2002 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 7,400rpm 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.

Having learned that the Z3M Coupé was to be no more, our BMW enthusiast owner descended upon his local dealership, Bridgegate of Chesterfield, in November 2002 to replace the aging one that he had enjoyed over a number of years. He was determined not to miss out, however it would appear that the forthcoming end of Z3M production had galvanised a few buyers into action and he only just managed to get this one. In fact, he was led to believe that it is the very last brand new ‘Breadvan’ Z3M supplied in the UK. Finished in Sapphire Black with that particularly distinctive Imola Red/black interior, this one-owner example has been fastidiously maintained throughout its life, initially at the supplying dealer, and more recently since our vendor's retirement, by a local motorsport specialist. Prior to his retirement, the BMW was used on long trips all around the UK, but these days it only appears on special days and, just 130 of the indicated 65,118 miles have been covered in the last four years.

Very much an oddball and all the better for it, the Z3M Coupé followed no model lineage and wasn't replaced when production ceased, but what a wonderful hiccup in the corporate product line this car was. Given the rarity of RHD Coupés, the desirability of the S54-engined cars and the single enthusiast ownership history of this lovely example, this modern classic may turn out to be one of your better investments.