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Curated Auction

1999 BMW Z3M Coupe

At a Glance

~4 Year Ownership | Vanos Replaced | Modest Mileage

  • Mileage~72,922
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationLincoln

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£12,500
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£12,500

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional consigner

A rare, distinctive sports car known for its bold styling, robust performance, and unique driving experience.

Officially called the M Coupe, or more colloquially the “clown shoe,” this car still divides opinion today. With its distinctive “breadvan” styling and an M3 drivetrain packed into a wheelbase shorter than a 911, there's no doubt that BMW’s skunkworks engineers, working after hours and initially without official sanction, created a legendary car that turns heads and offers driving thrills unlike anything else this side of Blackpool. Loosely based on the Z3 Roadster, the Coupe addressed all its weaknesses with a much stiffer chassis (courtesy of the tin top) and significantly more power from BMW's astonishing S50 straight-six. This engine, which also powered the E36 M3, was the first naturally aspirated production engine to produce 100 BHP per litre.

Just under 1,000 Z3 M Coupes were imported into the UK, quickly becoming legendary – love or loathe the looks, they were utterly unique at the time. Combining BMW's '90s build quality, strong engines, and muscular styling, the Z3 M Coupe is fast becoming a modern classic. Values have steadily appreciated since production ended in 2002, with prices rising in recent years.

Coming to market after ~4 years with our vendor, the 1999 example you see here has an excellent service history, including the all-important running-in service, and has had the Vanos replaced. The boot floor has also been strengthened – two key issues that any buyer must check with any Z3 M Coupe. Having covered approximately 72,922 miles, this is considered a relatively low-mileage M Coupe, with many having exceeded 100,000 miles; this lower mileage is reflected in its condition.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Alistair the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Ever since the Z3M was launched, it has always been a car I’ve wanted to own.

Alistair has been a fan of the Z3 M Coupe since its release in 1997. It took until 2020 for him to become the proud owner of one of just 1,000 produced for the UK market. He came across this well-maintained example on our very own website, where he bid and won the auction for this stunning M-powered coupe.

Unfortunately, due to a new property purchase and having very little time to use it (as the mileage history over the past four years shows), the Z3 M is now being offered to a new home. Alistair will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Alistair
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

The distinctive shape of the coupe, with its extra-wide rear end, makes the Z3M stand out from the rest.

Wheels and Tyres

The original wheels were refurbished several years ago but have covered very few miles since, resulting in four excellent wheels and tyres with good tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for closer views of the wheels.

Bodywork

The Z3 M’s bodywork presents well, with no noticeable dings or dents. Panel gaps all appear consistent with no issues to report on door/boot/bonnet opening. There is some light blistering on the lower edge of both front wings, these appear exactly the same condition as when Alistair bought the car 4 years ago, the car having been dry stored and covering ~2,000 miles since then.

In previous ownership, the boot floor/diff-mount area has been strengthened too, a typical thing for this model. We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the car’s condition for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Arktissilber Metallic" (Arctic Silver Metallic), the paintwork presents very well. There are some minor chips, expected for the car’s age, but generally, it is in excellent condition with good match in colour and finish across all panels.

Images have been taken from various angles to show the car as you would see it in person. Please take the time to assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion on the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition, with no noticeable scratches, and all seals look in good order. There is some typical de-lamination to the rear window, not encroaching on visibility as pictured.

Both headlights and rear lights are free from damage to the lenses.

Interior

A beautifully crafted, driver-focused cabin, this car has been specified in a smart and understated colour.

Seats and Carpets

The black Nappa leather seats are in excellent condition, with only minor colour wear on the bolsters. The carpets in the front and rear are in excellent condition, and there is also a set of factory-fit mats in good condition.

Please see the interior gallery for detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition with no obvious scuffs. All instruments work correctly, including the analogue ones in the centre. The odometer shows a reading of ~72,922 miles, with no warning lights displayed when the car is running.

Please see the interior gallery for high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original M-Sport leather steering wheel is in good condition, with no signs of excessive wear. The gear knob has wear, consistent with the car's age and mileage.

Please see the interior gallery for detailed images.

Mechanics

Fitted with the iconic S50 engine, the manual 3.2-litre can propel the M Coupe from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.1 seconds.

Engine and Gearbox

Turn the key, and the straight-six fires up smoothly and idles well. No issues have been reported with the car’s performance. As mentioned previously, the car has seen Vanos replacement in previous ownership. The engine bay is smart, with the exception of the rocker-cover where the paint is showing age and flaking off as pictured.

The Z3 M Coupe comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, with smooth and precise gear selection. The car pulls strongly throughout the range. Take a look at the video to see and hear the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

Fitted under previous ownership, the car now has Bilstein dampers, Spax springs, and H&R anti-roll bars, all of which enhance the ride and handling. The brakes stop the car in a straight line as expected, with no issues reported.

The Drive

Out on the road, the Z3 M Coupe has a well-balanced chassis that offers precise steering and responsive handling, making it enjoyable on twisty roads. Its distinctive hatchback design turns heads, setting it apart from other sports cars of its era, combining practicality with performance.

Electrics and Other

All switchgear is in good condition and reported to be fully operational. An upgraded Pioneer head unit is fitted; however, the original factory unit is included in the sale.

Please see the interior gallery for detailed images.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~4 year ownership, this modest mileage example of the rare Z3M Coupe has had important elements like the Vanos and boot floor attended to in the past.

Coming to market after ~4 years with Alistair, the original service book and owner’s manual are present, along with two keys. There is a substantial collection of invoices covering various parts and services carried out over the years. A lovely example that has been well-maintained, covering a few miles under Alistair’s ownership and the previous owner. With only 1,000 produced for the UK, finding a Z3 M Coupe in this condition is certainly a rare opportunity which should not be missed.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller in the listing above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail—this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed for all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time—we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can’t be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09.08.2024 MOT 72,635
14.04.2023 MOT/Service 71,384
08.12.2020 MOT 71,050
05.09.2019 Service 70,700
09.05.2019 MOT 70,137
17.08.2018 MOT 69,939
10.08.2018 Service 69,408
29.07.2017 MOT 69,308
07.10.2016 Service 69,157
13.06.2016 MOT 69,080
03.10.2015 Service 68,721
12.06.2015 MOT 68,642
27.09.2014 Service 68,047
21.05.2014 MOT 67,856
01.10.2013 Service 67,585
15.05.2013 MOT 67,226
11.05.2012 Service 65,031
09.05.2012 MOT 65,031
10.05.2011 MOT 61,922
10.05.2011 Service 61,922
31.05.2010 Service 55,949
29.04.2010 MOT 55,919
05.08.2009 Service 51,099
24.04.2009 MOT 49,589
12.05.2008 MOT 46,284
01.04.2006 Service 36,749
31.03.2006 MOT/Service 36,755 (Inaccurate Reading)
24.11.2005 MOT 32,578
23.11.2004 Service 30,007
27.11.2003 Service 21,960
12.04.2002 Oil Service 17,672
07.02.2001 Service 10,926
09.09.2000 Service 8,886
18.06.1999 Service 1,458
22.01.1999 Pre-Delivery Inspection
Key Details
  • ModelZ3M Coupe
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date15.01.1999
  • CC3,201
  • Mileage~72,922
  • ColourArktissilber Metallic
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WBSCM92070LB29298
  • Engine #60311874
  • MOTExp: 08.08.2025
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers9
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~4 years
  • Key FeatureModest mileage, nice condition
  • Auction ID2244


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £12,500
    £
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 21st Nov at 7.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  16
    £12,500 bid by martintyte20.11.24 @ 06:56:47
    £12,000 bid by mattblr19.11.24 @ 23:01:49
    £10,500 bid by martintyte15.11.24 @ 08:17:44
    £10,000 bid by FA81AN14.11.24 @ 18:06:31
    £7,500 bid by martintyte14.11.24 @ 17:59:22
    £7,250 bid by 59tkk14.11.24 @ 17:54:33
    £6,500 bid by martintyte12.11.24 @ 21:02:06
    £6,000 bid by lewisb12.11.24 @ 20:45:05
    £5,000 bid by martintyte10.11.24 @ 09:23:02
    £4,000 bid by lewisb10.11.24 @ 09:21:04
    £3,250 bid by Tyson09.11.24 @ 09:29:58
    £3,000 bid by martintyte08.11.24 @ 08:11:39
    £2,500 bid by fatbob1uk07.11.24 @ 15:39:01
    £2,000 bid by martintyte07.11.24 @ 14:50:58
    £1,500 bid by barry.pestell07.11.24 @ 13:03:05
    £1,000 bid by Bgas07.11.24 @ 11:50:20
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    2304
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    2 Comments
    scotts38
    scotts38
    2 days ago

    Hi
    Is there a reserve set ?

    These gear boxes can get issues with a worn out spring. when the gear lever is in the natural position and pushed towards 5th gear does it stay there at all?
    It should bounce back to the centre.

    Thanks

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Z3 M Coupe like this is £177 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2024.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Lincoln

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.