BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8 Widebody

Car collectors beware: this absolutely unique BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8 Widebody Automatic is a genuine beauty. Including full history, modest mileage and slightly less modest proportions at the rear. After all, the increased track width had to be made to fit from factory. The ultimate Z3 collectors item combines a Chrome line exterior with a two-tone leather interior, wind deflector, black M-Sport steering wheel, Motorsport rims and heated seats. Of course, the characteristic 6-cylinder in-line engine runs extremely smooth and quick and has the classic BMW tune. Try to say no to something as collectable as this…

History
BMW launched the Z3 in the late 95s as “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. And it still is, partly due to the perfect service history. Our Bimmer has had technical service recently; the brakes and all tires were renewed. Furthermore, the (future) classic is professionally detailed, which also explains the stunning condition. With the Z3, BMW joined a select group of pure and affordable roadsters. Nothing has changed to that until this day. The question is, how long until our 2.8 Widebody isn’t only a smart investment in terms of fun…?

Exterior
The first thing you will be surprise about is its originality: even the turn signals have remained untouched and are hidden behind orange glass instead of white. The Chrome line exterior package includes a chrome-plated windshield frame, chrome-plated cooling slots on the front fenders plus door handles. The much-wanted Motorsport rims are quite rare and look very good on the BMW Z3. All the extras also stand out brilliantly with the ink-black Cosmosschwarz metallic bodywork. The soft-top is black too and in superb shape. In short, a roadster for the purists! Typical Z3 are the elegant curves. Also note the BMW logos on the sides. The large hood literally splits the headlight units. Thanks to the compact proportions the BMW Z3 is a very agile roadster.

Interior
The ultra-low seating position also fits perfectly with the "The Ultimate Driving Machine" philosophy that BMW used in the 90s. However, this pure driver’s car is by no means minimalistic: the bicolored brown / black leather door panels + (heated) seats and contrast stitches are responsible for a surprisingly stylish interior. The leather M-Sport steering wheel gives you the right driver’s feel, while the wooden finish on the dashboard and console is almost as classic as BMW’s tradition of fitting analogue instruments and an original radio/CD player. The automatic transmission likes to cruise around in comfort, but you must know that the Z3 Roadster 2.8 handles really well… Which is exactly the reason why the wind deflector is right behind you.

Technique & performance
The Roadster 2.8 is the most powerful first series Z3s, right behind the hardcore M version. The 6-cylinder in-line engine has an output of 192 hp and is connected to an automatic 4-speed gearbox. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h only takes 7.4 seconds, but the most beautiful part is the pure driving experience: engine in front, rear-wheel drive, an optimal 50/50 weight distribution and intuitive controls. The top speed is 216 km/h. However, it’s unclear whether this is with the roof up or down. Given the special condition of our car we wouldn’t recommend to try it yourself. Although we won’t stop you either. Once a petrolhead…

Kind regards,
Prins Classics.