2000 | BMW Z3 2.2i

Red, as befits a young lady who wants to make an impact. This Z3 was meant to impress those who saw it and those who used it, having been owned by BMW Italia since November 27, 2000, probably for press use to present the new 2.2i, 6-cylinder 170 horsepower engine, mounted on the restyling released the previous year.

The Z3, which this year turns 30, also obtained wide visibility at the cinema, having been the first BMW in history preferred to the famous Aston Martin by agent 007 James Bond, in the movie "Goldeneye".

It is one of the three cult spiders of the 90s: it is the Bavarian answer to the two open-top from Stuttgart , the Mercedes SLK and the Porsche Boxster; presented in 1995 and subjected to a mid-career restyling in 1999, this example represents the best balance between running costs, charm, performance and rarity. It has spent its entire life around Milan: after being owned by BMW Italia - as mentioned -, the car has had two main owners and has traveled very few kilometers, about 62,000 in 25 years.

​

The car does not require any particular work other than some aesthetic touch-ups: it is ready to be used both in summer and in mid-season and, why not, even in winter with the open top. The classic BMW 6-cylinder engine is rounded, not angry but not lazy either: the ideal balance for a spider, or rather a "roadster", as can be read on the chromed door sills; the gearbox with the short lever, the low weight and the driving position very close to the center of gravity, then, contribute to giving an authentic driving emotion, much sportier than the two rivals mentioned above.

​

Its "official" origin is also confirmed by two particular optional features such as the chromed rims (suitable for a spider Made in the USA) in addition to the electric soft-top, still in perfect condition. The optional package is completed by air conditioning, full black leather electric seats, chrome dashboard finishes and wind deflector.

Also included are the hood cover, double keys, complete tool kit, various manuals and booklets, including service, of course. ASI registered car.

​

The car could be seen in Bologna.

​

Credit photos: Luca De Antoni

Further details on www.gulfblue.it