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1999 BMW Z3 2.8i Roadster

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£5,600

  • Mileage~47,902 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.8L
  • LocationSawbridgeworth

SOLD

1999 BMW Z3 2.8i Roadster

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

Sporty driving dynamics, engineering excellence and open-top style from one of the most respected brands in the world.

The 1990s were a golden era for open-topped roadsters, and BMW's 1995 release of the Z3 was met with huge expectations. The Z3 was pitched as an agile and compact cruiser, built to the high expectations of BMW quality. The six-cylinder 2.8-litre models are distinguished by their twin exhaust pipes, standard leather interior and traction control. The Z3 soon found a loyal customer base, appealing to those who wanted a comfortable, refined and upmarket roadster with a punch.

The Z3 still retained BMW's proven rear-wheel drive formula, positively leaning heavily on analogue technology. The retro styling touches, including the coke-bottle curves, gill-like vents on the front wings, and other design touches that hark back to the classic 507 roadster - the Z3 is also a masterclass in contemporary ergonomics, practicality and residuals.

This exceptionally presented 1999 Z3 roadster finished in silver with a red interior is also sold with the optional removable aluminium hard top. It has been with the same owner since new and has just ~47,902 miles on the clock.

The car comes complete with handbooks, a full tool kit, roof removal tool, service manual, original sales brochure and two keys, it also has an MOT to April 2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Danny 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

Easy to drive and refined in use, it's almost like driving a current BMW.

Danny hand-picks clean and low-mileage cars with a minimal number of keepers, and this BMW is a perfect example of his stock. The original owner bought the car new and appears to have only used it on an occasional basis in good weather.

A perfect candidate as a show car, it really wouldn’t take much to get this car in perfect condition.

Danny will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Danny
Vehicle Owner

Danny saved £0,900* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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Exterior

The bodywork has been well cared for and wouldn't need much to make it perfect.

Wheels and Tyres

The 17” 5-spoke alloys have lasted well - the rims are generally free of marks, with some signs of age.

The car has been fitted with a set of Michelin tyres. The rear pair are around 15 years old, and the front pair are older. They do show mild signs of age but have even and legal tread.

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Bodywork

The underside is solid and the engine bay, boot floor and wheel wells look positive. It's clear to see that the exterior has been well-preserved, exhibiting an excellent panel fit with no dents. The shut lines are consistent, and all doors open and close with ease.

There is a little underpaint blemish pointed out by Danny on the offside front wing just below the side bonnet vent, but it certainly doesn’t distract.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-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.

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Paint

The finish is superb, with consistent coverage, suggesting that the car has been carefully stored.

The silver finish has a positive lustre and a deep shine with minimal age-related marks- there are a handful of stone chips on the nose.

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 windscreen is in good shape, with a recently applied stone chip repair on the passenger side.

The lights and lenses are in good condition and we couldn’t fault the trim.

The bumpers are flush to the body and free of scuffs; there is a paint touch-up on the front bumper.

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Interior

Exceptionally well preserved, the use of high-quality interior materials has helped the Z3 to age gracefully.

Seats and Carpets

The Oregon red leather seats are in excellent condition, well above the expectations of a car of this age.

The carpets are in good shape, and the matching red mats look smart - all are bone dry.

The boot carpet suggests light use.

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Dashboard

The matching red leather trim dashboard and binnacle are in excellent condition, with no significant signs of age. The centre console veneer finish is clean with decent switchgear, dials and controls. All of the functions work as they should, including the air-con, which blew icy cold.

The rest of the cabin trim is also in great shape, including both the hard top and soft top headlining and door cards.

There are a handful of aftermarket accessories fitted, including a Pioneer USB Player.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The gear lever and steering wheel rim are in line with the positive presentation of the interior, with mild surface wear on the face of the steering wheel.

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Mechanics

The 2.8-litre engine provides enough thrills when needed, but also offers a smooth delivery.

Engine and Gearbox

The start-up procedure is trouble-free, the engine firing up without hesitation. The dashboard lights remained off, and the exhaust was clear of smoke. The engine idles smoothly with no signs of fluid leaks.

The engine is positively presented with suggestions that it has been well-maintained.

The gearbox operates smoothly with no reported faults with the clutch.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension, brake pipe and steering components show mild age-related surface corrosion, but all appear to function without any negative feedback.

The ride is composed with no unwanted noises from the wheels.

The car brakes without drama, slowing down with no wobbles or fade.

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The Drive

BMW have a respected reputation for their straight-six engines, each one providing seamless power with reliability and smoothness. Suiting the Z3’s inclination as a cruising car, the 2.8-litre engine is flexible in the torque range and peppy enough to provide a spirited driving experience.

Being a BMW, the car is extremely usable and potters around at low speeds with no problems, with a smooth, comfortable ride and perfect manners. It deals with the road imperfections well - we didn’t hear any rattles and the steering conducts itself with no notable wobbles or play. It pulls well, accelerating with no hiccups or unwanted noises, providing a decent soundtrack when pushed a little harder.

The car was left running for 10 minutes; the hot day didn’t affect the engine at all, and the fan never kicked in at any point. The engine temperature and oil pressure remained stable, with no reports from Danny to suggest it has ever caused any problems.

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Electrics and Other

The aluminium hardtop is in excellent condition with no marks or wear. It is straightforward to remove and replace. The soft top is also in near-perfect condition, with a decent rear screen. It lowers and raises without fault - it also retains its rear screen protection mask.

The removable hood cover is in good shape and also comes with various covers for the hardtop.

The car also comes with a complete tool kit and hard-top release tool.

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History and Paperwork

This car has been regularly MOT'd in the same quarter of the month since the mid 2000s.

First registered in February 1999, it comes with a partial set of handbooks in a wallet and a sales brochure. There is also a service manual that comes with two keys. It has an MOT to April 2026.

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From Trade Classics:

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win - just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
30-04-2025 MOT 47,873
29-03-2023 MOT 47,620
09-03-2022 MOT 46,820
08-03-2021 MOT 45,534
17-03-2020 MOT 44,920
22-03-2019 MOT 43,879
12-03-2018 MOT 42,061
23-02-2017 MOT 41,876
15-03-2016 MOT 40,683
18-03-2015 MOT 40,138
05-02-2014 MOT 39,356
01-02-2013 MOT 38,743
14-02-2012 MOT 37,493
21-01-2011 MOT 35,771
12-02-2010 MOT 34,687
16-02-2009 MOT 33,637
31-01-2008 MOT 32,445
22-01-2007 MOT 30,781
25-01-2006 MOT 28,866
Key Details
  • ModelBMW Z3
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date05-02-1999
  • CC2793
  • Mileage~47,902 on clock
  • ColourSilver
  • Interior ColourBlack/Red
  • Interior TrimFaux Leather
  • Chassis #WBACH32050LE91569
  • Engine #LE91569
  • MOTYes Exp. 29-04-2026
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers0
  • Tyre BrandMichelin
  • Tyre Age2002/2009
  • Security SysAftermarket Immobiliser
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypeTrade (No Warranties)
  • Owned26 Years
  • Key FeatureLong-Term Ownership
  • Vehicle RegistrationS804 BMR
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible with Hardtop
  • Auction ID2961







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Ask Questions
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6 Comments
RossoCorsa
RossoCorsa
7 months ago

Good afternoon,

is the original service book with available ?

Regards

Sogatha
Sogatha
7 months ago

Do you take part exchange?

justwing
justwing
7 months ago

Are there any service records available? When was it last serviced? Thanks

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Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

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