2001 BMW Z3M Coupé (S54)

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 United States. It 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 over 15,000 orders had been placed by the time the car was launched. The Z3 was designed by Joji Nagashima of the BMW design team and developed from the 3-series E36 platform and consequently is often referred to as the E36/7 (Roadster) or E36/8 (Coupé). When launched, only the 1.9-litre, straight-four engine was offered, but its 138bhp proved a bit short of breath. A 2.2-litre engine producing 168bhp was made available for the more enthusiastic driver whilst in 1997 a powerful six-cylinder 2.8-litre unit producing 190bhp was an option, and ultimately, in 1998, the 3.2-litre Z3M topped the range. In October 2001, the 'M' Coupé reappeared with the new 3.2-litre ‘S54’B32 engine from the E46 M3, producing 321bhp at 7400rpm and 258lb/ft, and it transformed the Z3M. On paper, the difference is a mere 4bhp, in the real world it feels like at least 40bhp! The free revving characteristics remained, but with the power instantly available, throughout the range; smoother, torquier, more responsive – in other words, the drivers’ choice and the model the enthusiasts hanker for. Only 165 right-hand drive Z3M Coupés were made worldwide, which makes this a rare and very desirable car.

The car presented here is 2001 BMW Z3M Coupé (‘S54’ engine) first registered in April 2001 by BMW UK and was their press launch car. You can certainly see why, with its ultimate specification (sunroof, Harman Kardon hi-fi, cruise control, heated seats, electric mirrors, 6-CD player) plus its Titan Silver Metallic paintwork and Black Leather interior (subtly without the coloured leather inserts); it was as desirable as a Z3M could be. As part of its status, the car was given to (the now) Silverstone Auctions ambassador Harry Metcalfe and his team at EVO magazine to join their ‘Fast Fleet’ feature for 11 months, covering some 25,000 miles, and featured on their cover shoot as part of the ‘Gran Turismo 5’ article (numerous copies of the EVO magazines reporting on the car form part of thes accompanying history file), receiving glowing reports.

Accompanied by a full and comprehensive service history with a folder of receipts:

· 30/04/2001 – BMW Dealer 80210 – Run in service – 974 miles

· 19/10/2001 – BMW Dealer 16113 – Oil change service – 14,159 miles

· 27/06/2002 – BMW UK Distribution Centre – Inspection 1 Service – 25,923 miles

· 16/09/2004 – BMW Dealer 16231 – Oil Change Service – 34,880 miles

· 20/10/2006 – BMW Dealer 16319 – Inspection 2 Service – 44,809 miles

· 18/05/2009 – BMW Dealer 16319 – Oil Change Service – 52,412 miles

· 20/06/2011 – GC Motors Harrogate – Inspection 1 Service – 56,606 miles

· 04/10/2013 – GC Motors Harrogate – Oil Change Service – 61,359 miles

· 16/11/2015 – Newhall BMW – Oil Change Service – 63,176 miles

· 30/11/2017 – Newhall BMW – Inspection 2 Service – 63,550 miles

· 17/09/2020 – BMW Dealer 16258 - Oil Change Service – 63,900 miles

On offer to market from a small and private collection, the car is freshly MOT’d until 26th January 2024 and has been in storage over the winter. Fully serviced and treated to new Continental tyres, new brake discs/pads ready for sale, this is a superb example, nicely original and diligently maintained; certainly one for the BMW connoisseur.