BMW Z3M Roadster
ENGINE 3201cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 316bhp@7400rpm TORQUE 258lb ft@3250rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 155mph 0-60MPH 5.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT Dec 2019 ODOMETER 48,750 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Z3M’s straight-six fires up eagerly and idles well without any strange noises, as you’d expect from a sub-50,000mile BMW. Once you get over the Z3’s odd pedal placement (everything seems to be over to the right), you’ll find the brakes are very strong and pull the car to a stop on-track. The clutch also operates without drama, with acceptable weighting, while the crisp and slick gearshift gives no cause for concern. The engine pulls well on the move and shows no irregularities. There are no noticeable untoward noises from the suspension or power steering when manoeuvring the car at parking speeds.
BODYWORK CHECK
The paintwork is largely good, but there are multiple small blemishes. Both bumpers for example, have small scuffs. A light scratch runs from the bonnet down to one of the side vents and there are a few stonechips, too. One of the car’s owners clearly wore rings because both fuel-filler cap and the section of the door under the door handles are very scratched. The bootlid BMW badge is significantly corroded and the colouring on many of the ‘M’ badges has faded; replacing these would improve the car’s looks considerably. The hood material and frame appear to be in good condition, but it was stuck in the down position when we assessed the car. The vendor says that this will be sorted before sale.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR
This interior speaks of a car that has been treated respectfully but properly used. Most of the leather is in terrific condition but both seats’ bolsters are suffering from wrinkling and the upper one on the driver’s seat has lost some of its colour. Otherwise the interior is very good, though the previous owner’s habit of wearing rings rears its head again – the gearstick is very worn, with the leather, chrome bezel and inset gear pattern diagram all damaged. The fitted aftermarket hands-free telephone system appears to be removable if you prefer your BMWs to look original.
UNDER THE BONNET
There’s nothing visibly untoward here, with no obvious oil leaks, but it needs a thorough clean to get it to show standard. The Z3M is still on its original service book, which is fully stamped with main BMW dealer visits. The car doesn’t throw up any warning lights and the engine doesn’t miss a beat.
THE CCW VIEW
This well-maintained driver’s car is just coming out of the mainstream part of its life, where owners might not be as worried about stone chips and scratches as with a collectible classic. The perfect mechanicals and low mileage make this a good choice. Buy it, sort out the cosmetics and watch the value climb.