1998 BMW M Roadster
THIS IS THE ONE TO HAVE!
(#10 of first year of US production)
Red/red, Dinan chip
VERY early; 10th built in Spartanburg; serial #85046: all numbers match; all original panels, never damaged; red/red; garaged/clean; zero rust; all original including blanking plug for oil pressure gauge; spent its entire life in Atlanta area after original stay with BMW exec.; has been in my possession for 10 years in Athens, Ga.
Serial #85046
Production of the BMW M Roadster destined for North America commenced in February, 1998 with serial #85037, that makes this vehicle the TENTH N.A.-spec M Roadster to roll off the production line in Spartanburg, SC. All BMW Z3s and Z3 based M Roadsters were assembled in Spartanburg.
My understanding is that the first twenty M Roadsters were pulled off the line and sent to BMW execs and a (very) few select dealers. This one went to an executive in Atlanta where it stayed until 10 years ago when I purchased it. It has always been garaged and is clean. It was shown at the annual show at the Zentrum in Spartanburg nine years ago and drew a large crowd. The show placards and all other documentation, tools, convertible top tonneau, and full BMW car cover accompany the car. The car had 38,302 miles when I purchased it and now (04/21/2019) has 49,585...that is less than 2500 miles per year over its life; less than 100 miles per month for the last 10 years. All photos in this listing were taken on 04/18/2019. The car was garaged and covered since photos taken. The title is clear and there is a full set of dealer documentation.
NOTE - this vehicle was very early in the first year of US production as denoted by the serial number. According to the experts, the first few vehicles were produced before the oil temp gauges were received and thus received a dash blanking plate (photo). Some were later retrofitted with the gauge...this car WAS NOT...it is bone stock! Also note that the gauge can be removed and a plate installed so as to appear as an early vehicle...always verify against the VIN.
The convertible top is original and works well.
Tires were replaced after I purchased the car. Michelin 225/45 ZR17 front, 245/40 ZR17 rear.
In the photos, if you look carefully, you will notice a small crack in the plastic gauge surround and button below it. This is very common. I have a NOS (in box) replacement gauge surround (matching red). I chose to leave the car original but will include the replacement part as well as an aftermarket glovebox door reinforcer (in box). The passenger side seat elevation motor does not function...it may just be unplugged. The only other defect on the car is a small tear in the driver side door rubber seal and two small (pencil eraser size) paint flaws on the rear bumper. This car is all original and VERY near perfect.
Additional photos if needed.
This car can be purchased today and in a car show tomorrow!
1998 BMW M Roadster
(first year of US production)
#85046
Performance
3.2L DOHC 24 valve in-line 6 cylinder w/variable valve timing
240 HP/236 ft. lbs. torque
Compression 10.5:1
Displacement 3152cc/192.3cu. In.
Redline 6800RPM
Electronic engine management
Dinan Performance Engine Software
5-speed ZF type C manual transmission w/direct 5th gear
Limited slip differential
M sports suspension
225/45ZR17 (front), 245/40ZR17 (rear) high performance radial tires
Variable engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
12.4” (front)/12.3” (rear) vented disc brakes w/vacuum assist and ABS
Weight 3085 lbs.
Top speed 137.0 mph (US), 155 mph (Euro), both computer limited
0 - 60 mph 5.2 seconds
0 - 100 mph 14.6 seconds
0 - 1/4 mile 14.0 seconds
Appearance/Comfort
Exterior: Imola red, Interior: Imola red/black Napa leather
Power features: windows, seats (heated), steering, brakes, mirrors, convertible top, locks
Cruise control
Air conditioning
Harman Kardon AM/FM/Cassette/CD (remote changer) w/10 speakers