Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 M Roadster is a thrilling convertible that touts handsome styling and a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission – and later-model year cars, like this one, boast the highly sought-after S54 6-cylinder powertrain that's shared with the E46 BMW M3. This particular M Roadster looks like an excellent example, as it comes with only 32,700 miles on the odometer and boasts only minimal modifications. It also features a handsome triple-black color combination and some great factory equipment – including 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, and Nappa leather upholstery. A clean, accident-free Carfax report further enhances this M Roadster's appeal.
Highlights
THIS... is a 2002 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Sapphire Black Metallic with a black soft top and a black interior.
- This M Roadster is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and its odometer currently displays approximately 32,700 miles.
- The attached Carfax history report shows no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this M Roadster’s past.
- 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, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated seats, air conditioning, cruise control, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Modifications reported by the seller are limited to a Continental Bluetooth head unit and rear wheel arch stone guards.
- 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 provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Power-retractable soft top
- 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:
- Continental TR7412UB-OR head unit (factory head unit included in the sale)
- Rear wheel arch stone guards
Known Flaws
- Some chips on the front end
- Scratches on the driver-side wheels
- 2019 date codes on the rear tires
- Wear on the front seats
- Some wear on interior trim panels
- Hazy rearview mirror
- The seller reports that the driver's door lock cylinder occasionally requires several turns to lock.
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- November 2023: Rear window replaced
- May 2023: Valves adjusted, valve cover gasket replaced, engine oil and filter changed
- June 2021: Radiator hoses, drive belts, engine air filter, and subwoofer replaced, engine oil and filter changed, brake fluid changed
- April 2020 (28,713 miles): Tires replaced
- October 2019 (28,580 miles): Front sway bar end links replaced
- October 2019: Battery replaced
- September 2019 (28,240 miles): Right rear taillight assembly, third brake light assembly, oil filter housing gasket, timing chain tensioner seal ring, thermostat, alternator drive belt, and A/C drive belt replaced, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid changed
- August 2019 (28,135 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, oil drain plug replaced
Additional service history is detailed by documentation pictured in the gallery and in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Owner's manual
- Service records
- Factory head unit
- BMW air compressor
- Tonneau cover
- Car cover
- Convertible top cover
- Rear window cover
- Rear window cleaner (likely too old to use)
- Spare valve shims
Ownership History
The seller purchased this M Roadster in June 2021.
Seller Notes
The seller notes that the front bumper was refinished during their ownership to fill in license plate holes.