Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 is a great sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience – and the uniquely-shaped Z3 Coupe is a lot rarer than the roadster! This was one of the quirkiest BMW models ever made, adding a surprisingly practical hatchback design to the popular Z3 – and this particular Z3 Coupe boasts a 5-speed manual transmission combined with a potent 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a limited-slip differential. This Z3 Coupe is also finished in an absolutely gorgeous Topaz Blue over Sand Beige color combination, and it boasts some desirable upgrades – including a reinforced rear subframe, a roll bar, a TC Kline Racing coilover kit, and an Eisenmann muffler. This Z3 Coupe is also offered with no reserve, which further adds to the appeal.
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Coupe, finished in Topaz Blue with a Sand Beige interior.
- This Z3 features the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 32 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
- The full list of modifications reported by the seller is detailed below. Highlights include a reinforced rear subframe, a roll bar, a TC Kline Racing coilover kit, an Eisenmann muffler, and 3M ceramic window tint.
- Released for 1996, the Z3 was welcomed as a rear-wheel-drive roadster with two seats and a relatively affordable price tag; it was a true driver's car. BMW kept development costs in check by sourcing some components from the E30 and E36 3 Series parts bins, and it built the Z3 in South Carolina. The Z3 was available with numerous engine options, from a 1.9-liter inline-4 engine all the way up to the venerable "S54" inline-6 found in the 2001 and 2002 M Coupe and Roadster.
- Power comes from a 3.0-liter "M54" inline-6, rated at 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 32 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Fog lights
- Power sunroof
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Sports seats (non-heated)
- Leather-wrapped M steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:
Mechanical:
- TC Kline Racing coilover kit
- TC Kline Racing camber plates
- Racing Dynamics front strut brace
- Eisenmann muffler
Exterior:
- Projector headlights with LED halo rings
- 3M ceramic window tint
Interior:
- Rear subframe reinforced
- Roll bar
- Center armrest
- VDO Continental TR7412UB-OR head unit
- M shift knob
- Black center console trim panels with heated seats switches
Known Flaws
- The attached Carfax history report notes that this Z3 sustained "minor damage" to the front in July 2020. The seller states that the hood was replaced following a collision with a deer.
- Front reflectors are cracked
- Some clear coat failure on the roof
- Paint chips on forward-facing surfaces and on rear wheel arches
- Scratches on the rear bumper
- Scratches on wheels
- Creases and wear on seats
- Scratches on door sills; passenger's side trim is loose
- Passenger door speaker grille is cracked
- Some corrosion on underbody components
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- September 2022 (147,426 miles): Radiator, cooling fan, and fan shroud replaced, coolant changed
- July 2022 (146,349 miles): Shift shaft seal, seat rail bushings, and inner and outer tie rods replaced, ride height adjusted
- April 2022 (145,683 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, differential fluid, coolant, and brake fluid changed, seat rail bushings and spark plugs replaced, transmission serviced
The attached Carfax history report shows that the following services have been performed:
- April 2021 (144,377 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, oil pan drain plug replaced
- February 2020 (143,241 miles): Engine serviced
- September 2019 (143,010 miles): Engine serviced, rear wiper motor replaced
- September 2018 (134,963 miles): Tire(s) replaced
The seller notes that the headliner, vacuum line, and air conditioning control base plate were replaced during his ownership. Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 3 keys
- Owner's manuals
- Service records
- Factory head unit
- Factory headlights
- Assorted spare parts
Ownership History
The seller purchased this Z3 in March 2022 and has added approximately 2,500 miles since.