2000 BMW Z3M Roadster

• Prepared by its former owner to take to shows as a Concours contender and consequently detailed accordingly
• The 3.2-litre, S50 engine (from the E36 M3) produces 316bhp at 7,400rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque
• Superbly finished in Dakar Yellow with a smart black leather interior
• Optioned from new with full leather, air conditioning and heated seats
• Spectacularly well presented. The engine bay is showroom quality
• Supplied with its full leather book pack, extensive service history including old MOTs, numerous invoices and two sets of keys

The Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first new BMW model to be assembled in the BMW Spartanburg plant in the US, with some major components - such as the engine and transmission - being imported from Germany. The Z3 was introduced as a 1996 model year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie 'Goldeneye'. While the film was number one at the box office, sales of the car peaked, and it was sold out by the time the car was launched. The Z3's design was a tad contentious at the time, it seemed that the market wasn't quite ready for such an Avant-Garde styling exercise from conservative BMW, but today the distinctive styling is regarded as a real virtue. The length of the bonnet and the short rear-end are complimented by swooping wheel-arches and side-vents, plus its purposeful yet comfy cockpit feels like a nice place to be.

However, it wasn't until 1999, when BMW installed the performance version of one of the most beloved six-cylinder engines in the car industry, the 3.2-version of the S50 engine from the E36 M3, giving 316bhp at 7,400rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque, that the Z3 became an interesting driver's car. It could now sprint to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 155 mph, aided by uprated suspension, an LSD, a wider track, and larger brakes, all combining to create a proper sports car experience. Today, these cars possess a real feeling of integrity and a distinctive 'old-school' charm; UK's Top Gear declared it "'the best handling car in the business."

Apart from the engine transplant and performance upgrades, the interior of the Z3M received a mild-makeover too and bits of chrome were added, plus a host of 'M' upgrades to differentiate the Z3M from the standard car. With instant response from its naturally aspirated performance engine and a throaty growl from its quad exhausts, the Z3M is now considered as the last bastion of proper BMW sports cars. Today, the Roadster is appreciated for its timeless design, with these special cars now becoming rarer and much sought-after.

Brightly finished in Dakar Yellow, this lovely example was specified from new with full black leather, air conditioning and heated seats. Its former keeper was keen on club events and car shows and consequently it was prepared and detailed with that in mind. It would appear that with the pandemic having put paid to car shows for some time, the owner chose to move it on. Spectacularly well presented with an engine bay that's 'showroom fresh', this sparkling little roadster and its new keeper would be very much welcomed we are sure at future events or, it may be, that he or she will be too busy enjoying the car for themselves. It’s supplied with its full leather book pack, extensive service history including old MOTs, invoices and two sets of keys.