1999 BMW Z3

A wonderfully distinctive and rare example of BMW’s compact two-seat roadster, combining classic proportions, a characterful straight-six engine, and an unusually vibrant colour scheme and interior.

Paint

The bright turquoise-green paintwork is undoubtedly one of this BMW’s most memorable features.

It retains a good overall gloss and highlights the curves of the bonnet, doors, and rear wheel arches particularly effectively. The colour also works well with the black roof, dark cabin, and silver alloy wheels. It's a rare and lovely combination.

There are a couple of stone chips around the front of the car, consistent with normal road use. Other small age-related marks may be visible upon close inspection, but the paint remains presentable overall and creates a strong first impression.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

The Z3’s bodywork presents well, with its long bonnet, pronounced wheel arches, and short rear deck giving the model its recognisable profile.

The panels appear straight overall, with consistent-looking shut lines around the bonnet, doors, and boot. We did not notice any substantial dents or obvious areas of bodywork damage during our visit.

The doors, bonnet, and boot operated as expected, while the black fabric hood folded correctly.

The prominent side vents, compact windscreen, and twin exhaust outlets complete the Z3’s distinctive appearance.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The predominantly black dashboard retains the straightforward, driver-focused layout associated with BMWs of this period.

Large, clearly marked instruments sit directly ahead of the driver, while the audio system, ventilation controls, and ancillary switches are arranged neatly across the centre console.

The dashboard and surrounding trim present well, with no significant damage noticed during our visit. The switchgear retains a pleasingly substantial action, and the cabin feels well assembled.

The drive

The Z3 combines traditional roadster proportions with the reassuring mechanical feel associated with BMWs of the period.

The straight-six engine provides smooth and flexible performance, accompanied by a characterful exhaust note. It ran without unwanted noises during our visit and felt well suited to the car’s compact size.

The five-speed manual gearbox adds considerably to the driving experience. Its ratios selected cleanly, while the clutch felt progressive and straightforward to use.

Louise describes the steering as sturdy and communicative, giving her confidence in how the car is behaving. During our drive, it felt positive and provided a good connection with the road.

The suspension remained composed and free from concerning noises, while the brakes performed reassuringly.

With the roof lowered, the low seating position, long bonnet and responsive controls create the sense of occasion expected from a two-seat roadster. It is equally capable of relaxed weekend drives or more involving journeys on quieter roads.

Glass and trim

The exterior glass and surrounding trim present well overall.

The windscreen, side windows, and rear light lenses appear clear and free from obvious damage. The BMW badging, kidney grilles, side vents, and other exterior trim also appear complete.

The passenger-side front headlamp is slightly misted. This is visible upon closer inspection and may benefit from cleaning, refurbishment, or attention to its sealing.

The black fabric convertible roof operates correctly and fits neatly around the cabin when raised. On inspection we noticed that it has only a couple of small marks.

When lowered, the hood sits behind the seats, leaving the Z3’s twin roll hoops visible and giving the car the clean, open appearance for which it was famous.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

Wheels and tyres

The BMW is fitted with a set of silver five-spoke alloy wheels.

Their simple design suits the shape and period of the car particularly well, providing an attractive contrast against the vivid body colour. The wheels present well overall, with only light signs of age and use visible upon closer inspection.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Seats and carpets

The sports seats are trimmed in black, with unusual patterned-leather centre sections and bright green piping that ties the interior to the exterior colour.

Both seats retain their shape and provide good support. The upholstery presents well overall, although there is a noticeable scuff on the outer section of the driver’s seat bolster.

Elsewhere, the seats show only ordinary creasing and signs of use consistent with the age and indicated mileage of the car.

The black carpets and lower cabin trim also appear presentable. Twin roll hoops are fitted behind the seats, adding a suitably purposeful appearance to the open cabin.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Engine and gearbox

The BMW is powered by a longitudinally mounted straight-six petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.

The engine ran well during our visit and produced no unwanted mechanical noises. It settled into a smooth idle and responded cleanly when the accelerator was applied.

The engine bay presents honestly, displaying some light age-related patina but no immediately apparent concerns. The principal components and surrounding panels appear complete and appropriately maintained.

Louise reports that the car has continued to perform reliably during her ownership, requiring only routine servicing rather than major engine work.

The five-speed manual gearbox operated correctly and selected each ratio without difficulty. The clutch also felt good, engaging progressively without any reported slipping, juddering, or unwanted noises.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the engine running and to see the Z3 being driven.

Electrics and other

The convertible roof operated correctly during our visit, folding neatly behind the seats. The fabric has a couple of small marks but remains presentable overall.

The windows, exterior lighting and principal cabin equipment appeared complete. The passenger-side headlamp is slightly misted and may benefit from attention.

We didn't test the radio, and we note it needs a new aerial, but is believed to be functioning otherwise.

No other specific electrical concerns were reported by Louise.

The exhaust has a small dent, although the engine and exhaust system sounded good during our time with the car.

History and paperwork

During that time, the Z3 has been maintained through routine servicing and MOT preparation. Louise reports that no major mechanical work has been required under her ownership, and that the car continues to drive very well.

Louise is selling because the BMW is no longer receiving the use it deserves and ideally needs to be kept in a garage. This represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a colourful, characterful, and engaging manual Z3 out of long term ownership.

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 own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-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 on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with 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 a valid photo ID before confirming.

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

Suspension and brakes

The suspension performed well during our drive, feeling well under control and not producing unwanted knocks or rattles.

Its relatively compact dimensions and low seating position contribute to an engaging driving experience, while the suspension remains compliant enough for more relaxed journeys.

The steering felt substantial and direct. Louise particularly enjoys the reassuring feedback it provides, describing it as one of the qualities that makes the car such a joy to drive.

The brakes also performed well, bringing the Z3 to a stop without any obvious pulling, vibration, or unwanted noises.

Overall, the steering, suspension, and braking systems behaved as expected during our time with the car.

Steering wheel gear stick

An M-badged three-spoke steering wheel is fitted and suits the sporting character of the Z3.

There is some age-related wear around the steering-wheel rim, but it remains presentable and comfortable to hold.

The five-speed manual gear lever is positioned close to the driver and falls naturally to hand. Its covering displays some ordinary wear, consistent with the steering wheel and general use of the car.