Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 M Roadster is a thrilling convertible that touts muscular styling and a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission – and later-model year cars, like this one, are equipped with the desirable S54 6-cylinder powertrain that's shared with the E46 BMW M3. This particular M Roadster is finished in gorgeous (and rare) Phoenix Yellow Metallic and features some great equipment like 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, heated seats, and an upgraded Dinan air intake system. It also comes with a clean, accident-free Carfax report, for added peace of mind – and it's offered with the excitement of no reserve!
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Phoenix Yellow Metallic with a black soft top and a black interior.
- This M Roadster is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this M Roadster's past.
- Factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power-retractable soft top, leather upholstery, heated seats, air conditioning, and a CD player.
- Modifications reported by the seller are limited to a Dinan air intake system, paint protection film, and a Bavarian Autosport shift knob.
- 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
- Leather upholstery
- Heated seats
- M leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Center console-mounted VDO gauges
- Air conditioning
- CD player
Modifications
- Dinan air intake system with high-flow air mass meter
- Paint protection film applied to forward-facing surfaces
- Bavarian Autosport shift knob
Known Flaws
- Some chips and scratches around the exterior
- Scuffs underneath the front bumper
- Weathered paint protection film
- Some wear on soft top and hazy soft top rear window
- Curb rash on wheels
- 2015 and 2017 date codes on tires
- Wear on seats and torn passenger's seat cushion
- Wear on some interior touchpoints
- TPMS warning light is flashing
- The seller reports that the oil pan is seeping
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- June 2022: Battery replaced
The attached Carfax history report shows that the following services have been performed:
- April 2024: Engine oil and filter changed, front and rear brake pads replaced, brake fluid flushed/changed
- July 2020 (60,145 miles): Engine oil and filter changed
Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
Ownership History
The seller acquired this M Roadster in August 2024.