For sale by one of our customers is an exceptional and highly collectible example of the iconic 1999 BMW Z3M Roadster presented in rare and striking Imola Red with matching deep red leather interior. Overall a superb combination.
This particular UK-market car has a unique pedigree, having been originally registered by BMW GB as a factory demonstrator. As a result it was heavily loaded with options straight from the factory, including heated sports seats, a premium sound system, and air conditioning, luxury features that perfectly complement the raw, analogue driving experience of this modern classic.
With just 80,000 miles from new, this Z3M has been carefully and responsibly maintained. Power comes from the legendary S50 3.2-litre engine (shared with the E36 M3) delivering its signature linear power through a crisp 5-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential.
The Imola Red paintwork retains a deep, glassy shine, and the wider, muscular M rear arches give this roadster an unmistakably aggressive presence on the road. The interior is in excellent condition, showing minimal wear to the bolster areas, and all options function exactly as they should.
Supplied with a comprehensive service history record, a long MOT to 14 September 2027, and a clear history, this ex-demonstrator represents a rare opportunity for a collector or an enthusiast looking for a standout Z3M with a factory-optioned specification.
History.
Imola Red (BMW Paint Code 405) is one of the most celebrated shades tied to the M Division’s heritage so it is no surprise that, as an early-production car, it wears this colour. It also suits the car particularly well.
While many BMW fleet cars of the era used the Berkshire-centric “O” suffix registrations, a distinct batch of high-performance launch models received the “GAN” sequencing.
And these were the ones lent in the late ’90s to the iconic car magazines of the era with huge readerships . . . Evo, Top Gear, Max Power and . . CAR magazine.
This car comes with a massive file of contemporary press articles reviewing, and more often than not, championing the Z3M.
This particular car has been the star in a couple of great feature articles, a very atmospheric review in the snow at the Spa circuit and a much sunnier feature ‘it’s a wrap’ is from CAR magazine in August 1999 details, with amazing photography, a road trip in this car to the Cannes Film Festival ‘ . . . the BMW Coupe. Not just any old M Coupe, in fact, but CAR’s long-term test car on a final fling.’
Press cars were traditionally kept in pristine mechanical shape by factory technicians between media loans, and surviving examples are unique pieces of UK motoring history.
After its time in the limelight the car was slipped back into the wild though premier BMW dealership Dick Lovett in Wiltshire, where it started a journey with a small number of owners that clearly understood its significance and treated it accordingly.These owners have left useful documentation showing how enthusiastic their ownership was.
Service History
First registered 16/10/98
16/10/98 BMW GB 00007 miles
22/10/98 BMW GB 1099 miles
21/01/99 Cooper in the City 8011 miles (verified in CAR magazine article!)
06/07/99 BMW GB 16779 miles
12/03/01 Dick Lovett Specialist Cars Swindon 24154 miles
11/02/02 Dick Lovett Specialist Cars Swindon 31295 miles Inspection II
04/04/03 Dick Lovett Specialist Cars Swindon 38935 miles
11/08/04 Dick Lovett Specialist Cars Swindon 46038 miles Inspection II
28/12/06 PC Autocar independent specialist Swindon 50286 miles
19/05/07 PC Autocar independent specialist Swindon 60525 miles
10/08/09 Croft Vehicle Repairs and Servicing Oxfordshire 67681 miles
30/04/14 ETA Motorsport Kent 70786 miles Inspection II
13/05/15 ETA Motorsport Kent 73912 miles
01/08/16 ETA Motorsport Kent 76011 miles
26/05/22 MCR Autorepair Andover 79195 miles
Of note that is whilst with the previous owner (2014-2018) and whilst servicing was by ETA, work carried out included:
H&R ARB kit
New rear sound insulation
Throttle cable
Braided clutch hose
Stabiliser links
Spare key
Jacking point rubbers
Rear hatch chrome handle and seal
Front discs. pads and sensor (2014 approx 70K miles)
Rear discs and pads (Aug 2017)
Vanos seals
A list of very useful work carried out well within the last 10000 miles.
Overall the main dealer stamps up until 2004. and a combination of the MOT records and garage paperwork since reflect a lifetime of good management.
Options.
As a car specified by the factory and marketing department this car has everything that BMW thought it needed: Included are tilting electric sunroof, tinted windscreen, headlamp wash/wipe, side airbags, uprated autochanger CD and Harmon Kardon audio system, air conditioning, chrome instrument bezels and illuminated gear knob!
Condition
As with any car of this age, potential issues are well documented, which makes it easy to rule out any that are particular to the Z3M.
First off are issues around the Vanos system and valve operation, with incorrect operation indicated by rough running and ticking sounds from the valve cover at low rpm respectively – features that are absent from this car confirming good servicing in the past. A scan of the Vanos electronics confirms that all is well.
The gear lever is taut, and gear selection is as accurate as intended. The braided clutch hose fitted is the upgraded item and will make sure that clutch operation remains as it should.
Wheels are the correct M Roadster items, 7.5×17″ at the front and 9×17″ for the driven wheels. Refurbishment only a few miles ago leaves them in excellent condition. Tyres are Goodyear Eagles, 2016 at the front and 2015/17 at the rear and all have around 8mm tread.
Brake operation is optimum, again with new discs and pads not that many miles ago. The handbrake adjustment is perfect.
Suspension is taut and without any untoward noises from top mounts or other components such as front dampers, rear axle beam and wishbone bushes.
The notorious boot floor cracking issues that afflicted the roadsters was anyway less of an issue with these much more rigid coupes, and there is no evidence of any problems here.
The big clamshell bonnet alignment remains good, with no paint rubbing. The rear screen is clear, the rear wiper operates as it should, third brake light is great and cabin windows operate perfectly, as does the central locking.
The desirable sunroof option is present and correct with its fully functional electric tilt mechanism.
The seats are firm on their mountings, the original steering wheel remains, and the gear shift lever still illuminates!
The interior is in amazing condition, with the seats of particular note.
The paintwork remains in very good condition with deep, even lustre. Colours is really consistent across the panels, with the only issues being with the wing mirrors and a small area on the front spoiler.
Overall this is a rare car in a great specification, and having done few miles in recent year whilst in dehumidified storage stands out well against more well-used examples.
Notes from Classic Car Story:
This car is offered for sale by one of our storage customers and will be a private purchase between them and the purchaser. Classic Car Story have agreed to prepare the car for sale and handle some elements of the process such as answering queries and making the car available for viewing.
We have worked with the vendor to ensure that the vehicle is accurately represented and roadworthy. We recommend, welcome and encourage viewings. We have access to garage facilities for purchasers to inspect the car on a ramp, and can arrange for professional reports on condition if required.
We can offer preferential rates for storage should the new owner not wish to take the car home immediately.