Doug's Take
The BMW Z3 M Roadster is a thrilling convertible that touts handsome styling, a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, and a potent engine. However, enthusiasts will know that this particular Z3 M is especially desirable, as it's a later-model year car with a highly sought-after S54 6-cylinder powertrain that's shared with the E46 M3. It also boasts some cool modifications like an Eisenmann exhaust, front and rear H&R sway bars, and Wilwood front brake calipers to further boost its performance – and its reinforced subframe is a huge benefit that should provide additional peace of mind for the next owner of this Z3 M.
Highlights
THIS... is a 2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Titanium Silver Metallic with a black soft top, a gray hardtop, and a black and gray interior.
- This Z3 M is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power-retractable soft top, Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
- The full list of modifications reported by the seller is detailed below. Highlights include a Randy Forbes subframe reinforcement kit, front and rear H&R sway bars, an Eisenmann exhaust system, Wilwood front brake calipers, and an Alpine head unit.
- 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 gallery and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Power-retractable soft top
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated and power-adjustable seats
- Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil temperature gauge
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:
Mechanical:
- Randy Forbes subframe reinforcement kit
- Twin-ear differential mount
- Rogue Engineering differential cover
- Front and rear H&R sway bars
- Dinan strut tower brace
- Rogue Engineering rear shock mounts
- TC Kline adjustable camber plates
- RG Motorsport air intake system
- Eisenmann exhaust system
- Wilwood front brake calipers
- Braided stainless steel front brake lines
Exterior:
- Clear front reflectors
- Tow hitch receiver with propeller cover
- Stone guards
Exterior and Interior:
- Alpine head unit
- Viper remote start and alarm system
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
- Aluminum pedal covers
Known Flaws
The attached Carfax history report indicates that this Z3 M sustained "minor damage" to the front and right front in July 2018, "minor damage" to the front in December 2017, and "disabling damage" in January 2012. The seller notes that both bumpers have been replaced.
A Lemon Squad pre-purchase inspection is included with this listing. The following flaws are additionally pictured in the gallery:
- Paint chips, scratches, and blemishes around the exterior
- Curb rash on the wheels
- Creases and wear on the seats; passenger's seatbelt guide is broken
- Wear on interior touch points and trim panels
- Passenger's side window operates slowly
- Some corrosion on underbody and suspension components
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- March 2020 (147,585 miles): Clutch kit, clutch hardware, and flywheel replaced
- February 2020 (147,338 miles): Battery, left CV boot, drive belts, valve cover gaskets, throttle control actuator, and rear subframe bushings replaced, alignment performed
The attached Carfax history report shows that the following services have been performed:
- August 2023 (160,452 miles): Passed emissions inspection
- October 2021 (155,560 miles): Fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel tank module seal replaced
- June 2021: Body electrical wiring repaired, clutch start switch replaced
Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Owner's manual
- Hardtop
- Tonneau cover
- Assorted spare parts (H&R rear sway bar, factory front brake calipers, 18-inch wheels with winter tires)
- Diagnostic tools
Ownership History
The seller is representing this Z3 M on behalf of the titled owner, who purchased it in July 2007.
Seller Notes
- Due to the modifications performed to this Z3 M, it may not pass emissions testing in some states. As always, it's the buyer's responsibility to perform all due diligence regarding registering this Z3 M in their respective state prior to placing a bid.
- Blackstone Laboratories oil reports from February 2004 through August 2021 are viewable in the Docs section of the photo gallery.
- The seller reports that the hood was repainted to address scratches.