Doug's Take
The Z3 M Roadster is a fun little car that boasts a potent 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and great handling. This particular example is finished in a fantastic color combination – Imola Red with an Imola Red interior – and it's had its subframe reinforced already, which is a big plus, as that was a weak spot on these cars. This M Roadster also touts a clean, accident-free Carfax report showing warm-climate Southern ownership from new – and it's offered with the thrill of no reserve!
Highlights
THIS… is a 1999 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Imola Red with a black soft top and an Imola Red and black two-tone interior.
- This Z3 M features the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax vehicle history report shows no accidents or mileage discrepancies; it also shows that this Z3 M has been Southern-owned since new.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power-retractable soft top, leather upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
- Modifications reported by the seller include Ground Control coilovers, an Eisenmann exhaust, and a reinforced rear subframe. Photos detailing the subframe reinforcement are shown in the gallery.
- Based on 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 changes. It was immediately hailed as one of the best driver's cars on the market.
- Power comes from an "S52" 3.2-liter straight-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Limited-slip differential
- Power-retractable soft top
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated sports seats
- "M" leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-operated windows, locks, and mirrors
- Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil pressure gauge
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
- Clear front reflectors
- Stubby antenna
- Short throw shifter and clutch stop
- Custom leather upholstered steering wheel
- Mason engineering front strut bar
- Rear subframe reinforced
- Poweflex rear trailing arm bushings and rear subframe bushings
- Ground Control coilovers
- Eisenmann exhaust
- Clarion head unit
Known Flaws
- Stone chips on the hood and front bumper
- Scratches under the front bumper
- Some creases on seats
Recent Service History
A service log provided by the seller indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- March 2022: Tires replaced
- February 2022: Engine oil and filter, differential oil, transmission oil changed, coolant and brake fluid flushed, center console trim piece and A/C button replaced, oil temperature gauge light bulb replaced, paint correction performed
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- June 2021 (84,552 miles): Purge valve replaced, camshaft position sensor replaced, A/C freon recharged, driver's side seat belt receptacle and tensioner replaced
- June 2018 (81,301 miles): Thermostat gaskets replaced, water pump replaced
- October 2017: Subframe reinforced, differential mount bushing repaired, front brake rotors and pads replaced, rear brake pads replaced
Additional service history is detailed by documentation pictured in the gallery.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys, 2 fobs
- Owner's manuals
- Service records
- Factory exhaust
- Factory toolkit and tire inflation kit
Ownership History
The seller purchased this Z3 M in January 2022 and has added approximately 2,000 miles since.