Welcome. This page has been developed as an informational site for potential buyers of my 1998 M roadster. If you'd prefer to skip the story and see a simple list of mods, please visit the highlights page found on the left.
Being the second owner, I bought this car May 2006 with 20k miles (32k kilometers) in immaculate OEM condition. Over the course of 5 years owning, modifying and loving it, I have decided that I am done with this project and that it is time for someone else to enjoy it as much as I have.
This car now has a low 58k miles (93k kilometers) and produces 420whp (approximately 500 HP) How it does that, I will explain. But first let me talk about the basics.
Built in 1998 (may production) this vehicle still wears its original coat of "Imola Red" paint on every panel. Being that the car has never seen snow, rarely rain, and has been waxed regularly, it is just as brilliant as the day it rolled off the assembly line. There are some minor stone chips to be found on the nose of the vehicle but aside from that, it is pretty much flawless. No dents, No dings. The power operated roof retracts in seconds and being that this car only sees sunshine, it still is rich in its black colour.
The two toned red/black interior compliments the exterior perfectly in my opinion. It also is in excellent condition and has never seen pets, kids, or cigarettes. The dash has no signs of cracking or fading. The leather seats have been treated with leather conditioner annually for the 5 years that I have owned the vehicle and show little to no signs of wear. (Drivers seat has some mild stretch marks on the outer bolster only) No burns, cuts or tears can be found anywhere. A side from the chrome M shifter knob, the interior maintains its original appearance.
The sound system has also been tastefully modified. The OEM cassette player has been replaced with a blaupunkt single cd head unit and has a remote and removable face. The OEM subwoofer has been replaced with a custom fit enclosure that houses an 8" JL audio sub and maintains "OEM look" More info and pictures of this enclose can be found at roadstersound.com. The two speakers behind the seats have been replaced with 5" infinity mid ranges. Currently installed however not included with the sale is a JL 5/500 amp.
The stance has been achieved using H&R height adjustable coil over suspension. To my surprise, the OEM ride is much maintained however response and agility have been greatly improved. The suspension was installed in May 2007 - I have had zero issues with it. A Dinan strut brace connects the front strut towers. It not only looks good, but adds decent front end rigidity. The WORK vs-xx wheels really set this car off in my opinion and I think you'll agree. They are a staggered set up consisting of 19x8.5 in the front and a nice fat 19x10 in the rear and wrapped in an almost new set of Kumho Ecsta Sport tires (235/35/19 & 265/30/19) The rears are slightly pushed out with Rouge Engineering wheel spacers to enhance the stance.
Anyone who knows anything about the Z3 chassis, whether it be the Z3, M Roadster, or M coupe, knows, or better learn quickly, that the rear sub frame is the weakest link in these vehicles. Potential buyers, do your homework on this subject. See my links page for some related info. That being said, thankfully there is a fix! And yes, you guessed it, this car has it! A rear end sub frame kit developed by Randy Forbes (a popular name around Z3 forums) was installed last hibernation period (Feb 2011) it reinforces the rear end using steel plates and also turns the single ear differential into a dual ear which better distributes tension. This in my opinion is undoubtedly the most important modification on this vehicle.
Now for the fun stuff. The stage II Technique Tuning turbo system. Originally stage one in 2009 producing 360whp @ 7psi. Yes, that was fun, but why not stage II right? And that's exactly what I did in the hibernation of 2010. Not only did I do the stage II which included removal of the cylinder head for installation of a head spacer, (lowers compression to allow more boost) but I sent the head out for machining and valve re-seating and added a whole list of must have goodies to enhance its performance and keep reliability. I fitted a Mocal oil cooler which reduces the oil temps back to "factory like" temperatures around 200F-220F. Boosting naturally aspirated engines almost always results in increased crank case pressures caused from piston ring blow by which results in the burning of engine oil. To assist in the prevention of this, I replaced the OEM cyclone separator and installed a McKinney Racing aluminum "catch can" to catch anything the OEM cyclone couldn't manage. To date, the catch has never accumulated any oil, but nevertheless, it’s a prevention add-on that I personally feel is important. The Technique Tuning kit utilizes a hybrid Garrett T3/T4 turbo which I have electronically boost controlled from the cockpit using AEM's TruBoost gauge/controller - simply put, dial in your desired boost while driving. Easy. I currently run a reliable 14psi which makes this car Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo fast - 420 wheel HP , that's almost 500 crank HP!!! Forget about naturally aspirated Vettes and Mustangs. 0-60 in approximately 4 seconds flat. For more info regarding the Technique Tuning kit, please go to techniquetuning.com.
Emission Legal. Yes, this car is still emission legal and just passed in May 2011. It does this for a few reasons, but the two most important ones are that it uses the OEM engine control module and still has its catalytic converters. The exhaust has only been modified from the catalytic back. Modified staggered tip magnaflow 14815's make this car purr. Exhaust Air/Fuel ratios are monitored from the cockpit thanks to a wideband Autometer gauge. This isn't for emission purposes but for monitoring the crucial air fuel mixture to ensure safe sustained operation.
To buy a car like this and modifiy it the way this one has been would cost around 45-50k. Looking for the right buyer, I've priced this car at $25000 CND - serious offers considered. ALL work has been performed by myself, a mature lifetime car enthusiast and an experienced 18 year professional technician. Willing to sell to anyone in North America provided shipping expenses are covered by the buyer. I will gladly answer any questions that you have and furthermore, will provided more pictures or video if desired. . The car is located in Mississauga Ontario ( A suburb just outside of Toronto) See my contact page for how you can reach me.
Thanks for looking.