Doug's Take

The BMW Z3 is a great sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience – and the uniquely-shaped Z3 Coupe is much less common than the roadster! This was one of the quirkiest BMW models of the 1990s, adding a surprisingly practical hatchback design to the popular Z3. This particular example boasts a 5-speed manual transmission and a one-owner history. It also comes with a clean, accident-free Carfax report, showing warm-climate California ownership from new – and no reserve means someone is taking home this Z3 Coupe at the end of the auction.

Highlights

THIS... is a 1999 BMW Z3 2.8i Coupe, finished in black with a black interior.

• This Z3 is equipped with the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
• The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this Z3's past. It also confirms this is a one-owner car that's been registered in California from new.
• A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes a limited-slip differential, power sunroof, leather upholstery, fine wood interior trim, sport seats, cruise control, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Modifications reported by the seller are limited to an Alpine head unit with Bluetooth connectivity.
• 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 2.8-liter straight-6 engine, rated at 193 horsepower and 206 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 alloy wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Fog light
• Power sunroof
• Fine wood interior trim
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable sport seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Harman Kardon sound system
• On-board computer

Modifications

• Alpine head unit with Bluetooth connectivity

Known Flaws

• Scratches, chips, and paint blemishes around the exterior (pictured in the gallery)
• Scuffs on front bumper's lower lip
• Ding on driver's side of the liftgate
• Missing front tow hook cover
• Rear wiper does not work
• Curb rash and flaking paint on wheels
• Tires bear 2014 and 2015 date codes
• Creases and wear on seats
• Cracked plastic trim near driver's door sill and on driver's door speaker surround
• Airbag light illuminated (the seller reports this is due to a wiring issue under the seat)
• Passenger's side seat control knobs missing

Recent Service History

The seller reports that this Z3 was last serviced in 2018. He adds that the rear subframe was replaced using factory parts in 2010, though service documentation is not available. Some additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 1 key, valet key, and spare key
• Owner's manual
• Factory head unit
• Fitted outdoor car cover

Ownership History

The seller leased this Z3 new in May 1999 and later bought out the lease.

Seller Notes

• The seller notes that the driver's door was repaired and repainted due to a dent in 2005.
• He adds that the wheel center caps were replaced after the exterior photos were taken. The new wheel center caps can be seen in the close-up photos of the wheels.