Red, hot and fiery classic convertible!
The BMW Z3 is amongst a few options available for enthusiasts looking for a classic convertible that holds similar prestige as a purebred sports car.
Model years for it spanned from 1996 to 2002, with the only facelift being introduced in early 1999. In those years, several variants of four and six-cylinder engines were offered with automatic and manual options – from the base grade 1.9-litre four-cylinder to rapid 3.2-litre six-cylinder Z3M cars, the Z3 offered much variety across different markets.
Z3s sit in a niche part of the automotive world especially in SEA, with the Mazda MX-5 being a far more popular option for a classic convertible. It sits somewhere around a Lotus Elan M100 or Alfa Romeo GTV convertible.
This example found in Penang is pretty and well-maintained, owned by someone who wasn’t interested to modify it and keep it plain and simple.
I personally always think of these Z3s in AC Schnitzer drag because of a Singaporean example.
It is difficult to decipher the paint code for this Z3, but it does bear a resemblance to Imola Red, sitting on Style 36 OEM Z3 wheels.
This pre-facelift example is the more common variant of the Z3 in Malaysia. Facelift cars may only be a handful; a Z3 listing says their 1.9-litre facelift is the only one in Malaysia.
Facelifted examples can be told apart from different taillight designs (facelift looks similar to the E46-generation 3-Series), revised trunk and third brake light, trunk keyhole, wide rear arches (available for all trims, previously restricted only to higher displacement trims) and interior differences.
The bulged arches even on the lower trims like this give an aggressive stance, and combined with the “bottlecap” wheels give it a classy look. A lack of brazen modifications have allowed this Z3 to
These cars in Malaysia are asking around RM50-80k, and could be a right proposition for a old-school convertible.
~Efini
Gallery:
Read more: SG Archives: BMW 3-Series 318iA saloon (E46)
