Description
BMW Z3 1.8 Cabriolet | 1996
Highlights:
- Only 82,000 km with documentation
- Original factory paint (except front bumper)
- Manual transmission and rear-wheel drive
- Original soft top and rear window in strong condition
- Dutch registration with maintenance history and original brochure
The seller offers for sale this 1996 BMW Z3 1.8, a classic two-seater cabriolet with just under 82,000 km on the clock. The mileage is documented through stamped service books and receipts, all of which are included with the car, as is the original sales brochure. The car is powered by BMW’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, coupled to a manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels.
This particular Z3 remains close to factory specification and has no aftermarket performance modifications. The car retains its original soft-top roof in black linnen, and even the rear plastic window is still the factory unit. The alloy wheels are in good condition, and the car comes with two radios – an Alpine unit currently fitted for convenience and the original BMW head unit. It features heated leather seats, power windows, and functioning heater controls. The car also has a remote central locking system with integrated alarm.
The car’s exterior presents with its original factory paintwork throughout, with the exception of the front bumper, which was resprayed due to stone chipping. The paint retains a consistent shine, and there are no significant scratches or dents. All panels appear straight, and panel gaps are even. The soft-top shows no sagging or damage and the rear window is still in clear, original condition. The interior is finished in black leather and shows minimal wear. The driver’s seat bolster has only light signs of use, and all functions including heated seats and fan controls operate as intended.
The BMW Z3 debuted in 1995 as the Bavarian brand’s first mass-produced roadster since the 1950s. It gained instant fame as James Bond’s car in GoldenEye, and though the model used in the film featured more powerful engines, the entry-level Z3 1.8 retained the same sleek styling and lightweight chassis. Built on a shortened version of the E36 3 Series platform, the Z3 combined classic roadster proportions—long hood, short tail—with rear-wheel drive and a straightforward mechanical setup.
The 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine offered modest performance, making this version less suited for outright speed and more for relaxed open-top motoring. However, it made the Z3 more accessible and appealing as a stylish cruiser. Unlike some more powerful variants, this model avoided the weight penalties of the inline-six engines, contributing to a light steering feel and nimble handling at lower speeds.
Interior space is limited, as expected of a roadster, but the Z3 offered enough legroom for most drivers and a relatively practical boot. Build quality was above average for the segment, with materials and switchgear borrowed from the E36 3 Series. Early Z3s like this one were assembled at BMW’s then-new plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina—a first for the brand outside Germany.
While later Z3s received wider rear tracks and more aggressive styling cues, the pre-facelift 1.8 retains the cleaner lines of the original design. This makes it attractive to collectors who favour the understated look and appreciate the purity of early production models. The simplicity of the drivetrain, combined with BMW’s chassis tuning and dependable mechanicals, has helped these early Z3s age well. The model has earned a place as a modern classic and is increasingly sought after in original, low-mileage condition.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to 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 cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see 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. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure 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.
