Doug's Take

We love the BMW Z3 M Roadster here on Cars & Bids, as it's a fantastic convertible that boasts handsome styling, a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, and a great soundtrack from its sporty S52 6-cylinder engine. This particular M Roadster features some nice factory equipment including 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, and heated seats – along with some tasteful modifications like Bilstein shocks and struts, a red soft top, and an aftermarket sound system. Plus, this M Roadster comes with some great reported servicing and a clean, accident-free Carfax report – AND it's offered with the thrill of no reserve!

Highlights

THIS... is a 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Cosmos Black Metallic with a red soft top and an Imola Red and black interior.

• The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this Z3 M's past. It has also been mostly registered in Southern states since new.
• 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 air conditioning.
• The full list of modifications reported by the seller is detailed below. Highlights include a Beisan Systems VANOS upgrade, Bilstein B6 shocks and struts, reinforced trunk spot welds, a red soft top, later-model year headlights, a Kenwood head unit, Focal Component speakers, and a DD Audio subwoofer.
• 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.
• Power comes from an S52 3.2-liter straight-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 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 photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:

• 17-inch Style 40 wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Power-retractable soft top
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable and heated seats
• M leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil temperature gauge
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control

Modifications

Modifications reported by the seller include:

Mechanical:

• Beisan Systems VANOS upgrade
• Bilstein B6 shocks and struts
• Zimmerman cross-drilled brake rotors
• Stainless steel brake lines
• Mechanical fan deleted
• Trunk spot welds reinforced

Exterior:

• Red soft top
• Later-model year headlights
• Wheels refinished in Hyper Silver
• Stubby antenna

Interior:

• Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X305 head unit
• Center console bass adjustment knob
• Focal Component speakers
• Kenwood amplifier
• DD Audio subwoofer with custom enclosure
• LED center console and instrument cluster lights
• Phone mount on the dashboard

Known Flaws

• Paint chips, scratches, and blemishes around the exterior
• Paint damage underneath the front bumper
• Wear and rips in the driver's seat; seat cushion is patched
• Some wear on interior touch points

Recent Service History

The seller reports that the following services were performed within the last 5,000 miles:

• Soft top, window rubber trim, A-pillar rubber trim, center console insert, accelerator pedal grommet, window regulator guides, tires, brake rotors, brake lines, shocks, struts, strut top mounts, suspension, subframe, and front sway bar bushings, spark plugs, ignition coils, cooling system hoses, expansion tank, radiator, thermostat, water pump, PCV system, air pump hose, vacuum lines, valve cover gasket, belts, and tensioners replaced
• Oil filter housing gasket, battery, throttle body to MAF sensor hose, intake manifold gaskets, center brake light cover, taillight bulbs, engine and transmission mounts, power steering reservoir, brake calipers seals and slides, and A/C condenser replaced
• Sagging glovebox lid repaired, door cards reglued, wheels refinished, VANOS unit, alternator, and power steering pump rebuilt, engine oil and filter changed, A/C system recharged, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid flushed

Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 2 keys
• Factory head unit
• Speedster cover
• Spare fan
• Rear window sunshade
• Soft top cover

Ownership History

The seller purchased this Z3 M in November 2021.