When BMW began the development of the Z3 roadster, it was intended as upmarket competition for the Mazda Miata which had come out a few years earlier and reinvigorated the enthusiasm for roadsters in many markets. Powered by either an inline-4 or BMW's famous inline-6 engine, the Z3 featured elegant, restrained styling and entertaining driving dynamics but was paired with the high-quality interior appointments BMW is known for. It was a great starting point for the M division who swapped in an S52 from the US market E36 M3, fettled with the suspension and added a set of bulging rear fender flares to fit wider tires. As far as BMW was concerned, that was going to be the extent of the Z3 lineup- but engineer Burkhard Göschel had other ideas. He knew that a coupe variant would add significant rigidity to the car and make it a more enjoyable car to drive. After agreeing to utilize as many parts from the roadster as possible to make it happen, the board of directors finally gave Göschel and his team the green light to give the coupe a try.

This 1999 BMW Z3 M Coupe is what came from that. With a unique “shooting brake” style roof, it looked like nothing else on the road and to knowing enthusiasts, it was just about the coolest thing to ever come out of the Bavarian manufacturer. First registered in Nevada in February of 1999, this M Coupe has traveled a mere 58,910 miles from new under the care of just two owners. Finished in the iconic late 1990s BMW color of Estoril Blue, this M Coupe presents in outstanding original condition throughout and with the exception of modern tires, is completely stock throughout.

The interior of the car is finished in full black leather that appears well-kept and free of any excessive wear on the seat bolsters, steering wheel, or shift knob. When new, the car was optioned with desirable features such as an electric glass sunroof, Harman Kardon upgraded sound system, and crucially important cruise control. Included with the sale is an original owners manual in the correct booklet along with service records for the car dating back to 2001.

The unique styling and superior driving dynamics offered by the Z3 M Coupe made it a surefire collectible from day one. But when that is combined with low production numbers and a high percentage of cars being used as daily drivers or track cars, finding an original, no-stories car isn't a small task. This car sits in the sweet spot where it still feels like a pristine example behind the wheel, but isn't so low mileage that you are scared to drive it. As modern collector cars continue to gain acceptance in the high-end car market, the BMW M Coupe will separate itself as a car that dared to do something different and succeeded, with the result being a truly world-class sports car.