Doug's Take
Whether you love it or hate it, it's difficult to deny that the BMW Z3 Coupe features a highly distinctive design. I personally think that it's aged well, it's unique and quirky in all of the right ways, and the big hatch also makes the Z3 a lot more practical than the average coupe. This is the desirable M model, which boasts a 240-horsepower S52 straight-6, and it touts relatively low mileage, a one-owner history, and no reported modifications – all MAJOR benefits that are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Estoril Blue works really well on these, too – and this car touts some great features that should make it reasonably comfortable to drive on a long trip, like heated seats and a Harman/Kardon sound system. The clean, accident-free Carfax report further enhances this Z3 M's appeal – and I bet this is going to be an exciting auction to watch and participate in.
Highlights
THIS... is a 1999 BMW Z3 M Coupe, finished in Estoril Blue with a black interior.
- This coupe is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and its odometer currently displays about 31,200 miles.
- The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents or mileage inconsistencies in this BMW's past. It also confirms that this is a one-owner car.
- Factory equipment includes 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, leather upholstery, heated sport seats, air conditioning, a cassette player, and a Harman/Kardon sound system, according to a build sheet pictured in the gallery. The selling dealer reports no modifications.
- Colloquially known as the Clownshoe, the Z3 Coupe joined the Z3 roadster in showrooms for 1999. Like its convertible counterpart it used several E36-sourced parts, but it stood out with an unusual, shooting brake-like silhouette that blurred the line between a coupe and a hatchback. The M model benefitted from the same 3.2-liter straight-6 as the M3. Built in South Carolina, the Z3 retired in 2002.
- Power comes from a 3.2-liter straight-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Called S52 internally, it spins the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is pictured in the gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- M-specific body kit
- Rear wiper
- Sunroof
- Heated driver-side door lock
- Leather upholstery
- Heated sport seats
- M Sport steering wheel
- Power-adjustable door mirrors
- Cargo cover and net
- Air conditioning
- Cassette player
- 6-disc CD changer
- Harman/Kardon sound system
- Cruise control
Known Flaws
- Some exterior chips
- Peeling finish on the hood's BMW emblem
- Scratches on the bottom part of the front bumper
- Scratches on the wheels
- 2008 date code on the tires
- Wear on the driver's seat's outer bolsters and on some of the interior touch points
- The seller states that the front seats "move back and forward when slowing down" (reportedly due to worn seat bracket bushings)
- Sagging storage net in the passenger-side front footwell
- Scuffs on the driver's door panel; "airbag" label missing from the passenger's door panel
Recent Service History
Some service information appears in the attached Carfax history report. Recent work includes:
- June 2022: Front brake pads replaced
- June 2022 (30,230 miles): Engine oil and filter and brake fluid changed, spark plug(s), air filter, and wiper(s) replaced
The selling dealer states that the engine oil was recently changed.
Other Items Included in Sale
Ownership History
The selling dealer purchased this Z3 M in December 2022.