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Closed Auction- Unsold

1998 BMW Z3M Roadster

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  • Mileage~101,824
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationDerby

AUCTION CLOSED

1998 BMW Z3M Roadster

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

The M-Sport division created something quite special for anyone looking for a two-seater sports car.

The BMW Z3 Roadster was first launched in 1995, based on the same chassis as the E36 3 series. It was available as a roadster or coupe and used the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design from the older E30. M-Division engineers worked hard to create an M version of the Z3 and used the majority of the components from the E36 M3 Evo to create such a car. The rear track was widened, curvaceous rear arches were installed to accommodate the much larger wheels, new bumpers, quad-exhaust, and a smart interior trim made the Z3M a rather unique beast.

This example, finished in non-other than the ever popular "Estoril Blue", has been with our vendor for just over a year. This car comes with a not often found matching hard top, it's an example that has been enjoyed over time, but is by no means at fault for it.

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

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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.

Meet the owner

The Z3M was the perfect two-seater sports car for me, offering plenty of fun and great looks.

When Andrew was looking for a two-seater sports car, few cars came close to the fantastic Z3M. A cut above the standard Z3 Roadster; the M-Sport version provides more power, improved handling and looks, making it a desirable option to go for.

Although Andrew hasn’t really had as much fun as he would have liked out of the roadster, when he has used it, it's been fantastic fun, and he just wishes he had the time and storage to use it more. Please feel free to ask Andrew any questions about the car in the comments below.

Andrew
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

One of the most popular and largely regarded as the best colour for any M-sport BMW is the stunning Estoril Blue.

Wheels and Tyres

The original 17” Roadstar alloy wheels appear to be in good condition. There are some small age-related marks when really scrutinising, and a small amount of brake-dust residue in the corners of the wheels, but nothing which shouldn’t be too difficult to remove.

The tyres are different makes to the front and rear, but both sets have a good amount of tread remaining. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork looks to be in great condition on the Z3M. The panel gaps are equal on both sides; there is a small dink on the edge of the offside rear wheel arch but it's not broken through the paint, and it's worth noting that there is some very slight signs of corrosion to the bottom of it too.

Being the roadster, the car also comes with a removable hard top and soft top roof. The hard top comes off quite easily and is in good condition with just a few small chips on the edges, possibly caused by storage over the years. The soft top roof is electrically operated and is in excellent condition with no excessive creasing or damage to be seen.

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 of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The "Estoril Blue" paintwork presents very well indeed. There are a very small amount of stone chips to the front end. Some were spotted on the leading edge of the wide rear arches. A smart repair to the rear bumper and nearside quarter was carried out in 2014 at a main BMW dealer. This cost was only £166, so it looks like it was a minor repair.

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 hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windows look in good condition, with no apparent scratches on the windscreen, side windows and hardtop rear window. The soft top windows have a few minor scuff marks caused when the roof folds away.

The headlights are in good condition but would benefit from a polish to brighten the clear lenses. The rear lights have a small amount of crazing to the lenses on the clear section. In addition, there is some fading to the BMW and M badges, which is quite a common thing to see at this age.

Interior

Prominent bolsters and blue/black leather offer excellent support when driving the Z3M.

Seats and Carpets

The blue and black leather seats in the Z3 M have no real damage in terms of rips, but there is colour wear which is in keeping with the age and mileage of the car. At the top of the seat, there would usually be a seatbelt guide on each side; unfortunately, it's quite common for these to break, which has happened here.

The carpets are in good condition with no signs of excessive wear. Some mats are fitted, which have a small amount of wear. The boot is clean and tidy. There is a boot-mounted CD multichanger, the original BMW first aid kit, and the original tyre compressor. Under the carpet is the tool kit, and unfortunately, the jack is missing.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is finished in blue and black to match the seats; this is in good condition with no damage.

The instruments work as they should, with the odometer reading ~101,824 miles. There is also an airbag light displayed. Andrew says this is due to the washers on the seats. Being worn causes the seat to move and set off the airbag light. He has the washers and will fit these and try and get the light reset before the auction ends. When the engine is running, no other warning lights are displayed.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original leather steering wheel has light wear in keeping with the age and mileage. The gearknob and gaiter are in good condition. The only thing we spotted was that the shift pattern badge looks delaminated slightly.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Mechanics

0-60mph in 4.5 seconds thanks to the wonderful 3.2 litre straight-six - enough to draw the attention of any two-seater sports car fan.

Engine and Gearbox

As you will see in our cold start video, the 3.2 litre straight-six comes to life instantly with the flick of the key. No untoward noises could be heard from the engine bay, and everything appeared nice and dry, with no signs of leaks when we visited the car.

The five-speed manual gearbox offers a smooth and precise change. In addition, a new clutch fitted in 2019 at ~94,684 miles should be good for many more miles to come.

Suspension and Brakes

As you would expect for a sports car, the ride is firm without being too harsh; the Z3 M is a wonderful handling and well-balanced vehicle that keeps you entertained.

No knocks or bangs were coming from the suspension on our test drive, and the car stopped in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal reported.

The Drive

The Z3 M is a fantastic car to drive, providing a rewarding drive for the spirited drivers amongst us, but it could quite easily be driven at a more subdued pace. The hard top allows you to use it in the months when the weather is a bit hit and miss and then take it off for the summer months when the soft top can be dropped at the "touch of a button".

Electrics and Other

Everything in the car is reported to be working just as it should. The auxiliary gauges work as they should. The air conditioning light does turn on, but it’s not as cold as it should be, and Andrew thinks a re-gas should rectify this.

The head unit has been upgraded, but the original head unit is included for those who prefer the factory look. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

History and Paperwork

An extensive history file comes with the BMW with a great collection of invoices for parts and work carried out.

The Z3 M has a nice history, all of which is documented in the history file. Over the past few years, several advisories have been picked up during the MOT tests, you will be pleased to know that these have been rectified and the last MOT carried out in August 2022 passed with no advisories. The original handbooks are present, including the hardtop instruction booklet and as mentioned earlier, the original radio is included. This fantastic, fun car is fast becoming a sought-after model. Ready for the summer months? Will you be lucky enough to take over the ownership from Andrew?

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
25.08.2022 MOT 101,798
12.08.2021 MOT 101,318
26.02.2021 Service 100,015
22.06.2020 MOT 97,204
22.06.2020 Service 97,196
05.07.2019 Service 94,684
18.06.2019 MOT 94,150
21.05.2018 MOT 92,108
25.05.2017 MOT 90,741
13.05.2016 MOT 88,986
20.05.2015 MOT/Service 87,117
28.05.2014 MOT
14.06.2013 MOT 80,474
01.06.2012 MOT 76,913
20.05.2011 MOT 72,821
23.10.2010 MOT 68,144
15.10.2009 MOT 58,567
03.08.2009 Service 56,625
30.09.2008 MOT/Service 47,674
02.10.2007 MOT 44,963
11.05.2007 Service 44,211
11.05.2006 MOT 40,395
06.01.2006 Service 37,095
24.05.2005 MOT 30,473
29.03.2005 Service 29,214
29.06.2004 Service 21,840
18.11.2003 Service 14,676
22.05.2003 MOT/Service 8,222
18.10.2002 Service 7,341
06.04.2001 Service 5,189
07.12.1999 Service 760
03.09.1998 Inspection 8
Key Details
  • ModelZ3M Roadster
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date10.09.1998
  • CC3201
  • Mileage~101,824
  • HistoryYes
  • ColourEstoril Blue
  • Interior ColourBlue/Black
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WBSCK92030LB06493
  • Engine #60311754
  • MOTExp: 24.08.2023
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1 Year
  • Key FeatureKeen reserve, ready to be enjoyed
  • Auction ID1192






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Scatman
Member
Scatman

Is it possible to see the vehicle and have a test drive before the auction ends please?

ColinB
Admin
ColinB

Hi Scatman, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com we can get a viewing arranged for you. Thanks, Colin.

Scatman
Member
Scatman

Please kindly confirm why you are now selling the vehicle after less than a year’s ownership, thanks.

Scatman
Member
Scatman

Has the Vanos been previously refurbished or replaced?

Scatman
Member
Scatman

To the best of your knowledge, are you aware of any damage the vehicle has previously sustained or any rust/ corrosion present particularly on the bodywork, sills, filler cap or boot floor?

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Derby

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