1998 BMW M Roadster Convertible
Dinan Stage 2 Tune in 2013 (BMW approved, offered at BMW dealers and didn't void the warranty), Dinan Strut Tower Brace (critical on these), radiator fan delete, Koni adjustable shock/struts, dipped grill, euro headlights w/ clear side markers, lexan clear rear wind screen, aftermarket stereo, otherwise stock
3.2 Liter S52 inline 6
100k miles
5-Speed Manual Trans
Cosmos Black Metallic / Black Nappa Leather (no goofy two-tone inserts) one of 232 produced in this color combo
Updated Kenwood / Alpine V12 amplified stereo with Bluetooth Handsfree Iphone Charger etc. (originally $3300)
Includes:
All original keys w/ fobs, factory manual, service manual, all service records, BMW factory car cover, factory tool kit, convertible top cover (for when it's down), and various parts and spares
Condition Notes:
Excellent, collector's condition car. Remarkably clean for it's age and mileage. A couple very minor paint imperfections. Seatbelt guides will pop out of the seats (common on these). Stereo would benefit from some fine tuning. New roof is currently disconnected from the motor - prior owner says it works but intentionally left it disconnected to "save it", it's pretty easy to operate by hand so I just went with that. Tires are excellent with less than 4k easy miles on them. Shocks are near new. Some recent belt changes. Only a couple hundred miles on the most recent oil change. Some minor paint fading on some of the roadstars.
It's had three owners, all enthusiasts and collectors. It spent the first 17 years of its life in California and has barely left my garage since. Garage stored it's whole life. The last four years that I've had it I've put less than 1000 miles on it and properly stored it every Oct through May. It's basically never seen a dirt road or rain and it shows.
Every maintenance record going back to the day it was born in Spartanburg, NC. Every oil change, every nut and bolt, everything. It's a binder a few inches thick. Tens of thousands in receipts. Original window sticker, etc.
Interesting facts about the M Roadster:
All were made in America with 50% American and 50% German parts.
It was the first car to have the quad tailpipes that became iconic on all future M cars.
It was the last car to be full "analog" with no electronic driver aids (other than ABS) and mechanical rear diff like a proper German muscle car.
It's actively appreciating and becoming more desirable by the day, experts say it's one of the best values in collector / investment cars in terms of enjoyment and value appreciation. One interesting article here: https://www.hagerty.com/media/hagerty-magazine/best-collector-cars-to-buy-now-2020-bull-market-list/
S52 vs S54 Motor:
When I bought this I was only looking for an S52. Yes the S54 makes more power. This one lands between the two motors with the Dinan Stage 2 tune. The S52 had a lower geared rear end (a common mod on the S54s) and the torque figures are similar which lead to a nearly identical 0-60 time. The S52 is more reliable and doesn't have the expensive double VANOS issues common on the S54. Most of the extra horsepower of the S54 only comes at the very top end of the RPM range (S54 had a higher redline) which is not very functional and probably not where you're going to spend much time if you care about the longevity of a classic car. This motor with this tune is faster, more reliable, and cheaper to own than the S54 - win/win/win.