Description
BMW Z3 Cabriolet | 1998
Highlights:
– 2.8L inline-six engine with automatic gearbox
– Factory wide-body version with original 17-inch alloy wheels
– Electric soft top, air conditioning, and heated seats
– M-Sport package with sport suspension and leather steering wheel
– Recently serviced
The seller offers for sale a 1998 BMW Z3 2.8, a classic roadster known for its engaging driving experience and timeless design. This example is powered by a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering power to the rear wheels through an automatic gearbox. Originally delivered in Berlin in April 1998, the car was later registered in Spain, where it remained until its return to Germany in 2024.
This Z3 is a factory wide-body version, distinguished by its flared rear wheel arches and wider stance. It retains its original 17-inch “Rundspeiche” alloy wheels, contributing to both aesthetics and handling. The car comes equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), ensuring improved traction and stability in spirited driving conditions.
The interior features black leather seats in good condition, complemented by a full suite of comfort features, including air conditioning, a BMW Business CD radio, electric seat adjustment, and an electrically operated soft top. The windshield was replaced in 2023 due to a stone chip.
The exterior presents well, though minor cosmetic imperfections are noted. The plastic bumpers have been repainted due to sun exposure, and the clear coat on the side mirrors requires attention.
The BMW Z3 was introduced in 1995 as BMW’s first mass-produced roadster since the 1950s. Built in BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, the Z3 was designed to compete with lightweight sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 while offering BMW’s signature driving dynamics and inline-six engines. The 2.8L variant, introduced in 1997, provided a significant performance boost over the earlier four-cylinder models, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Unlike many convertibles of its time, the Z3 was designed with a reinforced chassis to maintain structural rigidity. This particular example features the M-Sport package, which includes a sportier suspension setup and a three-spoke leather steering wheel. The factory wide-body design was exclusive to six-cylinder models, giving the car a more aggressive stance compared to its four-cylinder counterparts.
Throughout its production, the Z3 gained popularity thanks to its appearance in the James Bond film *GoldenEye* (1995), which helped cement its status as an iconic roadster. Over time, well-maintained examples have become increasingly desirable, particularly in larger engine configurations like this 2.8L model.
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 Rhine Westfalia, Germany.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a German 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.
