1999 BMW Z3M Coupé

Registration no. T475 DLN Chassis no. WBSCM92090LB29285

Footnotes

A brilliant exercise in 'retro' styling that recalled BMW's fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days, the Z3 was introduced in 1996. The original four-cylinder 1.9-litre Z3 was more of a stylish boulevard cruiser than out-and-out sports car, and would prove equally appealing to both men and women drivers. The arrival of the 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine in 1997 transformed the Z3, endowing it with a level of performance that at last matched the promise of its looks. Six-cylinder cars enjoyed a lengthier equipment list than the fours, which included an electric hood (roadster), leather upholstery, and 16" alloy wheels.

Commencing in the early 1980s with the limited edition 'homologation special' M3, BMW Motorsport GmbH went on to create its own distinctive M-Power brand of performance-enhanced luxury models. The first M-Power Z3 appeared in January 1998. Built until February 2001 when the model was revised, the first-series Z3M Coupé and Roadster were powered by the 3.2-litre S50 engine producing 316bhp and 236lb/ft of torque - figures that translated into a tyre-smoking 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds and a (limited) top speed of 155mph. The fastest-accelerating BMW ever at the time of its introduction, the Z3M Coupé boasted a generous specification that included electric windows, ABS, PAS, air conditioning, heated seats, driver/passenger air bags, six-speaker stereo system, alarm/immobiliser, heated exterior mirrors, 17" alloy wheels, and a limited-slip differential as standard. Combining outrageous looks and performance with impressive practicality, the Z3M Coupé was not replaced after its deletion in 2002 and is surely destined for 'highly collectible' status in the future.

First registered by Milcars BMW of Ruislip, Middlesex on 27th April 1999, this particular Z3M has covered a mere 73,500 miles from new in the hands of only two private owners. These days it is highly unusual to find one of these cars with so few owners.

The car is finished in the undeniably handsome combination of Estoril Blue Metallic with complementary blue/black leather interior, and was recently the subject of a full mechanical and structural inspection by noted marque specialists, Munich Legends. The wheels have been professionally refurbished and powder-coated in BMW Sparkle Silver, and a set of new Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres fitted.

The comprehensive history file contains all MoTs from new and a full record of the car's servicing and maintenance, there being 15 stamps in the service booklet, the last only 250 miles ago. Described as in superb condition throughout, the car also comes with all instruction manuals and their original leather folder, four sets of keys, a V5C registration document, and MoT (no advisories) valid until March 2020.