Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster powered by a M52 2.8 liter DOHC inline-6. The seller describes this as a Z3 that has covered only 81,000 miles from new. It includes the factory Z3 hardtop, which gives you a level of year-round versatility (for which a first- or second-generation Miata cannot hope) as the hardtop transforms this Bimmer into a comfortable two-place coupe. Finished in its original Black paint over a matching leather interior, this Z3 comes from the selling dealer with a clean AutoCheck report and clear title.
I have owned a Z3 twice — the first time I bought mine was in 2015. I owned it for years and took it cross-country several times, showing it at The Quail in Monterey and The Hilton Head Concours, and driving it to Amelia Island. I loved the car but a pesky Ferrari was offered to me so I sold it to fund that purchase. A few years later, I realized I made a mistake so last year I bought it back. The Z3 is that good of a car, and I am never again selling mine. They are super fun to drive, easy to own, and are the very essence of a modern take of what vintage sports cars represent. Think of a six-cylinder Z3 as the modern equivalent of a Triumph TR6 and you get the idea.
The exterior looks to be in excellent condition, with its black paint looking fine, though the seller notes that there are a few stone chips. It is riding on its stock 16-inch BMW Style 35 wheels with Kuhmo 225/50 radial tires. The wheels have been polished to a mirror finish.
The interior is finished in Schwarz Oregon leather with walnut trim. Standard features include power windows, power mirrors, power seats, power steering, power locks, and air conditioning. A manual transmission shifter sits in the console. Overall, the interior looks as clean as the exterior, with the only issue I see being the sagging glovebox lid, which is fixable.
Lift the clamshell hood and you can see a very clean and stock engine compartment, with the only addition being a strut brace, something that helps a lot with the cowl shake in six-cylinder Z3s. The M52 produces 189 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, which gives the Z3 a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds and quarter-mile ETs in less than 15 seconds — very respectable. A five-speed manual makes for the perfect pairing.
The underside of this car also appears clean, with no evidence of rust or any other issue. Again, an impressive example, though the Z3 was never known for rust issues, especially as this specific example spent a lot of its time in dry states and features low miles.
If you have been shopping for a classic sports car such as a TR6, MGB, or Austin-Healey, you might do yourself a favor and consider the subject of our AutoHunter Spotlight instead. This 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster delivers all of that vintage motoring experience, including the sound and power of a classic inline-6 engine, but does so in a more comfortable, reliable, and easier-to-own package. The looks of the Z3 seem to get better with age, and the value for money these cars represent is unbeatable by any other modern roadster. If you are intrigued by this car, I would make a bid as the auction ends Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).
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