Doug's Take

We love the Z3 M Roadster here on Cars & Bids -- and, frankly, I find these to be highly appealing on a personal level. The Z3 was an attractive car, as it's a two-seater, rear-wheel drive roadster with great balance and sizing -- but the M version was especially appealing, touting a more aggressive look and more power. That's especially true for the later-production models with the S54 engine like this one, as this boasts an amazing 333 horsepower in a small roadster. This particular Z3 M Roadster boasts a manual transmission, an accident-free Carfax report, and a replacement engine in 2016 -- and it should be a thrilling car for the next owner.

Highlights

THIS... is a 2002 BMW M Roadster, finished in Steel Grey Metallic with a black soft top and a black Nappa leather interior.

• The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents or damage in this M Roadster's past; it also shows this car was registered in California and North Carolina through 2015.
• Factory equipment on this M Roadster includes 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, heated seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system, according to a build sheet pictured in the gallery. The only modifications reported by the seller are a front and rear strut tower brace.
• This BMW received a replacement engine in July 2016 due to a rod bearing failure. Attached service records detail additional repairs and maintenance performed since 2013.
• 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.
• Power for this M Roadster comes from a 3.2-liter S54 inline-6, rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

Equipment

A build sheet is shown in the gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:

• 17-inch wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• White turn signal lenses
• Power-operated soft top
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Heated seats
• M steering wheel
• Harman/Kardon sound system
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC II) system

Modifications

• Front and rear strut braces

Known Flaws

• Some rock chips on front end
• Yellowing headlight lenses, with burn-in on inner headlight lens
• Dings on driver's door
• Wear on plastic rear window
• "One-touch up" feature on driver's window switch does not work; window is still operational

Recent Service History

Service records detail most of the repairs and maintenance performed on this M Roadster since 2013, according to the seller:

• April 2021: Valves adjusted, spark plugs replaced, oxygen sensor wire repaired, passed state safety and emission inspection
• May 2020 (128,549 miles): Engine oil and oil filter change
• June 2017 (127,562 miles): Alternator replaced, starter replaced, drive shaft guibo/flex disc replaced, prop shaft replaced
• July 2016 (126,922 miles): Engine replaced due to rod bearing failure
• April 2014: DME updated
• July 2013: Rear window in soft top replaced

Other Items Included in Sale

• 2 keys
• Owner's manuals
• BMW car cover
• BMW tonneau cover
• Bentley service manual

Ownership History

The seller purchased this M Roadster in November 2016, and has added approximately 1,200 miles during his ownership.