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 also touts a gorgeous color combination and some great factory equipment – including a limited-slip differential, Oregon leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Other benefits include no major modifications and reasonably low mileage for the year. This looks like a fantastic Z3 M, and I'm proud to offer it on Cars & Bids.
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Oxford Green Metallic with a black soft top and a Dark Beige interior.
- This Z3 M Roadster is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax history report lists no mileage discrepancies in this BMW's past.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, Oregon leather upholstery, heated seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and more as detailed below.
- Modifications reported by the seller include a Scorpion cat-back exhaust system, Bilstein struts and shocks, Coco Mats custom floor and trunk mats, and Hamann Motorsport aluminum pedal covers.
- 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 a 3.2-liter S54 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 gallery and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Quad exhaust tips
- Power-operated side-view mirrors
- Oregon leather upholstery
- Heated seats
- Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil temperature gauge
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman Kardon sound system
Modifications
- Scorpion cat-back exhaust system
- Bilstein struts and shocks
- DrVanos braided stainless steel oil return line
- Coco Mats custom floor and trunk mats
- Hamann Motorsport aluminum pedal covers
Known Flaws
The attached Carfax history report indicates that this Z3 M was involved in an accident that resulted in damage to the rear in August 2002; the vehicle was reportedly functional after the incident.
A Lemon Squad pre-purchase inspection is included with this listing. The following flaws are additionally pictured in the gallery:
- Some scratches and chips around the exterior
- Ding in the passenger's door
- Damage on the front bumper and lower grill (pictured in the gallery)
- Missing screw covers on the plastic trim in the convertible top storage area
- Curb rash and chips on wheels
- 2017 date codes on rear tires
- Creases and some cracks on the seats
- Some wear on interior touch points
- Faded door sills
Recent Service History
Some parts invoices and service records are provided in the gallery, and a seller-kept service spreadsheet indicates that the following recent maintenance has been performed:
- February 2024 (53,988 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, power steering hose assembly and timing chain tensioner gasket replaced, power steering fluid and brake fluid flushed
- March 2023 (53,423 miles): Battery and radio antenna base gasket replaced
- November 2022 (53,233 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, transmission fluid flushed
- May 2022: Four-wheel alignment performed
- February 2022 (52,493 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, VANOS oil line and front lower control arm bushings replaced, passenger-side engine, transmission case, and front subframe degreased
- August 2021 (52,117 miles): Four-wheel alignment, power steering fluid flushed
- March 2021: Front tires replaced
- March 2021 (49,415 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, driveshaft flex disc/guibo, valve cover gasket, exhaust cam sensor O-ring, oil constant pressure valve, and spark plugs replaced, transmission shifter mechanism refurbished, stainless steel brake lines installed, brake fluid flushed
- July 2020 (48,469 miles): Four-wheel alignment performed
- April 2020 (48,222 miles): Rear tires replaced
- April 2020 (48,222 miles): Shocks, shock mounts, seat bushings, subwoofer, fuel filter, air filter, and exhaust clamp bolts replaced, rear upper shock mount reinforcement plate installed
- December 2019 (48,222 miles): Engine oil and filter changed
- July 2019 (46,040 miles): Transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid, and cooling system flushed
- July 2019: Engine oil and filter changed
Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Owner's manual
- Available service records
- Bentley service manual
- Factory exhaust components
- Factory front bumper lower grill
- Coverking custom fit seat covers
- 7 quarts Red Line 10W-60 oil
- Mann oil filter
- Copper drain plug washers
- BMW touch up paint sticks
- New engine badge
- BMW M license plate bracket
- BMW M valve stem caps
Ownership History
The seller purchased this Z3 M Roadster in July 2019 and has added approximately 7,000 miles since.
Seller Notes
A Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis report from December 2022 is provided in the gallery.