Youngtimer Classic: 1999 BMW Z3 – SOLD!

February 5, 2021 Update – we confirmed during the past week the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

January 27, 2021 Update – The private seller of this BMW we first featured last week just lowered their asking price by $1,000 to $5,900.

The BMW Z3 is simultaneously overlooked and thought of often by collectors and enthusiasts. How do you explain this paradox? The M Roadster, M Coupe, and the non-Motorsports coupe – affectionately known as the “Clownshoe” – are high on the lists of both types of owners. The standard Z3 convertible, like this very clean example listed originally listed in January 2021 on Craigslist in Richmond, Virginia, is typically forgotten when in the company of its more powerful and/or lower production siblings. This six-cylinder example comes with the desirable hardtop and less desirable automatic transmission and has a revised asking price of $5,900, which is down from the original ask of $6,900. Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has priced the car fairly, as a “Good” example is valued at $10,100 and a “Fair” condition model at $5,600.

Now, some notes on those prices offered by Hagerty: it recommends a 15 percent deduction for the automatic transmission, and places a value of $2,000 on the optional, OEM hardtop. Why the standard Z3 remains so unloved by most enthusiasts is a bit of a head-scratcher, especially in six-cylinder guise. Of course, manual transmission-equipped Z3s with the bigger engine will always find a happy home, but the fact that so many end up in tired condition and on display at shady corner used car lots is a shame considering how competent the package is. Plus, the Z3 shares many of its major components with the E36 chassis 3-Series, which is cheap as chips to buy parts for. The four-cylinder Z3 may not be worth even the very reasonable maintenance costs of BMW’s emerging classic convertible, but the six cylinders are torquey, balanced, and fun.

The car offered up for sale here appears to be in extremely clean condition and looks sharp with the factory hardtop installed. It comes with a healthy options list beyond the automatic and the hardtop, including extended wood trim, leather seating surfaces, and a power top, all part of the factory Premium package. It also has some optional chrome accents around the cabin and heated front seats. A performance variant, it’s definitely not – there’s not even a factory Sport package to get excited about – but for an easy-t0-live-with fair weather driver? It’s a great option, and the hardtop means you’ll be able to enjoy this Z3 even when the weather turns chilly (along with those heated seats.) The Z3 is for sale, sadly, due to the seller’s wife not being able to comfortably drive the compact convertible any longer. Good luck with the purchase if you decided to take this cherry Z3 home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Super Clean Garage Kept.
Bright Red
Black leather Black trim
Factory Accessories:
Automatic Transmission
Chrome Interior Accents
Black Soft Top
Premium Package with Leather Upolstrey, Power Soft Top and Wood Trim.
Heated Front Seats
Foglights
Hardtop
I bought this car for my wife for driving on special days, unfortunately surgery has limited her mobility. I have plenty of other cars and it is ready for someone else to enjoy. The hardtops are on eBay from $2800 to $1600 plus freight and installation kits. I will not separate the top from this car unless you are ready to pay at least $2000. Top is included at the selling price of $6900.
Car has excellent tires and everything functions as it should. Power Windows, Cruise, Power/Heated Mirrors.
Never any check engine lights.
Original Window Sticker and Manuals
You are more than welcome to check it out.“

Do you have a BMW Z3 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!