This 2001 BMW M Roadster is a low-mileage example featuring BMW’s very desirable 315hp S54 straight-six engine. Produced in South Carolina with the M drivetrain imported from Germany, this well maintained example has traveled just 28k miles from new. The Titanium Silver over black leather interior on this car makes it much less flashy than some of the wilder color combos offered. We like that, as we prefer to let the fantastic S54 exhaust note do the talking.

Paint has been resprayed and shows a uniform shine with good clear coat, and despite a few expected minor blemishes the car presents very well. Sheet metal is straight and complete, well-preserved plastics, weatherstripping and other trim are further evidence of an easy life. Factory alloy wheels with Shadow Chrome finish show nicely following professional refurbishment in 2010, a job detailed in the gallery. This is often needed on these cars but not often carried out… so it is good to see these wheels with clean outer rims.

Nappa leather interior is clean and remains mostly stock excluding an aftermarket, model-specific armrest, Alpine head unit, and upgraded speakers and a subwoofer (original head unit is included). Additionally, an Escort radar/laser detector has been hardwired and is concealed to the left of the instrument cluster. The seller notes that illuminated warning lights were photographed while momentarily lit during the car’s normal diagnostic start-up mode and that no active codes are stored in the ECU. Grey-faced gauges, M shifter, and auxiliary center console gauges are all correct and specific to this model.

Also noted is a clean, rip-free and well fitting top with good rear window and optional wind deflector, while all electrics and accessories are fully functional including A/C and cruise control. Carfax and Autocheck reports and several good lift shots are included in the gallery. Braking on these cars is amazing, with stops from 70 mph handled in 162 ft. as per Car and Driver Magazine’s testing when new.

One of only 1,600 LHD North American market 2001-2002 S54 cars, these ran 11.5:1 compression and came standard with a limited slip differential and close ratio 5-speed gearbox. With an 8,500 RPM redline and good for 315 HP, the S54 is known for great throttle response and a throaty induction noise from its individual throttle bodies. The S54 cars had improved handling thanks to stiffer springs and shocks and thicker anti-roll bars, and all were electronically limited to 155 mph. This one benefits from nice improvements including new Ireland Engineering subframe bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, upgraded Rouge rear shock mounts and new Bilsteins.