Based on the E36 chassis, the Z3 was developed by BMW as a rear-wheel-drive two-seater sports car and was the first mass-produced Z-Series model following the Z1. The Z3 gained popularity when it appeared as James Bond’s car in the 1995 film, GoldenEye, and has played a pivotal role in popularizing the roadster segment for BMW. This 1996 example comes finished in Bright Red over black leather upholstery and features a 5-speed manual transmission. Reported to have been stored inside a climate-controlled garage by its previous owner of 11 years, it is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Texas with approximately 34k miles on the odometer.
The Z3 follows the characteristic traits of a BMW roadster with a long hood, short overhangs, and a seating position almost directly above the rear axle. The large kidney grills, side fender vents, and fender-mounted roundels pay homage to the classic BMW 507. This Roadster comes finished in Bright Red (314) with a black convertible soft top and rides on factory 16” Style 35 wheels dressed in Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season tires from December 2021. The seller notes some scrapes on the underside of the front bumper. Additional images are provided in the gallery along with a CARFAX report showing damage to have occurred in 2001. The seller states that paint meter readings indicate the original finish remains on all panels, detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin presents black leather upholstery and features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, cruise control, a climate control system, power windows, a digital clock, an AM/FM cassette radio with a trunk-mounted CD changer, and a BMW hi-fi sound system. All gauges, electronics, and accessories are reported to be working properly.
Power is derived from a 1.9-liter inline-four engine which sends as much as 140 HP and 133 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), vacuum-assisted power disc brakes, and speed-sensitive variable assist rack & pinion power steering. The CARFAX report shows a total of 13 service history entries and the seller states there are no outstanding maintenance items at this time.
This sale will include a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “This particular car has led a pampered life in the hands of a mature collector who has kept her in an air-conditioned garage while religiously following a strict maintenance schedule. It is basically a time capsule that will transport you to the twilight years of the 20th century with style and grace.”
Comments (24)
Sold for $8,750
Offer in the amount of $8,750
@1optimo The gauge works properly. The engine was warm from having driven to the parking lot where we took the photos...
Anyone know why the cold start video begins with the temp gauge in between cold & hot ? @ Normal temp . Gauge broke ?
Offer in the amount of $8,250
@1optimo I'm 6'2" and fit perfectly, both with the top up or down...
Hello, Does anyone know if a 6'3' driver has any room in this Z3 ? I have a 2005 Z4 and it has room for me . Dont know about the Z3 models . Thanks
Offer in the amount of $8,000
Ok thanks can you give me a call 203/395/3662 if you have time
@Steveduva It's manual.
Actually, you can easily raise and lower it with one hand, from the driver's seat.
Is the top power down or manual? Thank you
Offer in the amount of $7,000
Thank you all for your bids and comments!
Unfortunately we did not meet reserve.
See you on DealTank...
@skulig No, we don't. We have looked everywhere and we have not been able to find any traces of damage.
We have checked with a paint depth gauge and every single panel appears to retain its original factory paint.
The owner does not know either what kind of accident the car was in, so we suspect it must have been something extremely minor. If it were not for the CARFAX report we would have never suspected anything had ever happened to this car.
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Bid in the amount of $4,355
Bid in the amount of $4,100
Do you have any info on the extent of damage sustained in the accident
Bid in the amount of $3,850
Bid in the amount of $3,600
Bid in the amount of $3,333
I took delivery in Dallas of one of these early Z3's and kept it for about 5 years. I've also owned more recently an a Z3 M Roadster. The four-banger was a more Miataesque driving experience, I think the chassis was better suited to the lighter weight of the smaller engine. It was certainly not as fast, but it was easier to drive fast. GLWTS
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Welcome to our auction!
We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding our BMW.
Happy bidding!