This 1998 BMW M Roadster is finished in Imola Red over a black Nappa leather interior and is powered by a 3.2-liter S52 inline-six paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. Factory equipment includes a black soft top, air conditioning, a Harman Kardon stereo, heated power-adjustable sport seats, and staggered-width 17″ wheels. Modifications include a Kenwood head unit, a cold-air intake, an Active Autowerke performance chip, and an aftermarket exhaust system. This M Roadster is now offered at no reserve with spare parts and an Indiana title in the seller’s name.
The M Roadster featured wider fender flares, revised valances, altered side vents, and a lower ride height compared with the contemporary Z3. This example is one of 725 produced in Imolarot II (405) over black leather and features a power-operated and manually latched black soft top. The front roundel badge shows wear, and scratches are visible on the underside of the front lip spoiler.
Staggered-width 17” Style 40 wheels are mounted with 245/40 front Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires and 275/40 rear Toyo Proxes R1R tires. A tire inflator is mounted in the trunk.
The cabin is trimmed in black Nappa leather on the seats, door panels, dash, and center console. A Kenwood head unit is installed, and additional equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a Harman Kardon stereo, a trunk-mounted CD changer, heated sport seats, and power windows, mirrors, and locks.
The leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel fronts chrome-ringed instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. A VDO analog clock and auxiliary gauges monitoring voltage and ambient temperature are mounted in the center stack. The digital odometer shows 85k miles, 20k of which were added by the seller.
The 3.2-liter S52 inline-six features VANOS variable valve timing, dual overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder. Modifications include a cold-air intake, Samco intake boot, and an Active Autowerke performance chip.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a ZF five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. The factory catalytic converters have been removed, and an aftermarket exhaust system is fitted.
The removed factory radio and exhaust mid-pipe, including the catalytic converters, are included in the sale along with a color-matched spoiler, a shift knob, and four oxygen sensors.
The Carfax report shows no accidents or damage and lists a Not Actual Mileage title issued at the time of the seller’s purchase in September 2009. A redacted copy of the title is included in the gallery.
Make sure to check out Road & Track’s September 2000 comparison road test featuring the M Roadster. The article includes specs and performance numbers, as well as driving impressions and comparisons to the Honda S2000, Audi TT, and Porsche Boxster S.