Doug's Take
I'm a huge fan of the "Clown Shoe" BMW Z3 Coupe, as it's one of the quirkiest modern sports cars – though it still offers an engaging driving experience and a surprisingly practical interior. This particular example touts a 5-speed manual transmission, 6-cylinder power, and a handsome Oxford Green Metallic over beige color combination. It also features some great factory equipment, including 17-inch Style 32 wheels, fog lights, and leather upholstery – along with no major modifications. Plus, this Z3 Coupe is offered with a clean, accident-free Carfax report, for added peace of mind.
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Coupe, finished in Oxford Green Metallic with a beige interior.
- This Z3 is equipped with the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax vehicle history report lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this BMW's past.
- According to the window sticker provided in the gallery, notable factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 32 wheels, fog lights, leather upholstery, and maple wood interior trim. Notable modifications reported by the seller are limited to Bilstein B12 suspension and bronze finish on wheels
- 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 window sticker is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment reported by the seller includes:
- 17-inch Style 32 wheels
- Fog lights
- Leather upholstery
- Maple wood interior trim
- 3-spoke M-Technic steering wheel
- On-board computer
Modifications
Notable modifications reported by the seller include:
- Bilstein B12 suspension (~1.5-inch lower ride height)
- Bronze finish on wheels
Known Flaws
- Chips, dings, and scratches around the exterior
- Cracked lower front bumper
- Faded paint on rear spoiler
- Curb rash on passenger-side front wheel
- Wear and stains on seats; torn driver's seat cushion
- Wear on interior touch points and trim panels; cracked dashboard trim
- Some corrosion on underbody components
- Airbag warning light stays illuminated, reportedly caused by passenger seat occupancy sensor.
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- February 2025: Air flow sensor, coolant temp sensor, micro-v belt, water pump, and spark plugs replaced; valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter adapter gasket, thermostat housing and gasket, exhaust flange gasket, and belt tensioner replaced
The seller reports that the following maintenance was performed in 2025:
- Clutch, flywheel, suspension components, brake pads and rotors, and tires replaced
Other Items Included in Sale
- 1 key
- Owner's manual
- Window sticker
- Available service records
- Assorted spare parts
Ownership History
The seller reports that they purchased this BMW in June 2024 and have added about 5,000 miles since.