Sparked by the runaway success of the venerable Mazda Miata, in the late 1990s the trio of major German performance manufacturers—Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW—each introduced their own small, two-seat roadster. Contending with Porsche’s Boxster and Mercedes’s SLK230 was BMW’s entry, the M Roadster.
This new, high-performance version of the Z3 roadster was powered by the M3’s stout “S52” six-cylinder. Aside from dropping in the 240-horsepower, M-tuned engine, BMW widened the track, retuned the suspension and steering, fitted larger disc brakes, and added quad exhaust outlets. Then in 2001, North American M Coupes and Roadsters received the all-new 3.2-liter “S54” inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower. And that 75-horse increase made a huge difference in the 3,100-pound M, which can handle curves like a go-kart and scoot down a quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat. Replaced by the Z4 in 2003, just 1,564 M Roadsters were equipped with the more powerful S54 engine before production ceased, making them one of the most highly sought-after M cars today.
This high-contrast 2001 M Roadster is one of only 921 built with the S54 engine that year. It has been carefully maintained by its owner, and is ready for some high-speed, top-down fun.
Highlights
- Rare and powerful M Roadster in eye-catching white on black
- 3.2-liter “S54” inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque
- ZF five-speed manual transmission
- Finished in (300) Alpine White 3 with Black nappa leather interior
- 17-inch Shadow Chrome wheels wearing 235/40ZR17 front, 255/40ZR17 rear tires
- Black power convertible top with built-in roll hoops
- Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report
- Features
Factory-equipped options include:
- S710 M Sports Steering Wheel, Multifunction
- S785 White Direction Indicator Lights
- S494 Seat Heating Driver/Passenger
- S658 Radio BMW Business CD RDS
- S674 Hi-Fi System Harman Kardon
- S692 Preparation, BMW 6-CD Changer I-Bus
- S530 Air Conditioning
- S540 Cruise Control
- S209 Differential Lock 25%
- S210 Dynamic Stability Control
- S243 Airbag For Front Passenger
- S260 Side Airbag For Driver/Passenger
- S314 Door Mirror, Driver Lock, Heated
- S354 Windscreen, Green-Tinted Upper Strip
- S388 Soft top, Black
- S395 Rollover Protection System
- S398 Soft top, Electromech. Semiautomatic
- S818 Battery Master Switch
- S845 Acoustic Fasten Seat Belt Reminder
- S853 Language Version, English
Known Imperfections
- Minor interior leather wear
- Imperfection on passenger rear wheel finish
- Small paint chips on front of hood by grille
- Tires are older but within 10 years old
- Included
- Two keys
- Owner’s manual
- Tool kit
- Car cover
- Rear window cover
- Replacement rear window (the current window is also in good condition)
Ownership History
The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this three-owner 2001 BMW M Roadster in California and Georgia. The consignor states, “I am helping list this car on behalf of the owner with a clean title in their name since 2006. Factory stock, no accidents, and very well-kept. Regular service performed by the owner, a longtime BMW owner, and occasional work done at a BMW specialty shop with receipts for your records.”