The German roadster from the ’90s was modernised to the point of no return by an auto body shop in Indonesia
December 3, 2023 at 07:28
–> 
–>
Beyond its star turn as a Bond car in the 1996 blockbuster ‘Goldeneye,’ the Z3 Roadster has earned its place in memory for its neo-classic design, a charming nod to the iconic BMW roadsters of the swinging ’60s. However, one owner from Indonesia thirsted for a touch of modernity. Thus, the Z3 underwent quite the makeover with extensive visual modifications.
The rather unique Z3 is a creation of the Kupu-Kupu Malam shop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, which also brought us the Mazda RX-8 conversion with scissor doors and Mazda6 lights. Similar to their previous project, the Z3 received an upgrade with authentic BMW lighting units meticulously integrated into a custom-made bodywork.
The headlights and taillights are sourced from the 2012-2019 BMW 3-Series F30, which was introduced 16 years after the Z3’s debut. Likewise, the custom front bumper was inspired by the M3 and M4 (F80 / F82) of the same era, with the kidney grille looking tiny by today’s standards.
advertisement scroll to continue
More: BMW Design Boss Offers Fascinating Look At Early Z3 Designs
The profile is dominated by the wide ‘rocket bunny’ style fender extensions, connected by thicker side skirts and complemented by a fresh set of three-piece alloy wheels. The front splitter, sporting a carbon fiber appearance, aligns with similar extensions on the side skirts and rear diffuser.
The signature gills of the BMW Z3 have been retained, although the original door handles have been replaced with more contemporary units. Interestingly, these handles are positioned at an angle that aligns with the custom character line originating from the bonnet. Another signature feature of the build is the motorized scissor doors.
As we move to the rear, it’s hard not to notice that the 3-Series taillights appear rather colossal on the petite backside of the Z3. Similarly, the sizeable carbon fiber spoiler seems determined to overshadow the entire tailgate. The rear bumper adheres to the BMW M theme, showcasing quad tailpipes on the diffuser and an extra serving of vents for good measure.
As a finishing touch, the roadster was painted in an “Apple Red Candy” color, similar to the 2012 BMW Z4 Zagato Coupe concept. While the interior of the BMW Z3 didn’t undergo a drastic transformation, it received an upgrade with new red leather upholstery, a crimson dashboard, and subtle carbon fiber accents sprinkled throughout.
There is no mention of performance upgrades, so we can assume that the Z3 retained its stock underpinnings. Depending on the version, the Z3 produced anywhere from the 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) of the entry-level 1.8-liter engine to the 320 hp (239 kW / 325 PS) of the M-tuned 3.2-liter inline-six. This particular example features an automatic gearbox, making it clear that it’s not derived from the manual-only Z3 M (thankfully).
Whether you’re a fan or not, embarking on a custom project of this nature demands significant time and effort—leaving aside any debate about its creative merits. Based on Kupu-Kupu Malam’s Instagram posts, the conversion spanned over a year, with initial progress photos surfacing in 2020 and the finished model emerging in 2021. Ultimately, what matters most is that the owner of this modernized Z3 is happy with the outcome, as that’s the only thing that matters at the end of the day.
