Ever since revealing our Z3M, we’ve had hundreds of you requesting this as a competition car. So, by popular demand, here it is!
Not to be mistaken for a standard Z3, the Z3M is powered by the legendary S50 inline six-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 317bhp to the rear wheels. Z3M’s were given a limited slip differential, E36 M3 brakes and a wider rear track. These upgrades make the Z3M an incredibly engaging and rewarding drive.
Becoming incredibly collectible, enthusiasts are favouring classic ‘M’ models from an era when ‘M’ badges were only given to BMW’s serious performance machines. Z3M’s have been appreciating in value over the past few years and look to be a very solid future classic investment.
Finished in recently perfected ‘M’ exclusive Imola Red paintwork with complimenting black Nappa leather heated sports seats, the Z3M is a real head-turner. Electric windows, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, M leather steering wheel, Limited slip differential, Remote central locking, Electric folding soft-top in black, Velour floor mats, Air conditioning, BMW cassette radio with 6 CD changer, Removable wind deflector, Warning triangle, Tyre inflator, BMW first aid kit, Spare key. 71,484 miles on the odometer.
Condition
The Nappa leather sports seats are in superb condition. Free from any damage or notable wear to the bolsters, the leather remains feeling supple throughout. The black and red combo extends to the door cards and centre console, all in particularly fine order with no scratches or marking to the delicate trim. Pleasingly the original cassette radio is still fitted, and commonly worn items such as the steering wheel show almost no signs of any use. The carpets are perfectly clean throughout and are protected in the footwells by the original set of black overmats. The boot area is also spotlessly clean and still home to the BMW CD changer.
Being an earlier example, this M Roadster is equipped with the brilliant S50 straight-six that produces an impressive 317hp. With no kind of electronic traction or stability control system, it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The Z3M is a extremely rewarding drivers car, the 5-speed manual gearbox feels tight and precise, handling the engine’s power perfectly.
Wheels
The 17-inch M Roadster alloys fill the arches perfectly, the deep rear dish giving the Z3 a very broad and aggressive stance. The wheels present in fine order with no curbing.
Model History
The Z3M was introduced in 1997. European models were initially powered by the S50 inline-six engine, while North American models were powered by the less powerful S52 inline-six engine. The Z3M was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Compared to the standard Z3, M models featured a limited slip differential, a wider rear track, and larger brakes (that are shared with the E36 M3). Z3M models were available in M-specific colours, they feature more aerodynamic wing-mirrors as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers and bespoke “Roadster” Style 40 wheels, revised side gill and quad exhausts. The interior can also be differentiated by the voltmeter, clock and oil temperature gauges in the centre console, leather-wrapped centre console and door pulls, as well as unique M-styled seats and interior colour options.
Unlike the rest of the Z3 range, the Z3M did not receive cosmetic changes during the facelift in 2000.
