Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 140
2002 BMW Z3M Coupé Chassis no. WBSCN91040LJ90393
Sold for €149,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 140
The last car built
2002 BMW Z3M Coupé
2002 BMW Z3M Coupé
2002 BMW Z3M Coupé
Chassis no. WBSCN91040LJ90393
Chassis no. WBSCN91040LJ90393
• Delivered new in Germany
• Effectively one owner (a BMW employee) from new
• Desirable S54-engine example
• One of only 15 ever produced in desirable Stahlgrau
• The only one in this colour scheme fitted with the panorama sunroof
• Circa 33,000 kilometres recorded
• Full service history
A brilliant exercise in 'retro' styling that recalled its fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days, BMW's 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, powered by the 3.2-litre engine from the 3-Series Evolution model, appeared in January 1998. Built until February 2001 when the model was revised, the first-series Z3M Coupé and Roadster were powered by the 3,201cc S50 engine producing 321bhp; figures that translated into a tyre-smoking 100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. 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.
Starting in February 2001, the Z3M received the S54 engine from the E46 M3, which in most countries - North America excepted - came with 321bhp on tap (North American customers had to do with 315bhp). In total, 1,112 Z3M coupés were sold worldwide with the S54 engine, of which only 269 were the more powerful European-specification left-hand drive models like that offered here. Naturally, these later and more powerful cars are considered more collectible than the earlier ones.
The Z3M we offer is said to be the last one built and has had only one driver from new. Exquisitely finished in Stahlgrau (Steel Grey) with Kiwi interior, the car was delivered new on 20th February 2003, and according to the first owner (a BMW employee and the only driver of this car), BMW GmbH has confirmed it is the last Z3M coupé built. Only 15 S54 cars were finished in the rare and desirable Stahlgrau, this example being the only one with a Kiwi interior and sunroof, making it unique. It comes generously equipped, featuring the desirable panorama sunroof and 25% locking limited-slip differential. The sole driver of the car has re-registered the BMW a couple of times (first registered to BMW GmbH) but it has always remained in the same hands in Germany. We are advised that the car is accident-free, outstandingly original and untouched, and in mint condition. Only 33,000 kilometres have been covered from new, and the last service was carried out at around 32,000 kilometres in July 2020. The car comes with its original books, including the stamped service book, original set of keys and German registration documents.
A veritable motoring 'unicorn', this exceptional example is very likely the best Z3M you will find: German delivered, BMW maintained, linked with the factory, exquisite colour combination, little used and in mint condition - it doesn't get better than this!
Combining outrageous looks and performance with impressive practicality, the Z3M Coupé was not replaced within BMW's line-up after its deletion in 2002, and is surely destined for 'highly collectible' status in the future.
• Effectively one owner (a BMW employee) from new
• Desirable S54-engine example
• One of only 15 ever produced in desirable Stahlgrau
• The only one in this colour scheme fitted with the panorama sunroof
• Circa 33,000 kilometres recorded
• Full service history
A brilliant exercise in 'retro' styling that recalled its fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days, BMW's 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, powered by the 3.2-litre engine from the 3-Series Evolution model, appeared in January 1998. Built until February 2001 when the model was revised, the first-series Z3M Coupé and Roadster were powered by the 3,201cc S50 engine producing 321bhp; figures that translated into a tyre-smoking 100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. 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.
Starting in February 2001, the Z3M received the S54 engine from the E46 M3, which in most countries - North America excepted - came with 321bhp on tap (North American customers had to do with 315bhp). In total, 1,112 Z3M coupés were sold worldwide with the S54 engine, of which only 269 were the more powerful European-specification left-hand drive models like that offered here. Naturally, these later and more powerful cars are considered more collectible than the earlier ones.
The Z3M we offer is said to be the last one built and has had only one driver from new. Exquisitely finished in Stahlgrau (Steel Grey) with Kiwi interior, the car was delivered new on 20th February 2003, and according to the first owner (a BMW employee and the only driver of this car), BMW GmbH has confirmed it is the last Z3M coupé built. Only 15 S54 cars were finished in the rare and desirable Stahlgrau, this example being the only one with a Kiwi interior and sunroof, making it unique. It comes generously equipped, featuring the desirable panorama sunroof and 25% locking limited-slip differential. The sole driver of the car has re-registered the BMW a couple of times (first registered to BMW GmbH) but it has always remained in the same hands in Germany. We are advised that the car is accident-free, outstandingly original and untouched, and in mint condition. Only 33,000 kilometres have been covered from new, and the last service was carried out at around 32,000 kilometres in July 2020. The car comes with its original books, including the stamped service book, original set of keys and German registration documents.
A veritable motoring 'unicorn', this exceptional example is very likely the best Z3M you will find: German delivered, BMW maintained, linked with the factory, exquisite colour combination, little used and in mint condition - it doesn't get better than this!
Combining outrageous looks and performance with impressive practicality, the Z3M Coupé was not replaced within BMW's line-up after its deletion in 2002, and is surely destined for 'highly collectible' status in the future.
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