2001 BMW Z3 5i for sale in Ventura, CA

Listed at $12,000 USD.

A sorted, enthusiast-owned M54 manual roadster. It's been built up for mountains and canyon duties while still being my daily, driven the way it was meant for, and diligently maintained by someone who knows the chassis and loves motoring. I’ve owned this car for two years (bought summer 2024 at 60k miles in a neglected condition) and have put significant time repairing and upgrading functionality. It was bought with the intent to fix these things and enjoy for a few years before upgrading. All of that is now done, so it’s time for me to let go and let someone else take this magnificent machine into the next chapter of its life. M54 2.5L inline-6, 5-speed manual Black exterior / black Interior Clean title Fully smogged and registered Maintenance: Chassis and suspension refresh (at 85k miles): Koni Sport adjustable dampers on H&R springs all corners Powerflex offset front control arm bushings and rear subframe mounts (Delrin offset FCAB will be provided) New control arms, tie-rod ends, flex disk, and poly engine/trans mounts Strut tower brace and x-brace both installed Alignment is SPICY with extra camber on the front and rear which makes it delectable around turns, like a go-kart, while still being great around town and on the highway. This car drives tight, planted, and immediately communicative. It has none of the vague, clunky feel of a tired Z3 on 25-year-old rubber and in many ways drives better than modern BMWs. Cooling system: Dual-speed electric AUX fan, clutch fan deleted (but can be provided) New Stewart high flow water pump New thermostat New pulley and belts Original radiator and hoses (new hoses will be provided) Ignition: New NGK Ruthenium HX plugs, new NGK Ignition coils Intake: New MAF, new DISA, new vacuum lines Original intake boots (new upper and lower boots will be provided) Original throttle body and intake (new gaskets for both will be provided) Fueling: New fuel filter, new pump New DMTL module so that you won’t have to deal with the SMOG and DMV nightmare I did! Exhaust: New pre-cat O2 sensors VANOS / valve cover gaskets: No observed leaks Clutch: Original, feels great with no slippage Transmission (Getrag 5 speed): Original, feels good (fluid replaced at 60k and 90k miles) Shift throw feels good with a nice “click” feel when engaging gears No leaks New bushings will be provided Motor: Unmodified, only maintained. Oil and filters replaced every 5k miles No oil leaks along oil pan gasket Differential (limited slip): Original, feels good (fluid replaced at 60k and 90k miles) Soft top: Fabric is great. Interior: Wrecked original seats replaced with Corbeau adjustable seats (drivers side is heated and has lumbar adjustment) Wrecked door cards replaced with minimalist aluminum panels Wrecked rear-view mirror replaced with front/rear dash-cam system and video rear-view (much more functional with the top UP) with magnetic phone mount and charging Wrecked short-through shifter knob replaced with long-throw shifter knob Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth etc A legit 8” subwoofer (marine grade for weather protection) that slaps AC and heat both work fantastic! Brakes: New Powerstop pads and rotors Fluid flush Tires: New Continental Extreme Contact 2 Lights: White LED fogs Yellow LED lows White LED high’s Receipts for hardware available. I have done a lot of work on the car and may have missed listing some things. Please ask if you are curious about the condition of an item and it isn’t listed above or below. Known things: Power Top motor only works one way Rear plastic window on the soft top should be replaced Fuel Sender (sending unit for the level, specifically). The pump is good and there are no longer leaks, however. Drivers side door handle suffers from The Z3 Door Handle Problem Glove box suffers from The Z3 Glove Box Problem The paint has not been refreshed, nor has the trim. Sale includes all hardware I preemptively bought but didn’t need to install (listed above, plus some others), some tools, weather cover, drivers manual etc This Z3 is perfect for someone who wants a well-maintained, light, rear-drive, six-cylinder manual which exemplifies the driving experience and does not break the bank. I have done the majority of work on this car and it’s honestly been a great experience, so I am both sad to see this go but excited to see it go to another BMW enthusiast who will love it as much as I have. If you are local then I would be open to lending mechanical assistance in the future but we must discuss this separately. I am happy to talk through the work in detail with anyone who knows these cars and is a serious buyer looking to own it long term and not flip. PPI welcome.