blowing in the wind, was the picture of top-down motoring—except for the dirt road, the Cessna 172, and the villain’s evil lair in Cuba. Nonetheless, if you were 18 years old (as I was) and you saw that movie, you wanted a Z3—and Natalya!
Time has only been kind to the Z3, aging it into one of the best retro-modern ‘90s-era roadsters. It has the fluid and graceful lines of a proper British sports car, with the raw power and driving dynamics that can only be found in a BMW. Writing this as a (Z3) M Coupe owner, the Z3 is a truly beautiful car with perfect proportions. Post-facelift non-M Z3s had raised rear fenders that were exclusive to the 2001 and 2002 model years. The Z3’s driving dynamics resulted from BMW’s focus on giving you exactly what you needed, and nothing more. For the 2001 model year, the Z3 3.0 was second only to the M Roadster as the top-tier Z3. The buttery-smooth and reliable M54B30 inline 6-cylinder had more than enough power for street driving, being only 15 horsepower short of the pre-facelift M Roadster. The cockpit is unapologetically driver-focused and old-school analog gauges ensure a proper roadster experience. And, best of all, the Z3 was produced right here in the good ‘ole USA in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
This 2001 Z3 3.0 was originally ordered in Atlanta Blue Metallic over Beige Oregon leather with an automatic transmission. It was originally delivered in Texas, then resided in Virginia and Arizona before coming to Colorado with the current owner who I am selling on consignment for. It is spec’d with the Z3’s exclusive tight steering rack, sport mode and steptronic manual shifting, and a limited-slip differential. Luxury items consist of Oregon leather, a power soft top, onboard computer, and an Alpine CDE-HD149BT stereo with Bluetooth powering the Harmon Kardon HiFi sound system. The exterior and interior condition is nearly flawless, with only minor wear commensurate of such a low mileage vehicle. There is no rust, nor indications of harsh winter exposure. The soft top is in very good shape, with no failed stitching, holes, or cracks in the rear window glass. The Carfax shows regular and frequent oil changes, maintenance, and services. The current owner has had it serviced BMW specialists Autosport Werks, and those maintenance and records are included with the sale. All owners’ manuals are included, along with one key and one FOB.
Atlanta Blue Metallic is an excellent color for the Z3 Roadster, showing off its classic retro styling. The paint is in excellent condition with no glaring defects. There are no significant dents, dings, pitting, or rock chips, but there is light scuffing on the underside of the front spoiler and some minor paint flexation in the center. There is no failed clear coat, zero rust, and all VIN tags are in place. The convertible top has no rips or tears, and the rear window panel has no cracks along the seam where it folds. The power top operates on command smoothly and quietly. The windshield is crack-free. The rear window is moderately opaque, but still clear enough to see out of. The Roundel emblems have no cracks or faded paint. The headlight lenses are clear and crack-free, as are the fog light lenses. All indicator, brake light, and marker lenses are also crack-free. The Style 42 wheels are true and straight, and the tires have good tread.
The interior is in excellent condition. It is well appointed, but unapologetically driver focused. The Z3 actually got more amenities than the M Roadster, with an on-board computer and black rings around the gauges in lieu of chrome. To my eye, the black rings look more modern. Open the door and you are greeted with that lovely leather smell that only Z3s have. I’m not sure why it’s different than other models of this vintage, but it is. The carpets have no stains or tears and are protected by textured carpet factory floor mats. The seat leather is in excellent condition with no tears, stains, or failed seams. The driver’s seat bushings have minor play, but do not warrant immediate replacement. The seat motors work properly. The leather steering wheel has no excessive wear. The instrument cluster has no blown out pixels and all gauges work correctly. The Harmon Kardon HiFi stereo sounds great. The center console wood trim has no cracks, nor does the lower switch panel. The glove box does not sag. The rearview mirror is not auto-dimming, so you don’t have to worry about fluid leaking and damaging the center console. All interior functions work correctly; power windows, power door locks, cruise control; the heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold. The convertible top headliner has no tears and does not sag, and the power function works on command. The tool kit is complete and the owners’ manuals are present.
This is a turn-key Z3. All major and preventative maintenance is up to date. It has clearly been properly owned and benefitted from regular oil changes. The M54 engine is one of BMW’s most reliable power plants. The engine idles smoothly, pulls strongly, and has no Vanos rattle or lifter knock. It does not leak, drip, or spot. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the sport and manual shifting modes work flawlessly. The brakes are firm, the suspension is compliant, and there is no driveline or wheel bearing vibration or whine. The suspension bushings are tight. The rear trunk floor has no failed spot welds and the rear differential ear has no tears. Like any Z3, it will need and deserves the preventative care and maintenance that all BMWs of this vintage do, but at present it is properly sorted and ready for its new home.
This is an extremely clean and unique Z3. Its exceptional condition makes it stand out against Z3’s that were driven hard and abused. It checks all of the boxes and looks absolutely fantastic. The Z3 was one of BMW’s last of the old-school recipe cars, that is, a normally aspirated engine routed through a manual gearbox powering only the rear wheels. The Z4 successor that followed had none of the grace and fluid classic roadster lines thanks to Chris Bangle’s flame surface design language. If history is a guide, the Z3 will continue to appreciate and age with grace. I would like to find an owner who will continue to care for this one and appreciate it as much as I do.
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