1990 BMW Z1 - LHD

KEY FACTS

• This BMW Z1 is a rare modern classic roadster, finished in Dream Black Metallic over a vibrant Fun Yellow interior.
• Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre inline-six, producing approximately 168bhp, and driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• Previously registered overseas, it was first registered in the UK with the DVLA in March 1998. This example has been in the care of its second UK owner since 2008
• The car appeared on the front cover of BMW Car magazine in March 2021 with an extensive article inside.
• The odometer shows 61,142 km, which the seller believes is the genuine total.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The Z1’s unique exterior design features recyclable thermoplastic and GRP body panels, a flat undertray, an integrated roll bar in the windscreen surround, and electrically operated doors which retract into the sills, allowing occupants to step over them for easier ingress and egress.
• This example is finished in Dream Black with a black convertible roof, over a Fun Yellow leather interior, featuring patterned cloth seat inserts complemented by black seat backs.
• It rides on 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, with Toyo Proxes T1-R tyres.
• Equipment includes a three-spoke steering wheel, heating and ventilation, electric windows, a digital dashboard clock, and a BMW Bavaria radio head unit.
• A Nuvolari stainless-steel rear silencer has been fitted.
• Accompanying the car is the handbook, service book, the German ‘Fahrzeugbrief’ logbook, the UK V5C, a large selection of MOT test certificates, along with two ignition keys, two fuel cap keys, two wheel lock keys, and two immobiliser fobs.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: the front bumper and lower side panels were repainted in May 2011. Now, after 34 years, the original bonnet shows some stone chips, and the rear bumper has some minor circular spotting. Inside, the seat fabric was replaced in February 2012 with genuine BMW OEM material.
• The most recent MOT test took place on 14 July 2026 at 61,142 km, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories.
• The car has never had any advisory notes during the seller's 18-year ownership.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The latest service was performed in August 2022 at 59,880 km. Work included an engine oil and filter change, along with the replacement of the timing belt and tensioner.
• Prior to this, it was serviced in July 2018 and in April 2017.
• Other work performed during ownership includes front suspension wishbones and rear bump stops in June 2023, front drop links, air filter, and spark plugs in April 2020, a Yuasa battery in March 2017, and a stainless steel exhaust silencer in March 2010.

Dates and mileage:

• 07.2008 – 41,491 km
• 05.2011 – 45,204 km
• 06.2013 – 48,940 km
• 04.2017 – 53,807 km
• 07.2018 – 56,353 km
• 08.2022 – 59,880 km

SUMMARY

The BMW Z1 was the marque’s first of the Z-series roadsters, and featured unique plastic bodywork including vertically sliding drop-down doors. This example is finished in a Dream Black over Fun Yellow colour scheme, and is now offered for sale following long-term, enthusiast ownership.It would now make a notable addition to a wider assembly of BMW models as well as an enjoyable and head-turning entrant at car shows and events.

The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section.

For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.