2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Coupe

Description

Few things are better than a sporty European hatchback with a smooth six-cylinder powerplant up front. The '80s gave birth to the 'hot hatch', but cars like this 2001 BMW Z3 3.0i Coupe are the modern embodiment of the "less is more" philosophy that makes these sporty compact cars so darn special. With low ownership, a rare color combination, and more luxury than any GTI could ever muster, this low-mileage 'clown shoe' isn't just some joker, it's a serious car with killer good looks and the hardware to back up all that curb appeal.

The color is Sienna Red Metallic, a shade usually reserved for the luxurious X5 SUVs or 5-Series M-sports, but it was specially ordered on this Z3 and looks particularly striking on the swoopy 2-seater bodywork. With just over 78,000 original miles, the quality BMW workmanship and careful ownership over the past 19 years really shows. The shark-like Z3 still looks great with its shooting brake design, the kind of car that makes people stop and watch as it drives past, and with BMW's legendary build quality, it hasn't lost a step. Gaps are tight, the aggressive front fascia is in great shape with only a few very minor imperfections, and the gills on the front fenders add an old-school touch. In back, the third brake light is neatly integrated into the roof spoiler and you'll find that there's a minimum of factory add-ons, just a pure, clean shape. The redesign from a few years prior gave the Z-series cars a bit of a facelift, including new headlights and taillights, a revised front bumper, dual tailpipes, and those aggressive wheel arches and fender flares that gives this modern classic its stylish, muscle-toned lines. If you want a good-looking sports car that isn't the same-old, same-old, this BMW delivers.

Those of you who have driven BMWs already know that the interior is singularly focused on the driver, an environment that works with you to seamlessly blend man and machine. The red leather seats are in great condition for their age and still gently but firmly hold you in place. Black carpets are plush enough to whisper luxury, but lightweight so they don't slow the car down. Woodgrained accents on the center console warm things up a bit and the big, round gauges with chrome rings were obviously influenced by great sports cars of the past. Everything was standard in the Z3, including a sunroof, A/C, power windows, locks, and seats, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and dual airbags, all of which are joined by a modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo that's been more recently installed. Everything works, which shouldn't be a surprise and it looks fresh, not dated the way a lot of "retro" styled cars seem to get. The windows are darkly tinted for a really cool look, including the sunroof up top, and the cargo area has plenty of room out back to accommodate almost any travel plans.

BMW's legendary big 3.0L liter inline-six lives under the long hood, and yes, it's as smooth and torquey as you've heard as it delivers 228 horses up and down the throttle. In the lightweight Z3, it's positively robust, flinging the front-engined/rear-wheel driven, lightweight car down the road with ease. It never grumbles or stumbles, it's always impeccably smooth, and you'll relish running it through the gears every chance you get, just for the joy of the machine doing its work. The 5-speed automatic slips through the gears with just a gentle tap on the accelerator and the all-independent suspension manages to be both competent and supple at the same time. The factory dual exhaust system gives the six a wonderful tenor voice and big 17-inch BMW alloy wheels and 225/45/17 front and 245/40/17 rear performance radials give it just the right profile and an upscale image.

Where else can you get this much class and performance for so little cash? Call today!