Doug's Take

The Z3 M Roadster is an excellent convertible that touts a thrilling driving experience, a powerful straight-6 engine, and a 5-speed manual transmission – and the M model is more attractive than the standard Z3. This one has some nice benefits, including reasonably low mileage for the year and a subframe reinforcement kit that addresses one of this car's known problems. It's also offered with the thrill of no reserve, meaning this Roadster will get a new home at the end of the auction!

Highlights

THIS... is a 2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Cosmos Black with a black soft top and a black interior.

• Factory equipment includes a limited-slip differential, a power-operated soft top, leather upholstery, plus heated and power-adjustable sport seats. This car's build sheet is pictured in the gallery.
• Modifications reported by the seller include a Zionsville Autosport radiator, a Randy Forbes rear subframe reinforcement kit, AKG Motorworks subframe bushings, and a Sony CD player. More details about the aftermarket parts installed on this car are provided below.
• Developed as an evolution of the Z3, the M Roadster made its debut in 1998 with a more powerful engine shared with the "E36" M3, a sportier suspension system, and wider wheel arches, among other performance-oriented changes. It was immediately celebrated as one of the best driver's cars on the market and it further expanded the M brand's presence and reputation in the United States.
• Power comes from a 3.2-liter straight-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Called "S52" internally, it spins the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

Equipment

A build sheet is shown in the gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:

• 17-inch Style 40 wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Heated windshield washer jets
• Power-operated soft top
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and power-adjustable sport seats
• Air conditioning
• Harman Kardon sound system

Modifications

Modifications reported by the seller include:

• Zionsville Autosport radiator and fan shroud
• Electric fan conversion kit
• Stewart Components water pump
• Randy Forbes rear subframe reinforcement kit
• AKG Motorworks subframe bushings
• Umnitza LED headlights
• Black kidney grilles
• Deer whistle mounts on the front bumper
• Wide-angle inserts in the door mirrors
• Glovebox repair kit
• Metal pedal caps
• Sony CD player
• Bluetooth connectivity

Known Flaws

• The attached Carfax history report notes that this Z3 sustained "minor damage" to its front and left front in September 2019. It adds that minor damage is usually cosmetic, like dents and scratches on the body.
• 2016 date code on the tires
• Some exterior chips and scratches (shown in the gallery)
• Exterior door handle gaskets cracked
• Antenna missing
• Faded finish on the rear "M" emblem
• Scuffs on the wheels
• Wear on the driver's seat and on some of the interior touch points
• Seatbelt guides missing from the seatbacks

Recent Service History

• The seller states that the timing belt, thermostat and its housing, radiator, upper and lower coolant hoses, air conditioning compressor's belt, and a hose in the air conditioning system were replaced, and the engine oil, transmission fluid, and differential fluid were changed in September 2021. He adds that the soft top was recently replaced as well. Some service records and parts invoices are shown in the gallery.
• Some service information appears in the attached Carfax history report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 2 keys
• Owner's manuals
• Bentley service manual
• Available service records and invoices
• Wind deflector
• Replacement seatbelt guides and exterior "M" badges

Ownership History

The seller purchased this Z3 in September 2020 with about 99,200 miles.

Seller Notes

The seller states that the front bumper was repainted in October 2021.