2001 | BMW Z8

Model history

The BMW Z8 originally was designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke and celebrate the 1956 BMW 507. Prototypes were spotted in testing between 1996 and 1999. A concept was later developed to preview the Z8, called the Z07 and was first showcased in October 1997 at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show. The BMW Z8 was developed under the codename ‘E52' between 1993 and 1999, through the efforts of a design team led by Chris Bangle from 1993 to 1995. The exterior was designed by Henrik Fisker and the interior by Scott Lempert up until 1995, when the latter left BMW and styling was approved.

The Z07 Concept had been based on the concurrently running E52 development program. As a result, practical and regulatory considerations necessitated very few changes for the production model. Comparatively, the windshield of the series production Z8 was more upward, and had a larger front airdam. The side-mounted turn indicators were integrated into the side vents in a fashion that rendered them invisible until activated. The Z8 used innovative neon exterior lighting, the tail lights and turn indicators are powered by neon tubes that offer quicker activation than standard lightbulbs. The vintage simplicity of the interior was preserved by hiding the modern equipment under retracting panels. Complex compound curves were made through the use of an expensive MIG-welded aluminum space frame. Every Z8 was shipped with a colour-matching metal hardtop with rear defroster. Unlike many contemporary hardtops, which are provided for practical rather than stylistic considerations, the Z8 hardtop was designed from the outset to complement the lines of the roadster.

The car was made up of an all-aluminum chassis and body and used a 4.9 L DOHC 32 valve V8 engine developing 395 hp @ 6600 rpm and 500 Nm @ 3800 rpm of torque. This engine, known internally as the S62, was built by BMW Motorsport and was shared with the E39 M5 sports saloon. The engine was located behind the front axle in order to provide the car with an optimal 50/50 weight distribution. The factory claimed a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 4,7 seconds. Car and Driver magazine tested the car and found that it outperformed the contemporary benchmark Ferrari 360 Modena in three important performance categories: acceleration, handling, and braking. As with most BMW cars, its top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h with the delimited top speed amounting to an estimated 290 km/h.

In order to keep the interior uncluttered, a number of functions were integrated into multifunction controls. For example, the power windows and mirrors were controlled by a single instrument. Also, the centre-mounted instrument cluster was canted slightly toward the driver. The displacement of these gauges to the middle of the dash board was intended to offer an unimpeded view of the hood and the road ahead. In order to promote the Z8 to collectors and reinforce media speculation about the Z8's "instant classic" potential, BMW promised that a 50-year stockpile of spare parts would be maintained in order to support the Z8 fleet. Due to the limited volume of Z8 production, all elements of the car were constructed or finished by hand, thereby compounding the importance of ongoing manufacturer support for the type. The price point and production process allowed BMW to offer custom options to interested buyers.

This example

According to the production numbers, this example is one of just some 667 cars finished in Black with a Black leather interior. The Dutch owner bought this car in 2003 and has superbly kept the car in his collection. With the car comes a comprehensive maintenance file with service book and all invoices (see pictures).

The car is in superb condition and shows no signs of damage in the past. The paint is in beautiful condition without a scratch or mark and carefully protected in a professional wax coating.

This Z8 is nicely uprated with a AC Schnitzer sports suspension kit, an Eisenmann exhaust system and a limited-slip differential instead of the standard open differential. The BMW M6 alloy wheels give an extra strong appearance on slightly wider tires. Because of these sensible upgrades, this car cannot be compared with a standard Z8.. The driving experience is totally different and the handling of the car is significantly better! However the standard parts are kept with the car.

Service history

• Serviced on 01-05-2003 @ 18.636km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 10-05-2004 @ 24.962km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 08-05-2006 @ 31.713km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 04-05-2007 @ 34.304km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 21-04-2008 @ 34.927km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 07-10-2008 @ 36.232km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 05-08-2014 @ 39.803km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 21-07-2016 @ 40.338km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 24-07-2019 @ 40.681km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 21-07-2021 @ 41.073km at BMW Breeman

• Serviced on 29-08-2023 @ 41.498km at BMW Kalfsbeek

Now mileage is 41.592 km. If you are looking for a wonderful BMW Z8, this example definitely stands out! The car is complete with its original rims, factory hard top, wind deflector and all original pieces come with the car.

Very well maintained, Dutch registered (EEC) and recent big serviced (inspection II) done.

The price is Euro 235.000,-.

The retro-modern BMW Z8 is one of the most exhilarating and bespoke sports cars to ever come out of the BMW factory.. Fresh out of 21 year single ownership! Full BMW main dealer service history and low mileage example, only 41.592km from new.

Please call or app for information. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Very Superior Old Cars is a classic sportscar consultancy company founded in 1992. We work for our customers to assist with all aspects of their car interests. From acquisition consultancy with restoration advice and management to private sales in our boutique art gallery.

VSOC is centrally located between Amsterdam and The Hague, only 17 km (11 miles) from Schiphol Airport. There is a broad selection of classic sports cars on display, in very good or excellent condition, varying from beautiful yet affordable sports cars to rare and valuable collectors’ items. When you intend to visit us in The Netherlands, we would advise you to make an appointment so that we can give you some quality time. If you arrive by plane or train, we would be happy to pick you up at the airport or train station. Besides Dutch we speak English, German, French and Italian.