1999 BMW Z3

Documents: Luxembourg Certificat d'immatriculation

Chassis No. WBSCM91070LB56664

BMW built the M Coupé as a compact, sporting alternative to its own M Roadster, introduced in 1998 on the Z3 platform. It wrapped the same M3-derived running gear in a small, quick, fixed-roof body that added a practical, usable cargo hold to the formula. Built in far fewer numbers than the drivetrain-sharing E36 M3 Coupé, it remains one of the scarcer cars in BMW's M lineage of the period. It was powered by the S50B32 3.2-liter inline six, producing 321 PS at an impressive 7,400 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm, sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and a 25 percent limited-slip differential as standard equipment.

Completed at BMW's factory on 18 March 1999 and first registered that April, this example, finished in Imola Red II over Imola Red full Nappa leather, was retained by BMW itself following delivery rather than passing directly to a private buyer. Its pre-delivery inspection was carried out by BMW AG in May 1999, and its first service, at 600 kilometers, was completed by BMW Niederlassung München. The car remained under BMW's care until November 2000, when it entered private ownership for the first time. Its option list records a well-equipped specification including the electric glass sunroof, air conditioning, cruise control, an alarm system with remote, front and side airbags, heated sport seats, the M multifunction sports steering wheel, white front indicator lenses, and a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system paired with the BMW Business RDS radio. Its stamped service book traces the car through Germany for most of its life, going to Luxembourg with its current owner. Offered today in stellar condition with under 30,000 kilometers recorded, this M Coupé pairs its rare monochromatic color scheme with an early history with BMW itself. It is a striking example of one of the more focused sporting coupés BMW's M division has built.