Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 Coupe "Clown Shoe" is a uniquely-shaped sports car that's a lot rarer than the Roadster model – and it's loved by enthusiasts for its engaging driving experience, surprising practicality, and overall quirkiness. This particular Z3 Coupe touts a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder powertrain and some great factory equipment – including 17-inch Style 42 wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Plus, this Z3 Coupe is unmodified – and it has reportedly been kept by one owner since 2002, which is impressive.
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Coupe, finished in Titanium Silver Metallic with a black interior.
- The attached Carfax history report indicates no mileage discrepancies in this Z3’s past; it also shows registration to one owner since 2022.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 42 wheels, a limited-slip differential, Nappa leather upholstery, heated sport seats, wood interior trim, a rear cargo cover, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. The seller reports no modifications.
- 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." Production of both body styles ended in 2002.
- Power comes from a 3.0-liter straight-6, rated at 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 42 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Fog lights
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Wood interior trim
- Power-adjustable and heated sport seats
- Leather-wrapped M steering wheel
- Harman/Kardon sound system
- Air conditioning
- Rear cargo cover
- Cruise control
Known Flaws
- The attached Carfax history report indicates that this Z3 Coupe was involved in an accident with another vehicle and that unspecified damage occurred to the rear end in January 2005.
- Chips, scratches, and dings around the exterior (pictured in the gallery)
- Damaged rear bumper trim covers; missing tow hook cover
- 2017 and 2016 date codes on the front tires
- Wear on the seats
- Some wear on interior touch points and trim panels
- Some corrosion on underbody components
- The airbag warning light stays illuminated, reportedly caused by the passenger seat occupancy sensor.
Recent Service History
The selling dealer states that the engine oil and filter were changed in March 2024. Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
Ownership History
The selling dealer acquired this Z3 earlier in 2024.