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If you remember when the BMW Z3 first hit the roads, hearing that the two-seater roadster turns 25 this year might make you feel a touch on the old side.

But that means the car has now entered into ‘classic’ territory, with its timeless, dynamic and highly attractive design making it an appealing option for classic car enthusiasts.

What constitutes a classic car is subjective, but there are quite a few things that the BMW Z3 has going in its favour.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the reasons why we think the Z3 is a solid classic car investment.

We’ve also included a little section on some of the problem areas to keep an eye out for should you decide to get your hands on a Z3.

After all, no matter how appealing a car looks on paper, if you end up having to fork out thousands of pounds getting her road-worthy, you might regret having your head turned in the first place.

While classic car insurance can protect you for anything that might happen out on the road, you’ll have to bear the costs should anything go wrong with the components.

So, let’s take a look at those reasons to invest in a BMW Z3:

1. It’s designed to be a classic

   We’ve already touched on the Z3’s design, which builds on the rich heritage of its BMW 507 roadster predecessor.

   BMW didn’t try to be revolutionary with the Z3 – instead, it was made to be an evolution of the seductive silhouette of its 1950s ancestor and follows the characteristic traits of the classic BMW roadster.

   We’re talking about the long bonnet, short overhangs and set-back cabin, which means it sits comfortably next to other BMW classics.

   Looking back now at the Z3, you start to see some of the subtleties of the design that you might’ve missed at the time, like the side air gills and side-mounted BMW roundel reinterpreted from the classic 507.

   It’s this detailing which makes the Z3 something to cherish.

2. It packs a punch

   If you’re going to invest in a roadster, you want its performance to match its looks. So, how does the Z3 stack up?

   It depends on what model you manage to get your hands on. It was launched in 1995 with the four-cylinder, 16v 136bhp 1.9 engine, which put some buyers off, who opted instead for the Mazda MX-5 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster.

   However, in 1997, the 2.8 straight-six was introduced. The 2.8 with 193bhp gave the Z3 the performance hike owners craved. Then, in 1999, BMW upgraded the 1.9 to a six-cylinder 2.0 with 146bhp, with the 2.2 six with 168bhp following on in 2000. That year the 2.8 also became the 3.0 with 225bhp, which could take you from 0 to 62 in under six seconds.

   There were also M versions produced of the Z3, which boast over 300bhp.

3. It makes a great project

   If you’re going to invest in a classic car as a bit of a project, you want some reassurance that you’re going to be able to get your hands on the spare parts you need.

   The good news is that there is excellent support for the Z3, both from main dealers and independent specialists, so you shouldn’t have any trouble fixing up your purchase.

   BMW Z3s can still be picked up fairly cheaply (although their value is rising), leaving some funds to make your project all that you want it to be. We’ve seen tidy-looking Z3s being advertised for under £2,000, which is very reasonable indeed given its heritage and looks.

   Here are a few problem areas to look out for when searching for a Z3 to ensure it won’t break the bank to bring back to its best:

   • Corrosion. As with any classic car, you need to do a thorough check of the bodywork for corrosion. The Z3 has plastic bumpers which helps to minimise corrosion, but rust can bubble up around the boot lock and mirror bases.

   • Engine. If you’ve got an eye on a Z3 with a six-cylinder engine, be aware that they are generally considered not as reliable as the four-cylinders. The most common problem is a failing oxygen sensor, which can lead to an MoT emissions test failure.

   • Variable valve timing. BMW’s version of variable valve timing is a known weak point. If it is on the way out, you will be able to hear a gurgling sound when you apply the accelerator. These can be very expensive to replace.

   Remember to have the right classic car insurance in place for your restoration project.

4. It was a Bond car

   Appearing in the 1995 movie GoldenEye, the Z3 was one of one of James Bond's first non-British cars. The car, with the original 1.9 Litre 16v four-cylinder engine, appears twice in the film, before Bond eventually being traded in for a small plane. Although it might not have made a huge impression in GoldenEye, its appearance adds to the Z3’s cultural impact, which for many people is important when calling a car a ‘classic’. Bond’s Z3’s is on display in the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and has a number of special features including stinger missiles behind the headlights, an emergency parachute braking system and a self-destruct system.

5. There are some special versions to be found

   The Z3 comes in a lot of different versions, some more commonplace than others. If you know what you’re looking for, you might be able to track down a rare breed.

   The one you might want to go after is the legendary Z3 Coupe. Having been assembled in just under 18,000 units, you’ll do well to find one, but if you do, you’ll have a collector’s item on your hands.

   The design of the Z3 Coupe was inspired by the classic BMW 328 Touring Coupe, with a six-cylinder petrol engine packed inside. Keep an eye out for one on your search for a Z3!

Protect your investment with classic car insurance

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a Z3 – or any classic for that matter – you’re going to need specialist classic car insurance.

Whatever model you end up buying, we can offer cover to match. Lancaster Insurance is the classic car insurance broker of choice for many owners across the country.

Like you, Lancaster is passionate about classic cars. Drawing on the recommendations from our panel of specialist underwriters, we will search our panel for the best classic car insurance rate we can provide for your cherished motor.

Get a quote today.