Doug's Take

The Z3 Coupe is a charming little car that offers a great driving experience, plus a rare and unique body style -- and this example has suspension upgrades intended to provide even better handling than a stock version. It also touts a 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, along with extended leather upholstery. The black over black color combo makes it particularly attractive, and a good service history should provide peace of mind for the next owner.

Highlights

THIS... is a 1999 BMW Z3 Coupe, finished in Cosmos Black Metallic with a black leather interior.

• This Z3 is equipped with the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
• A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes a limited-slip differential, extended leather upholstery, fine wood interior trim, heated sport seats, and a Harman-Kardon audio system, among other standard and optional equipment.
• Modifications include a Supersprint cat-back exhaust, Bilstein shocks with Eibach springs, an intake manifold from an M54, and more as listed below.
• 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. 1997 brought a 6-cylinder engine, and the coupe arrived for 1999 with a shooting brake-like design that earned it the nickname Clown Shoe.
• Power comes from a 2.8-liter straight-6 engine, rated at 193 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Equipment

A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:

• 17-inch Style 32 alloy wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Fog lights
• Power sunroof
• Rear spoiler
• Extended leather upholstery
• Heated sport seats
• Fine wood interior trim
• BMW Business radio with CD player
• Harman-Kardon audio system
• Air conditioning

Modifications

• Intake manifold from an M54 3.0-liter motor
• Supersprint cat-back exhaust
• Bilstein shocks with Eibach springs
• LeatherZ armrest
• Euro M-sport steering wheel
• Seats modified with grommets for harnesses

Known Flaws

• The attached Carfax history report lists an accident in 2002, where damage was sustained to the left front of the vehicle.
• Front and rear bumpers and rear spoiler repainted in March 2020. There is no accident associated with the repainting.
• Cruise control is inoperable
• Rock chips on hood
• Wear on driver's seat bolster
• Some cracking in leather on driver's seat
• Seat foam visible on driver's seat near grommet
• Wear on passenger's seat bolster
• Scratches on passenger's seat
• Leather on passenger's side of dash has shrunk and peeled
• Dashboard cover under steering wheel hanging down

Recent Service History

The seller reports that the following services have been performed:

• 103,000 miles: Engine oil and filter changed
• May 2020: Radiator and water pump replaced
• February 2019: Suspension rebuilt, including new control arms and bushings

Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:

• July 2019 (101,511 miles): Coolant flushed, intake boots replaced, new battery installed
• March 2019: Front brake calipers replaced, brake fluid flushed, engine oil and filter changed, power steering fluid flushed, air conditioner recharged
• July 2018: Intake manifold swapped, DISA valve replaced, fuel injector O-rings replaced
• May 2018 (98,296 miles): Engine oil and filter changed

Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 2 keys
• Owner's manuals
• Service records
• Tool kit
• Supersprint catless exhaust manifold (uninstalled)
• Z3 repair manual

Ownership History

The seller has owned this Z3 for 3 years and has driven it approximately 7,000 miles.