1999 | BMW Z3 M Coupé

Highlights:

• Estoril Blue
• Good History
• Low Mileage

Brand & Model History:

When the BMW Z3 M Coupé was first unveiled at the IAA in 1997, it immediately drew attention – not all of it positive. A closed coupé based on the Z3 Roadster from the M division? This decision surprised many, as the design was far from conventional. With its long hood, compact rear, and muscular, wide wheel arches, it challenged the classic proportions of a sports car. But what the coupé hid under the hood was a clear statement: BMW M’s most powerful inline-six engine at the time, entirely in line with motorsport DNA. Early press drives quickly revealed what this car was really about: it delivered pure driving pleasure, putting any doubts about its unusual design into the background.

History & Condition:

In August 1998, the Z3 Roadster was expanded to include a shooting brake coupé, first introduced at the 1997 IAA. These closed vehicles were equipped with well-known six-cylinder engines. They were marketed as the Z3 Coupé 2.8 (later Z3 Coupé 3.0) and M Coupé. The coupé’s design was controversial, earning it the nickname "sneaker." Today, these coupés are hard to find, even more so in the M version, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Enjoy this video of the M Coupé with low mileage. This M Coupé was originally delivered to Japan in 1999, where it was well-maintained, as is well-known for cars from there.

All services were completed. When the M Coupé returned to Germany in 2008, it was placed in a collection. The current seller, its third owner, also kept it in his collection and drove it occasionally to avoid typical storage damage.

All service work has been done. For aesthetic reasons, the car has been subtly lowered. However, the original suspension is fully intact, in good condition, and is included in the sale. The sale also includes a set of original BMW winter wheels, although they have not been used. Even if the car was ever driven in winter, there are no signs of winter damage. The interior reflects the low mileage of 34,500 km. Nothing is worn or broken, and it remains in excellent original condition.

Unfortunately, the original BMW radio did not accompany the car back to Germany, so the owner installed a modern radio to allow mobile communication. The radio was installed non-destructively, so the original radio can be reinstalled at any time. The paintwork is stunning and suggests that this M Coupé was mostly hand-washed. The paint thickness measures between 85 and 135, so we believe it still has its original factory paint. The cold start of the engine is flawless, and the 321-horsepower M3.2 S50 B32 engine purrs powerfully, ready to leap into action. Overall, this M Coupé is an exceptional sports car.

Additional Equipment:

The previous owner had an Eisenmann exhaust system installed. Additionally, the current owner added and improved the following features, worth approximately 11,000 EUR:

• PIONEER Moniceiver 7-inch 1-DIN Radio, retractable screen. DAB radio, USB, Apple Play/Android.
• Musway D8v3 8-channel DSP-AMP amplifier, installed in the rear
• 28mm tweeters with crossover, installed in the driver’s door
• Passive subwoofer, also installed in the rear
• GPS Tracker CS2000 from Tracksolid: vibration alarm, battery monitoring, etc., 4G LTE network
• PANDORA Light+ OLED pager alarm system: monitors hood, doors, and tailgate. Shock sensor and status LED. Acoustic and visual notification in case of full alarm.
• Immobilizer: starter interruption 1-way analog, hidden via relay.
• Coilover suspension (as mentioned)
• Front brake pads
• New headlights with chrome ring and X-Treme Vision Pro bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and new sidelights
• Engine cleaning (2022)
• Ceramic paint protection in 2022

Market Position & Pricing:

The Z3 M Coupé provided an alternative to established sports cars like the Porsche 911 or Audi TT, targeting a niche of buyers who valued unique driving characteristics and the exclusivity of a limited-production model. With its powerful inline-six engine and sporty tuning, the coupé secured a top spot in the compact sports car segment.

At launch, the Z3 M Coupé was significantly more expensive than the regular Z3 Roadster. In Germany, the starting price was around 90,000 Deutsche Mark (about 45,000 euros). Today, the Z3 M Coupé is a sought-after classic, with its rarity and uniqueness contributing to its rising value. Depending on condition and mileage, well-preserved examples can fetch prices ranging from 50,000 to over 100,000 euros, with particularly rare or flawless vehicles commanding even higher prices.

Summary:

The BMW Z3 M Coupé, unveiled at the IAA in 1997, polarized opinions with its distinctive design and closed coupé form based on the Z3 Roadster. Under the hood, it housed the most powerful inline-six engine in the M lineup, delivering pure driving pleasure. In 1998, the shooting brake coupé was released to the market, later becoming a sought-after classic, especially in the M version, which is now hard to find. This special M Coupé with low mileage and impeccable condition returned to Germany in 2008 and has been meticulously cared for and occasionally driven since. Over time, the Z3 M Coupé has evolved from a car that initially cost around 90,000 Deutsche Mark into a coveted collector's item, now valued at up to 100,000 euros or more.