Doug's Take

I love the BMW Z3 M Coupe, and I think it’s one of the most special models built by the BMW M division – and later models, like this one, are the most desirable, thanks to the more powerful S54 6-cylinder engine. This particular Z3 M Coupe is especially desirable, as it’s finished in the rare Phoenix Yellow, and it shows just 42,200 miles on the odometer! It also boasts some great factory equipment, including a limited-slip differential, heated seats, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Plus, this M Coupe is mostly unmodified, and it’s offered with a clean, accident-free Carfax report showing a single owner in Arizona and California from new, for added bidder confidence. If you’re in the market for a clownshoe, look no further!

Highlights

THIS… is a 2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe, finished in Phoenix Yellow Metallic with a black interior.

• This Z3 M Coupe features a 5-speed manual transmission, and the odometer currently displays about 42,200 miles.
• The attached Carfax history report starts in 2002 and has a gap between 2002 and 2006, but it shows no accidents or mileage discrepancies for the given time period. It also confirms it's been registered to one owner in Arizona and California since new.
• According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, notable factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Notable modifications reported by the selling dealer are limited to Shadow Chrome-finished wheels, a stubby antenna, and a carbon fiber center console.
• The attached Carfax history report indicates that the rod bearings were replaced in October 2023.
• 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.
• BMW built 678 examples of the Z3 M Coupe with the S54 6-cylinder engine for North America between February 2001 and May 2002, according to BMW M Registry. This example is reportedly 1 of 21 built in Phoenix Yellow.
• Power comes from an S54 3.2-liter inline-6, rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

Equipment

A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment reported by the selling dealer includes:

• 17-inch Style 40 wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Power-operated sunroof
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Heated seats
• Harman/Kardon sound system
• Center console-mounted VDO ambient temperature and oil temperature gauges

Modifications

Notable modifications reported by the selling dealer include:

• Wheels refinished in Shadow Chrome
• Stubby antenna
• Carbon fiber center console trim

Recent Service History

The attached Carfax history report shows that the following services have been performed:

• December 2024 (41,984 miles): Exhaust system, front brake pads, front brake rotor(s), and strut(s) replaced
• July 2024 (41,942 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, A/C refrigerant recharged
• April 2024 (41,535 miles): Clutch assembly replaced, alignment performed, tire repaired
• November 2023 (41,034 miles): Brake fluid flushed, clutch system bled
• October 2023 (40,938 miles): Piston rod bearings and valve cover gasket(s) replaced, engine oil and filter changed
• August 2022 (39,647 miles): A/C compressor replaced, engine oil and filter changed
• June 2020 (38,585 miles): Refrigerant recharged, air filter replaced

The selling dealer reports that the following services have been performed:

• July 2024 (41,495 miles): Engine oil and filter changed

The selling dealer reports that an oil and filter change will be performed ahead of delivery. Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 2 keys
• Owner's manual
• Rear cargo net
• Touch-up paint
• First aid kit
• Memorabilia and various magazines (pictured in the gallery)

Ownership History

The selling dealer reportedly acquired this Z3 in May 2022.

Seller Notes

The selling dealer reports that this M Coupe is fitted with tinted windows, and that Ceramic Pro paint protection film has been applied to the hood, bumpers, fenders, and headlights.