2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Coupe

5 Bids
7:30 PM, 03 Aug 2023Vehicle sold
Sold for

€23,000

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
consigner image

Pierre's review

Pierre Tirone - Consignment Specialist Message Pierre

“ Lovely Condition - Rare Sunroof ”

A rare car that might divide opinion but is beloved by those who are partial to the marmite styling. This example started life as a special order in Japan and through Germany and now Sweden has only had 3 owners and relatively low miles. Believed to be only 1 of 1 in this specification it surely is a tempting prospect. We’re sure this car will find a great new home here at Bonhams Cars Online.

Background

Late in the 20th century, BMW was on a roll, as one journalist put it ‘a swashbuckling, manly company’ believing everything was better with 50:50 weight distribution, rear wheel drive and powered by six cylinders in a row or 8 in a V.

This is when BMW’s director of ‘Special Model Series’ Berkhard Goeschel decided that the Z3’s obvious structural weaknesses (due to its lack of roof) could be overcome by simply adding one on. The BMW board members scared that profits would not match development costs refused but being the hairy chested, stubborn figure that personified the brand at the time, Goeschel wouldn’t hear of it and twisted the boards arm. He promised the coupe would share as much as possible with the Z3 and the green light was lit.

Ultimately and rather unfortunately, the board was proved right as sales of the coupe were overshadowed by the convertible. BMW did however try to mitigate this by offering a non-M version, of which this car is a fine example of.

Either way, the Z3 coupe sold in limited numbers which sounds bad but ultimately became its secret weapon as owners realised that it was a rare, special edition BMW. This example has the 3.0L M54 engine which was one step down from the fire breathing M coupe. It’s no slouch though with 228 bhp in a car that weighs about as much as its affectionate nickname of ‘turnschuh’ might suggest.

  • WBACK71080LL95152
  • 78000 km
  • 2979
  • auto
  • Cosmos Black
  • Beige Leather
  • Left-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Djursholm, Sweden

Background

Late in the 20th century, BMW was on a roll, as one journalist put it ‘a swashbuckling, manly company’ believing everything was better with 50:50 weight distribution, rear wheel drive and powered by six cylinders in a row or 8 in a V.

This is when BMW’s director of ‘Special Model Series’ Berkhard Goeschel decided that the Z3’s obvious structural weaknesses (due to its lack of roof) could be overcome by simply adding one on. The BMW board members scared that profits would not match development costs refused but being the hairy chested, stubborn figure that personified the brand at the time, Goeschel wouldn’t hear of it and twisted the boards arm. He promised the coupe would share as much as possible with the Z3 and the green light was lit.

Ultimately and rather unfortunately, the board was proved right as sales of the coupe were overshadowed by the convertible. BMW did however try to mitigate this by offering a non-M version, of which this car is a fine example of.

Either way, the Z3 coupe sold in limited numbers which sounds bad but ultimately became its secret weapon as owners realised that it was a rare, special edition BMW. This example has the 3.0L M54 engine which was one step down from the fire breathing M coupe. It’s no slouch though with 228 bhp in a car that weighs about as much as its affectionate nickname of ‘turnschuh’ might suggest.

Overview

This Z3 Coupe is thought to be a rare specimen with only one being produced with this combination of colour, gearbox and with a sunroof. The BMW originated as a special order for a client in Japan which was then later exported to Germany and then on to Sweden. That means it is a three-owner car and it remains in fantastic condition throughout.

It has only done 78,000 km since new so is relatively low mileage for a 22-year-old car and it shows in its condition with the interior and exterior presenting in fantastic condition.

Exterior

That instantly recognisable side profile is synonymous with this car, being the source of its nicknames such as ‘turnschuh’ in its motherland. The paint work on this example looks to be in great condition with a deep, relatively swirl free shine perfectly matched to the anthracite colour BBS style wheels.

Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres look to be in good condition with plenty of tread left and the wheels themselves look to have little to no damage in the form of lacquer peel or curbing. All lenses, glass and trim also appears to be in fine fettle with no hazing, pitting or reports of chips or cracks.

Interior

Match the Cosmos schwarz metallic exterior paint with Sand beige interior upholstery and it is all very typically BMW. The Sand beige interior trim looks to be in excellent condition with no signs of rips, tears, or excessive wear around the high traffic touch points.

Whilst the Z3 did not have a huge cabin, the coupe offered much more space for luggage in the rear. The rear area of this coupe looks to be in good condition with little wear on the carpets and it even has a nice load cover which again looks to be in good order.

The cabin looks to be smartly equipped with heated seats, an Alpine head unit and climate control in front of the 5-speed automatic gear-lever. A nicely finished cabin which looks to be a step above the standard Z3 convertible.

Mechanical

The Z3 coupes only came with 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2 litre engines using the M52, M54 or S54 unit respectively. This example has the 3.0 M54B30 inline six which was only available from 2000 – 2002, and which put out 228bhp and 300 NM of torque.

This example is reported to have had regular routine services at specified intervals and remains, reportedly in great mechanical condition.

Looking under the bonnet shows no signs of excessive fluid leaks, no signs split hoses or exposed wires from what we can see and no signs of corrosion on the strut towers or obvious signs of damage at all. The photo gallery does a great job of showcasing the mechanicals as best as we can see them, so we’d encourage a detailed look through over a cuppa.

History

The car comes with its original Japanese owner’s manual, detailing its specification and having its initial servicing information. It also comes with other miscellaneous invoices for parts, work and servicing.

Summary

A rare car that might divide opinion but is beloved by those who are partial to the marmite styling. This example started life as a special order in Japan and through Germany and now Sweden has only had 3 owners and relatively low miles. Believed to be only 1 of 1 in this specification it surely is a tempting prospect. We’re sure this car will find a great new home here at Bonhams|Cars Online.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Djursholm, Swedan. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: Callis


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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