Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 M Roadster is a thrilling convertible that touts handsome styling and a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission. However, enthusiasts will know that this particular Z3 M is especially desirable, as it's a later-model year car with a highly sought-after S54 6-cylinder powertrain that's shared with the E46 M3. It touts an attractive color combination and some great factory equipment – including a limited-slip differential, Nappa leather upholstery, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. It also has no major modifications and an accident-free Carfax report – and this M Roadster is offered with the excitement of no reserve!
Highlights
THIS... is a 2002 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Black Sapphire Metallic with a black soft top and a black and an Imola Red interior.
- The attached Carfax history report shows no accidents in this BMW's past.
- According to a build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated seats, air conditioning, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
- Modifications reported by the seller include aftermarket headlights, painted front reflectors, and wheels from an earlier-model year Z3 M.
- 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.
- BMW built 8,939 units of the S52-powered M Roadster between 1998 and 2000, according to the BMW M Registry. 1,565 additional cars were manufactured from 2001 to 2002 with the newer S54 engine, bringing the total to 10,504 units.
- Power comes from an S54 3.2-liter inline-6, rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to 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:
- Limited-slip differential
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated seats
- M leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
- Center console-mounted VDO thermometer and oil temperature gauge
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels from an earlier-model year Z3 M
- Aftermarket headlights with halo rings
- Painted front reflectors
Known Flaws
- The attached Carfax history report indicates a mileage inconsistency recorded in November 2007. The seller believes that the odometer represents this BMW's actual mileage and that the discrepancy was caused by a clerical error.
- Chips and dings around the exterior; cracked paint on the rear bumper (pictured in the gallery)
- Paint damage with some corrosion on the driver-side quarter panel (some are touched up)
- Some wear on and around the rear window
- Scratches on the wheels
- Creases on the seats
- Some wear on interior touch points
- A technician's note from the January 2024 service indicates that the clutch is due for replacement
- The seller notes that the soft top needs to be operated manually, the radio requires a code, the trunk only opens with the door key, and the seats rock backward and forward about an inch.
Recent Service History
Service records shown in the gallery indicate that the following maintenance was performed:
- January 2024 (91,100 miles): Spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel filter replaced, fuel injector cleaner added
- April 2022 (91,069 miles): Auxiliary belts, tensioner, and pulleys replaced, transmission fluid flushed, engine oil and filter changed
- July 2020: Rear shocks and shock mounts, front control arm bushings, power steering rack, tie rod ends, power steering fluid reservoir, driveshaft flex disc, auxiliary belts and pulleys, auxiliary belt tensioner, engine mounts, muffler hanger, air filter, and fuel filter replaced, engine oil and filter changed, alignment performed
- April 2020 (83,327 miles): Left front brake caliper and brake hoses, front brake pads and rotors, antenna mast, and fuel door stop bushing replaced, brake fluid changed
The seller states that the clutch was replaced in March 2024, the valves were adjusted in August 2023, and the soft top was replaced in 2022. Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 1 key
- Service records
- Car cover
- Soft top cover
- Wind deflector
Ownership History
The seller is representing this M Roadster on behalf of the titled owner, who purchased it in October 2017.
Seller Notes
The seller notes that the front bumper was recently repainted and a paint correction was recently performed.