Vehicle Description
1998 BMW Z3 Roadster
The Z3 Roadster was BMW's response to the success of the Mazda
Miata and development started in the early 90's. They were
introduced for the 1996 model year and built in South Carolina,
making them the first BMW to be built wholly outside of Germany.
Over the years, nine different powertrains were available depending
on year, distribution and option, and M-series versions of both the
roadster and coupe represented the high performance models.
For consignment, a 1998 Z3 with a title verified 104,060 actual
miles. Owned for 20 years by our consignor and garage kept. Based
on the venerable E36 platform, the long hooded Z3's can pack a
powerful punch to fuel spirited rides without losing sensibility
and everyday practicality. If you're looking for the perfect
weekend toy or exciting daily driver, look no further than this
Z.
Exterior
BMW calls the white Alpinweiss, a reference to the Alps, and it's
in great shape on this car. The tip of the nose features the
familiar kidney grille, a low chin spoiler, and wide set fog
lights. The headlight covers which tend to haze up are crystal
clear on this car. Moving to the front fenders, we note the side
vents which are a direct link to the legendary BMW 507 roadster of
the 1950's, while the long door of the Z3 has a fixed quarter
window and side mirrors that are set back where it meets the main
window. The windshield is raked, and the tail is notably shorter
than the nose, a nod to British sports car design of yore. This car
has a wide body style with fenders that flare from the sides and a
thirdbrake light is integrated into the trunk lid. The tan canvas
top is in good condition, and the plastic window is in great
condition. Imperfections include chin scrapes, a touched up
scratch, scuffs on the bumper cover, and some curb rash on the
wheels. The seals around the door handles are dry and cracked, a
common Z3 shortcoming for which there are aftermarket fixes.
Interior
Blending nicely with the white exterior, a beige interior awaits
with simple, molded plastic door panels with leather inserts and
storage bins representing some of the only storage inside the
sports car. The front bucket seats, also in tan textured leather,
are in good shape although the driver's seat shows some typical
wear at the ingress point. The seatbelt guides are prone to
breakage and the passenger side follows suit while the driver's
side is intact. A black rubberized steering wheel remains in good
shape in faux wrapped texturing and frames the dash with four basic
gauges and idiot lights along the bottom edge that light up when
the key is turned on but darken when driving unless there is a
problem requiring attention. The center stack is backed by
simulated wood panels and contains the AC panel under an
AM/FM/Cassette radio, with various toggle switches below. The
shifter handle picks up on the wood theme and is wrapped in a black
leather boot, flanked by window switches for left and right. A
small storage bin for toll change sits just before a small armrest.
Tan carpet is in nice shape protected with fitted mats while the
trunk is finished with gray flannel like panels and mats and is
surprisingly roomy.
Drivetrain
This car is equipped with the 2.8 liter DOHC 6 cylinder that is
fuel injected and is tied to a 5-speed manual transmission with
power being sent to the rear axle with 3.15 gears and Torsen
limited slip. It's all good for 189 horsepower which is respectable
on a car this size. The engine bay is familiar if you're an E36
owner and is a tidy compartment with easy access to maintenance
items, here showing some use but overall clean. Power disc brakes
are employed front and rear.
Undercarriage
Signs of usage and age include some patina, road soot, and surface
rust but all kept to a minimum. Single exhaust travels through an
original muffler which sends two short tailpipes to chrome tips out
the left rear. Independent suspension with coil springs occupies
both ends.
Drive-Ability
A true roadster! Two seats and rear wheel drive. The car cranks
right up and first gear provides good torque and quick revs and
second gear comes up quickly. The car has excellent acceleration
and in turns, the car is balanced and level and scoots forward on
the straight away. This is fun, but we have to get back to the
garage. All of the bells and whistles work which is only indicative
of a Z3 that has been well maintained. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
We have many fine roadsters at Classic Auto Mall, and now you can
throw Z3 into the mix! These are well regarded cars with an
enthusiastic following and aftermarket support. They are head
turners on the street and in the past year have been cited as "one
to watch" in the collectible world. Weekend toy, shoreline runner,
canyon carver, or everyday grocery getter, the options are
endless.
4USCJ3328WLC12271
4-USA
U-BMW USA
S-Passenger Car
CJ3-Z3 Convertible
3-Passenger Car
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
8-Check Digit
W-1998
L-Greer, SC Assy Plant
C12271-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
