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1998 BMW M ROADSTER

SOLD on or around July 10, 2017

145,500 miles

$7,600
Sale Price Unknown
1998 BMW M Roadster in Estoril Blue Metallic over Black Nappa
  • Exterior Color Estoril Blue Metallic
  • Interior Color Black Nappa
  • Soft Top Color Black
  • Engine S52
  • Title Branded

Seller Description

Hello,
Looking to sell my 1998 BMW M Roadster. Moving on to something with a couple more seats...
Contact for additional photos.
Estoril Blue w/ Black Top & Black Interior.
145,XXX miles, sees a few daily as my DD.
Longtime Southern California car, possibly always (I do not have full history on-hand).

Note: it is a salvage title, was in a collision 2 owners prior. Extent of damage was front bumper and hood - I got the story from the previous owner, a local BMW dealership mechanic who purchased it himself after the collision and repaired it. He owned it from about 2008? to Jan 2016, when I bought it at about 136k miles.

Pros:
Runs great, no mechanical issues. Both myself and the prior owner used it for short work commutes only, no track time. Sees regular oil changes.
First and foremost - rear subframe was reviewed and welded after the accident - all set. Will grab a picture ASAP and add.
Shocks replaced ~ 25K back with Koni struts. Firm and responsive suspension.
Subframe bushings replaced at same time w/ polyurethane bushings - also an upgrade over stock (although they do creak a bit, only during very low-speed turning - could be lubricated)
Brake pads replaced front & rear ~10k ago. Rotors in decent shape, might consider re-cut next time the pads come around, not for a while.
Tires fairly fresh, about 50-75%.
Car has Dinan cold air intake and chip - installed in-house by Dinan as reflected by sticker under the hood. Therefore, had no issues at smog check.
Seat shifting/rocking issue was mitigated by new washers underneath seat.
I installed a new valve cover gasket ~8k miles ago to stop a small amount of oil weeping. New spark plugs installed at same time.
Had flex disc coupling/guibo and motor mounts replaced about the same time for preventative maint., as they had compressed a bit (but had not yet reached a point where the pan could be damaged from rubbing)
Had belts replaced at last oil change a couple months ago as they were starting to show their age, cracks etc.

Cons:
The bumper and hood repaint is a great color match, but it was done at a magical time when additional restrictions on VOC content of paint were newly put in place by CA law; the options at the time not well optimized/durable. Bumper & hood showing some cracks and crazing (photographed); didn't bother me but those two items could use a repaint to correct if you prefer.
The soft top motor functions, and does not leak at all. The edging stitching is starting to wear in a couple places. Also showing some age on the inside underneath the rails. The rear window is showing expected fogginess from age. I buff it with Meguiar's Plast-X on occasion, and it improves slightly. You could replace the window alone but the whole top would probably be the more prudent choice.
Bulb behind tripmeter/odometer is out. It is dim, but legible. $2 bulb behind a tough dash binnacle removal. I chose not to tackle it.
Seat belt retainer (as is common) has popped off the passenger seat bolster. Driver's side a bit worn but still there.

Other:
Aftermarket (Sony) head unit. Infinity Amp in the trunk. Subwoofer mod performed by prior owner, in between roll hoops. Not a big audiophile but the setup sounds decent. I hear the OEM setup was fairly poor.
Extra parts. I have two additional headlight units, I think they are M-stock, as well as two (LH and RH) interior black door panels. Also have a OEM half car (top) cover and a generic? full cover.

Contact me with any questions or request additional pics etc.

Seller

Private
Huntington Beach, CA

My Ratings

Condition: 
Rarity: 
Value: 

My Comments

Posted: 7/10/2017 2:29:02 PM by Jon Martin

Listings removed; looks like it sold

Posted: 6/22/2017 6:49:04 AM by Jon Martin

Price reduced to $7,600 from $7,900

Posted: 5/20/2017 8:03:37 AM by Jon Martin

Price reduced to $7,900 from $8,500

Posted: 5/10/2017 11:34:45 AM by Jon Martin

Price reduced to $8,500 from $9,200

Posted: 4/25/2017 8:32:23 AM by Jon Martin

Price reduced to $9,200 from $9,999

Posted: 4/21/2017 9:06:35 AM by Jon Martin

Despite the salvage title, it seems like it would make a pretty decent driver. It still needs some tlc but quite a bit of maintenance has been done.

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