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Curated Auction

1997 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster

At a Glance

Low Mileage | Amazing Condition | All New Tyres in 2024 | 4 Former Keepers

  • Mileage~31,972
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.8L
  • LocationDiss

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
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SEC
CURRENT BID£1,100
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,100

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Video #2

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Pure driving pleasure - sporty design, low-slung stance, and punchy performance, everything a BMW should be.

The Z3 is a modern classic that blends roadster styling with BMW’s hallmark driving dynamics. First introduced in 1995 and famously featured in the James Bond film GoldenEye, the Z3 was BMW’s first mass-produced roadster and marked the brand’s return to two-seater sports cars after decades. Built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, the Z3 played a key role in expanding the company’s global appeal, especially in the American market. By 1998, the Z3 had evolved with a wider range of engine options and styling refinements, offering a choice between playful four-cylinders and muscular six-cylinder power plants. Its signature long bonnet, flared arches, and classic proportions drew inspiration from iconic sports cars of the past, while inside, it offered a simple, driver-focused cockpit. Lightweight, agile, and full of charm, the Z3 delivers an engaging open-air experience with just the right blend of comfort and sportiness - making it a highly desirable choice for enthusiasts then and now.

This example comes to market from just over 1.5 years with our vendor, is a low mileage car that has just 4 former keepers and just shy of ~32,000 miles travelled. It presents beautifully in "Atlanta Blue Metallic" over black leather interior. The car has a clean MOT valid until November 2025, is supplied with 2 sets of keys, an upgraded stereo, a full set of new tyres in April 2024. A rare example showing with this few miles covered over its years with less than ~3,000 miles travelled in the last ~10 years. Well worth a closer look for the warmer months ahead, this one is designed to be enjoyed on the open road ahead with the roof down.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

My wife had wanted an open top sports car and had said how much she liked the look of the Z3s.

The car was initially purchased by Paul, the current owner, for his wife as part of an auction. It was a car that really caught Paul's attention when he first set eyes on the car and felt it would be a car that they both could enjoy, "I've really loved the car over our ownership, the open top is just lovely when the weather is nice out. It's just a little bit too quick for my wife and we don't use it as much as we'd like to, even with the warmer weather!"

There is much that the current owner and his wife love about the car, "Personally, I love the power in the car, it has a very useable boot space, suitable for two small suitcases and makes an ideal weekend getaway car". Paul goes on to say, "Its a great car but it's just not being used as much as we'd like to. A little reluctantly, but it's the best move to sell it on to someone who will get more use from it. We've covered very few miles in our ownership, although have loved every minute driving it". Paul will be available to answer any questions about the car in the comments below.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The Z3 cuts a striking silhouette - classic roadster proportions wrapped in unmistakable 90s attitude.

Wheels and Tyres

The BMW is fitted with lovely factory 17" five-spoke alloys with BMW logo centre caps. The wheels look in great condition and we saw very little areas of concerning issue, only some minor stone chips to the rear wheel edges which didn't detract too much from the overall quality.

The wheels are fitted with a set of Bridgestone Turanza tyres to the front and rear. The fronts show a tread spec of 225/45 and the rears 245/40. Both sets are dated from 2023. The condition of tyres looks great overall with no obvious cracking or concerning signs of wear having covered very few miles since being replaced. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of this Z3 and a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

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Bodywork

Looking over the car, we found no major dings or marks to note. Both doors, bonnet and boot open and close well without concern. The condition reflects the low mileage and we only noted one very minor area of corrosion by the front wheel arch edge.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Finished in a smart tone of "Atlanta Blue Metallic", the coverage shows well across the car with no noted differences in colour. There were a couple of minor stone chips towards the front of the car but nothing overly concerning. It was tricky to note any areas of real concern looking over the panels, showing the quality of the BMW.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The glass on this Z3 showed really well and we didn't notice any major chips, cracks, or discolouration on our visit. The windscreen glass was etched with the BMW logo suggesting this is original. The front and rear lights looked very well-maintained along with the badges and trim. We didn't observe any chips or scratches to these areas during our visit. The window seals and rubber sections look good overall, although there were some minor notes of rubber perishing around the door handles.

The hood showed without concern opening and closing as it should, again reflecting the quality of the rest of the car. Perspex windows looked great when the car had the roof up.

Take a look through the exterior gallery and review video. We take you across all areas of the car as if you were standing there yourself. This way, you can see in greater detail how the car is presented.

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VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

A cabin built for the road ahead - low slung seats, a driver focused layout, and BMW quality finished in leather.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are finished with black leather, looking in excellent condition across all the seats. Looking over the carpets, the mats showed to be in excellent condition too. Checking over the boot all was in great order and level of presentation as expected given the mileage.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is a simple, straight forward setup showing well for the age of the car and we noticed no scuffs or marks on the dash. The dash and instrument cluster are clean and smart, with all the numbers appearing clear and legible. The odometer displayed ~31,972 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appeared to be in excellent condition, with surfaces appearing free from fogging or scratching. Our interior gallery section offers a closer look at the BMW's dashboard.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original leather bound, 3-spoke steering wheel shows in a great condition without major wear, in line with the condition of the car. The automatic gear selector showed with minimal issues observed to it or the buttons and indicators.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Responsive, balanced, and with its rear-wheel-drive layout and sharp handling, it’s a machine made to connect driver and road.

Engine and Gearbox

Starting up the car, we noted no concerns with the engine, and the car idled smoothly. Paul reports that the engine and gearbox are smooth, as you would expect with everything working as it should.

We took the car out on some local roads with Paul, to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. Take a look at the video to see for yourself.

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Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs, or issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering reported through the pedal, the stopping power and control felt great.

Overall the car performed as to be expected with no observed issues. Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

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The Drive

The BMW handles well going through the motions out on the road without complaint. The car is a relaxed and comfortable place to be with an inviting ride and balanced level of control.

Gear changes sounded slick and quiet with the steering precise and road-holding felt sure footed. Our on the road video gives an overview of the car on some local roads and how it performs whilst driving.

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Electrics and Other

During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in excellent condition. The Z3 is complete with a first aid kit, 2 keys and leather book pack. Paul has upgraded the stereo to a Blaupunkt Barcelona so that there is Bluetooth and DAB radio connectivity, original stereo can also be supplied should this be required.

Paul told us everything was in working order, as far as he was aware.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Just shy of ~32,000 miles on the clock, with less than ~1,000 miles covered in the past ~5 years, this Z3 2.8 presents in excellent condition and comes to market from just over ~1.5 years ownership with 4 former keepers.

Paul, the current owner, has covered very few miles in his recent ownership of just over a year and a half, although a car he has loved over every journey travelled. There's only been a few choice upgrades for the Z3 with its current owner with new Bridgestone tyres being replaced all round now date coded from 2023 having been replaced in April 2024, servicing completed in June 2023 covering off an oil service, brake fluid check and vehicle maintenance and fitment of an after market DAB, CD and Bluetooth stereo.

The original stereo / radio is complete with the car should this be required. The BMW is complete with 2 sets of keys and its log book pack as part of the final sale.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
20.11.2024 MOT 31,751
16.11.2023 MOT 31,391
18.09.2023 Service 31,319
24.11.2022 MOT 31,212
25.11.2021 MOT 31,146
16.11.2020 MOT 30,996
21.11.2019 MOT 30,672
23.11.2018 MOT 30,518
23.11.2017 MOT 30,139
07.11.2016 MOT 29,750
18.11.2015 MOT 29,001
11.11.2014 MOT 28,237
22.11.2013 MOT 27,149
16.11.2012 MOT 26,007
16.11.2011 MOT 24,164
28.06.2011 Service 23,274
04.11.2010 MOT 22,100
18.11.2009 MOT 21,376
25.11.2008 MOT 21,196
15.12.2007 Service 20,651
27.11.2007 MOT 20,651
02.11.2006 MOT 20,485
17.11.2005 MOT 20,121
27.11.2003 Service 18,688
29.09.2000 Service 11,158
15.12.1998 Service 3,494
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Z3 2.8 Roadster
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 25.11.1997
  • CC 2,793
  • Mileage ~31,972
  • Colour Atlanta Blue Metallic
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WBACJ32070LB86370V
  • Engine # 2718872S
  • MOT Yes. Exp 26.11.2025
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 4
  • Tyre Tread Good
  • Tyre Brand Bridgestone
  • Tyre Age 2023
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~1 year, 8 months
  • Key Feature Low mileage and condition
  • Auction ID 2799
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Diss

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    Auction Bidding

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    Auction Ends Thu 5th Jun at 7.50pm
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    £1,100 bid by TomK22.05.25 @ 20:41:03
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    Market View

    With classifieds full of used and abused roadsters, this one really stands out - this should appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.

    We’re sure you have a good idea of the value of this vehicle by studying our thorough listing, however, you may be interested to see a selection of recent sales of the same and / or similar models.

    1998 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster

    Auction House Car and Classic Auctions

    Sale Date 24 Apr 25

    Sold Price £5,500

    SEE AUCTION

    1999 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster

    Auction House Mathewsons

    Sale Date 01 May 24

    Sold Price £9,100

    SEE AUCTION

    2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster

    Auction House HandH

    Sale Date 13 Mar 24

    Sold Price £9,800

    SEE AUCTION

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Z3 like this is £170 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Diss

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    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

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    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

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